Life skills for kids....

[BlondieLoxie]

I'd be very grateful if I could get some ideas on life skills for kids.

I left an abusive relationship, and have three children age range 7-13. Thankfully, they are happier now they have less contact with their dad and they have come out of things relatively unscared. However, one big realisation is that I've over compensated them by basically doing everything for them. This is not good. They are fundamentally good hearted and well behaved children. But, they lazy and lack certaon skills that i rhink they shoukd have mastered by now.

I take full responsibility for this and want to use the remaineder of the school holidays to make some changes.

So far, I've insusted they do chores. Washing up, vacuming etc. Also, learning to cook basic foods etc.

What other skills are essential at these ages?

I'm dead set on making sure that my sons grow up to be compassionate and are self sufficient. Their dad thought it was 'womens work' and would try to drum it into their heads that they should never have to cook or do housework when they are older. Now we are away from him, i want to do everything in my power to ensure that they will not have this mind set.

Any tips welcome

[BlondieLoxie]

Excuse the typos. Very tired and using my phone!

[littleshirleybeans]

How to do washing and avoid ironing. I'm a expert at this and so is my wee one, he's 8.

[Out2pasture]

money management
swimming

[Blondie1984]

How to make a bed from scratch
How to write and send a letter

[Blondie1984]

How to clean/polish their shoes

[AnnaMarlowe]

This is a really good aim OP. My DH was brought up doing nothing and had to learn everything as an adult. As a result I'm very keen to properly equip my DC with life skills.

I've tried to give you a comprehensive list- my 8 years olds can:

Vacuum
Dust
Put away their own laundry
Load and unload dishwasher (and set it going)
Wash dishes by hand
Polish their own shoes
Set a table
Cook a few very basic meals eg omelettes
Help with meal prep (eg peel and chop carrots)
Make a sandwich/pack lunch
Make tea/coffee
Know how to write a letter and post it.
Know how to call emergency services.
Know their address and phone numbers and those of their grandparents (for emergencies)
Change a loo roll!!
Clean up a spill.

This year I'm planning to expand their cooking range.

My aim is that they can leave home aged 18 or whatever and be brilliant flat mates/partners.

[Sephipops]

Cleaning the bathroom (and learning to put the seat back down if so required!)

[AnnaMarlowe]

I forgot to say, just because they can do all these things doesn't mean that they always do.

I'm not keen on 'chores'. However they are expected to assist their Dad or me any time they are asked.

They are pretty keen to learn anything "grown up" so we just teach them stuff as opportunity arises.

As an older teen my folks taught us basic diy (changing fuses, washers, plugs etc), car maintenance and gardening as well.

[Cineraria]

Ways to be organised and reliable, e.g. noting down something they have been asked to do later along with details of how it should be done, using checklists and a diary/calendar/alarm to remind them of their responsibilities so they aren't reliant on someone else to remind them. I taught in Further Education and would have loved it if my students' parents had taken the time to ensure they learnt this. In another role I interviewed people for graduate posts and asking how they did this kind of thing to deal with their workload at busy times was one of my most useful questions.

Technology can really help with it, e.g. a basic phone, smartphone or tablet if they have access to one regularly and enjoy using it.

[AcrossthePond55]

Sew a straight seam, hem a garment, and sew on a button.
Basic stain removal
Do a simple household budget.
Stick to a list when food shopping

[KoalaDownUnder]

I'll leave the suggestions to others, but I take my hat off to you. Great idea!