Nine UnTaught Life Lessons Every Parent Should Pass On
As a parent, it's easy to feel relieved and grateful that our children don't have to experience the same hardships our parents did. But sometimes, there are fundamental life lessons that are often overlooked in the classroom. These are the lessons that can cause pain and heartache when ignored. In this article, we will explore nine important life lessons that every child should learn, ensuring they are equipped with the wisdom to navigate life's challenges.
Understanding the Inevitability of Death
Lesson 1: Death is an Omnipresent Necessary Element of the World Around Us
A major foundational wisdom that too many children are deprived of is the concept of death. Before a child's first encounter with loss, it's important to educate them on the natural cycle of life and death. Plants die, animals die, and even stars give birth to new galaxies. Death is as much a part of life as growth and renewal. Ignoring this reality can lead to uninternalized fears and trauma in the future, when they must confront it firsthand.
Why Parents Should Teach This: By introducing this concept early on, parents can help their children develop a healthy perspective on death and loss, and understand that it is a natural part of life. This can prevent undue trauma and help them approach these experiences with emotional resilience.
Adapting to an Unfair World
Lesson 2: Life is Not Fair, Get Used to it!
The world doesn't owe you success or happiness. Embrace the idea that life is often unjust and unpredictable. Encourage your children to understand that they won't always receive the things they feel they deserve simply by trying. Instead, they should focus on working hard and making the most of their situations.
Why Parents Should Teach This: Early exposure to the reality of a sometimes unjust world helps children develop grit, resilience, and a realistic view of success. It's a crucial lesson for navigating life's ups and downs.
Embracing Diversity in Career Choices
Lesson 3: Flipping Burgers is Not Beneath Your Dignity
Note that "flipping burgers" is just one example, but it represents any job that children might initially perceive as beneath them. Teach your children that every job plays a vital role in society, and that it's important to take opportunities that further their career goals, even if they seem menial. Use this as a stepping stone to a greater career.
Why Parents Should Teach This: Helping children understand the value of all types of work and the importance of entry-level positions can help them succeed in the long run. Showing pride in all types of labor can foster a positive work ethic and self-respect.
Taking Personal Responsibility
Lesson 4: If You Mess Up, It’s Not Your Parent's Fault
It's important for children to learn that they must take responsibility for their actions and choices. Encourage them to learn from their mistakes and become accountable for their failures, rather than blaming their parents or others. This practice fosters a sense of personal responsibility and integrity.
Why Parents Should Teach This: Teaching children to take responsibility for their actions helps build self-resilience and ethical behavior. It prepares them for the real world, where consequences often depend on individual choices.
Appreciating the Wisdom of Parents
Lesson 5: Your Parents Know Something You Don’t
Encourage your children to value the experiences and wisdom of their parents, even if they find them boring or outdated. They might provide unique insights that children have not yet considered. Appreciating parental guidance and experience helps build a strong, respectful relationship between parents and children.
Why Parents Should Teach This: Showing children that their parents have valuable life experience can foster a sense of respect and family unity. It also helps children value the practical knowledge that can be gained through lived experiences.
Understanding Real Life vs. Media
Lesson 6: What You See on TV is Not Real Life
Children often confuse the artificial world presented in media with real life. Teach them that real life involves going to work, managing finances, and dealing with everyday challenges. This can help them develop a more realistic understanding of adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it.
Why Parents Should Teach This: By distinguishing between media representations and real life, children can develop a more practical and realistic view of adulthood, reducing unrealistic expectations and disappointments.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Lesson 7: Life is not Divided into Semesters
Life doesn't stop for exams or holidays. But it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that life is just a series of semesters or periods. Encourage your children to look at life as a continuous journey and to make the most of every moment.
Why Parents Should Teach This: This lesson can help children understand the importance of time management, prioritizing tasks, and making the most of their opportunities. It can also help them overcome setbacks by showing them that life continues even in difficult times.
Self-Reliance and Independence
Lesson 8: The World Doesn't Care About Your Self-Esteem
Encourage your children to start making something of their lives right now, instead of waiting for external validation or special recognition. Teach them that success and fulfillment come from within, and that the world focuses on results, not feelings.
Why Parents Should Teach This: This lesson helps children develop a strong sense of self-reliance and independence. It encourages them to take initiative and responsibility for their own lives, rather than relying on external sources of validation.
Spelling and Technology
Personal Experience: Spelling and Technology
It's also worth noting that modern children often spell using technology. I, as an example, couldn't spell well when I was in school, but my child helped me when I needed to review. Today, I struggle with spelling, but I always use spell check as my first tool. This highlights the importance of using available technology to aid in learning and personal development.
Why This Matters: Teaching children to use technology as a tool for learning and productivity can be incredibly beneficial. It can improve their overall educational experience and help them become more efficient in their daily lives.