Life Skills for Kids to Learn at Every Age

Kelly R. said:  Even kids who aren't that interested in cooking will need to know their way around a kitchen someday, so teach them how to stay safe. This means getting comfortable working with kitchen tools like knives and hot stoves, but also understanding food safety considerations like hand washing and keeping surfaces clean.

Kelly R. said:  Teach your kids how to read and navigate using a map. A good way to get started is by printing out a map of your neighborhood and using it to navigate for a fun family walk activity. You can also put them in charge of the map reading next time you visit a theme park together.

Kelly R. said:  Growing up in a household that cares for the environment will make it easier for your child to carry these good habits into adulthood. You can teach your kids to care for the earth through simple acts like conserving water at home, picking up litter on family walks, avoiding unnecessary plastic, and respecting wildlife.

Kelly R. said:  When kids know how to dial 911, they will be able to make an emergency call if an adult is unable to do so. Help them understand where you keep the phone, how to use the phone to make a call, when to dial 911, and how to recite their address and phone number for the operator. Role playing with a hypothetical phone call will help kids get comfortable.

Kelly R. said:  Even if your child isn't interested in sewing as a leisure activity, knowing how to repair a seam or sew on a button will come in handy as an adult - and save money and time on clothing repairs.

Kelly R. said:  Even in these days of digital communication, kids should learn how to properly write a letter, address an envelope, use a stamp, and mail it out. You want them to send you holiday cards one day, right?!

Kelly R. said:  Teach your kids why we wash our hands, when it should be done, and how to properly do it. Then get ready to keep reminding them of these things over and over again throughout the years. Check out helpful guidance from the CDC for teaching your kids about proper hand washing.

Kelly R. said:  By the time they are old enough to stay home alone, it's a good idea for kids to know how to locate and operate a fire extinguisher in case of emergency. Take a few minutes to teach your child how to use one, and while you're at it, check the expiration dates on the extinguishers around your house.

Kelly R. said:  Even before they're ready to care for their own injuries, young kids can benefit from our calm explanations of why we apply ice to a bump, gently clean a wound before bandaging, run a minor burn under cold water, or pinch our nose for a nosebleed. Help them understand basic first aid activities and look through your medicine cabinet essentials or first aid kit together, so they'll be less worried and more prepared when it comes time to treat something.

Kelly R. said:  Knowing how to effectively plunge a toilet will prevent many potentially embarrassing situations in life. This is a task that nobody wants to call in help for!