Life Skills  –  Keep in Step with the Spirit

Not only academic courses, former procrastinators, but also life skills are important to work on during the school year (and anytime).  Our children need to develop practical skills and habits that will help them function well as young adults.  We don’t teach them all at once, so the sooner we begin, the more time they have to become proficient in these areas.  When graduation arrives, they can be experienced, ready to move into further education or the work force.   They will have skills ready for the Holy Spirit to use.

Some of the following we did; others I regret not doing.  If we put these off, we end up with disappointed and frustrated teens and parents.  Giving such skills attention early on results in confident, capable young adults and joyful parents.

Do your children know how to feed themselves from the Word of God?  Do they have a daily habit of doing so?

Do they make decisions based on scripture?

Do they see the value of corporate worship and do they participate regularly?

Do they care about the welfare of others and do they serve others?

Do they select wise friends?

Do they have a firm understanding of the qualities to look for in a future spouse?

Do they budget their time and prioritize wisely?

Do they handle their own finances (checking account, savings, credit card, cash)?  Do they budget and operate without debt?

Do they know what you pay for rent or mortgage?  Property taxes and utilities?  Phone?  Monthly gas? Know how taxes work?

Do they know the names of their state and federal representatives? Are they registered to vote?

Do they have regular household chores they perform faithfully?

Do they act promptly/ in a timely manner? Are they conscientious about work, play, and rest?

Do they know where your electric box is?  Water shut off valve?  How to unstop a toilet?

Do they know how to cook two meals and do so for others from time to time?

Do they know how to grocery shop (focus on produce, compare price per ounce, etc.) and help with that at times?

Do they do their own laundry?  Know how to iron?

Do they drive a car? Know how to maintain a car?  Change a tire or oil?  Jump a car?  Find a reliable mechanic?  Can they read a map?

Do they interact respectfully with people of all ages?  Shake hands when meeting someone?  Use good table manners and appropriate speech?

Are they trained in first aid and CPR?

Can they swim?

Are they trained in self-defense and do they practice safety awareness?

Do they understand basic child care?

Which of these skills will you work on first?  What would you add?  Please share!