S01E08 Building Lifeskills in children

Intro:

We parents often use this line- Sharing is Caring- to teach our kids to share their toys and other stuff. But are we teaching them to share the load at home too?

Doing household chores together shapes up our kids to become independent and self-sufficient.

But in today’s time, with every service just a tap away, are we creating a world where household chores are considered menial and turning our kids into a ‘raja beta/beti’ ?

Listen to our latest episode of Millennial maa to know the importance of Building Life skills in kids from an early stage and the challenges that parents face along the way.

The conversation:

In this episode of the Millennial Maa, Pooja and Shruthi discuss the importance of teaching life skills to kids. They share their own experiences, as well as some tips from other parents.

The Benefits of Teaching Life Skills

Pooja and Shruthi argue that teaching life skills to kids has many benefits. These include:

• Helping kids become more independent: When kids know how to do things for themselves, they feel more independent and capable. This can boost their self-esteem and confidence.
• Preparing kids for adulthood: The world is becoming increasingly complex, and kids need to be prepared for the challenges of adulthood. Knowing how to cook, clean, and do laundry are just a few of the life skills that will help kids succeed in life.
• Saving parents time and money: When kids know how to help out around the house, it can save parents time and money. This can be especially helpful for working parents or single parents.
• Building strong relationships: Teaching life skills can help build strong relationships between parents and kids. When parents take the time to teach their kids how to do things, it shows that they care about them and want them to succeed.

The Challenges of Teaching Life Skills

There are a few challenges to teaching life skills to kids. These include:

• Kids may not be interested: Sometimes kids don't want to learn new things, especially if they seem boring or difficult. It can be helpful to make learning fun and engaging.
• Kids may make mistakes: When kids are learning new things, they will make mistakes. It's important to be patient and understanding, and to help them learn from their mistakes.
• Parents may not have the time or energy: Teaching life skills can be time-consuming, and it can be hard to find the time when you're already busy with work, school, and other obligations. It's important to find ways to make it work, even if it means taking things one step at a time.

Tips for Teaching Life Skills

Here are some tips for teaching life skills to kids:

• Start small: Don't try to teach too many skills at once. Start with simple tasks that kids can easily master, and gradually work your way up to more complex tasks.
• Make it fun: Learning should be fun, so find ways to make it enjoyable for kids. You can turn chores into games, or let kids help you cook or bake.
• Be patient: Kids will make mistakes, so be patient and understanding. Help them learn from their mistakes and keep practicing.
• Set a good example: Kids learn by watching the adults in their lives, so set a good example by doing things yourself.
• Encourage independence: When kids do things for themselves, they feel a sense of accomplishment. Encourage them to be independent and to take pride in their work.

Conclusion

Teaching life skills to kids is an important part of parenting. It can help kids become more independent, prepared for adulthood, and successful in life. By following these tips, you can make the process easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Here are some additional tips that Pooja and Shruthi mentioned in the podcast:

• Create a routine: Having a regular routine can help kids learn to take responsibility for their own tasks.
• Be consistent: Be consistent with your expectations and follow through on your promises.
• Praise kids for their efforts: Even if kids don't do things perfectly, be sure to praise them for their efforts. This will help them stay motivated.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you need help teaching your kids life skills, don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or other parents.

Follow Us:

Instagram: @maa.millennial

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Df7qCrlJ69w

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/55Luzg0jUXqsmYgoJUYqPd?si=a1bcbcced6854cb3

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/millennial-maa/id1685176431?i=1000624221039

Email: millenialmaa@gmail.com