Essential Life Skills Parents Should Teach Their Elementary School Aged Children

As a mother of three children, each with their own unique set of challenges, I've seen firsthand the importance of instilling essential life skills in elementary school-aged children. Traditional educational settings often overlook these crucial areas, leaving parents as indispensable guides in their children's development.

Manners and Common Courtesy

Manners and courtesy are fundamental aspects of respect and kindness, attributes that should be nurtured and practiced long before children step into a classroom. It is not only the responsibility of teachers to teach children to say please and thank you, but also to hold doors for others and offer a helping hand to those in need. These small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Encourage your child to look out for others, especially those who may be shy or unpopular. Encouraging them to invite these children to play during recess can help build a sense of community and prevent feelings of isolation. Additionally, teaching them to say excuse me when they need to pass through a group or excuse me when they bump into someone can make them more approachable and respectful in the eyes of their peers.

Self-Advocacy and Problem-Solving

Encourage your child to take an active role in their education by advocating for themselves when they don't understand something or if the teacher moves too quickly. This might mean raising their hand to ask for clarification or seeking extra help before or after school. Many teachers offer scheduled tutoring times and other resources to support their students.

Teach your child to recognize and celebrate their unique talents and interests. Often, a child's strengths may differ from their peers. If you notice that someone excels in mathematics but your child is more passionate about sports or art, encourage them to explore these areas without feeling pressure to conform. Help them understand that it's okay to be different and that each individual has their own unique journey.

Patience, Tolerance, and Perseverance

Life is full of challenges, and learning to be patient, take turns, and persevere when things don't go as planned is a vital skill. Teach your child to take a deep breath and remain calm if things don't go as expected. It's important to convey that even the most successful individuals repeat tasks multiple times to fully understand them.

Encourage them to not give up if things seem difficult at first. The journey to mastery is filled with initial challenges. Help them understand that they are capable of achieving their goals, just like you did when you needed to calculate the surface area of a cylinder for a crocheting project. Patience and persistence are virtues to be celebrated.

Building a Strong Network of Support

Ultimately, staying involved in your child's education can yield significant benefits. Join your local Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and volunteer at school events. Regular communication with your child’s teachers can provide insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and progress. Keep an eye on your child's homework, and take an interest in the subjects they are learning. Discuss what they are studying and encourage them to show you how they have applied this knowledge in their everyday lives.

Modeling Positive Behavior

Children learn a great deal by observing their parents and role models. Your behavior and attitudes towards others can greatly influence the way your child interacts with the world. By demonstrating kindness, respect, and perseverance, you can set a positive example for your child to follow.

Finally, it's essential to have a few comebacks in your repertoire, should someone say something unkind to your child. Simple, confident responses can help your child regain their composure and maintain their self-respect. Here are a few examples that can be used:

Sorry you having a bad day and need to take it out on me. Hope tomorrow is better. Seriously That’s all you have to say about me; walks away shaking head. Um okaaaaaaaay whatever. Sorry you don’t like my insert thing. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

By embedding these essential life skills into your child's daily routine, you can help them develop into well-rounded, empathetic, and resilient individuals. With your support and guidance, your child can navigate the challenges of elementary school with confidence and a strong sense of self.