As parents, we all want our children to grow into well-rounded adults. Personal growth is essential to this journey, and we can provide our children with the tools they need to become successful and independent. So check out these five important skills that can help support your child's personal growth and development.
photo via Unsplash, Mi Pham
A Second Language
Learning a second language is one of the most important skills to support your child’s development. There are many benefits to learning a second language, such as better communication, improved critical thinking, increased understanding of cultures, and improved job prospects. Being bilingual or multilingual has been shown to improve communication in both verbal and non-verbal ways. This can help children express themselves better and build relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds. Learning a second language can also give children insights into different cultures and customs. Understanding the values and practices of other cultures can help children become more open-minded and tolerant. This can also lead to better job prospects as they will be more attractive to employers looking for employees with a broad worldview.
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| Photo via Unsplash, F. Gielda |
DIY Skills
Learning how to complete a DIY task is an important skill for anyone, but it’s especially important for children. Not only can these skills help your child become more independent, but they can also provide a sense of accomplishment when they have finished. One of the most important DIY skills your child can learn is understanding how to use electricity safely. There are great basic starter videos for kids,
such as www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/electricity-and-circuits-video-for-kids/, to teach them the fundamentals of electricity. Electricity is an essential part of every home, so learning a DIY electrical project is important and beneficial. Kids can begin with the basics of electricity, such as voltage, current, and power, as well as learning the proper safety precautions to take when working with electricity. Teaching your child how to identify the different components of electrical equipment and how to read schematics will also help them understand how electricity works.
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| photo via Unsplash, Anthony Indraus |
Philosophy
Philosophy is an ancient discipline that seeks to answer our biggest questions, such as the meaning of life and our purpose. It is a systematic way of thinking about the world, involving the critical examination of assumptions, beliefs, and concepts. It's an incredibly important tool for personal development, as it ensures your child can become a critical thinker, as explained here: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/texastalkingbooks/2017/11/16/the-uses-of-philosophy-in-everyday-life/. In modern times, having an understanding of philosophy is increasingly important. We live in a rapidly changing world where we are constantly bombarded with information and asked to make decisions based on that information. A philosophical framework enables us to make sense of this vast array of data and make decisions based on reason and logic rather than instinct. It also helps us think critically and creatively, leading to better problem-solving skills. In addition, having an understanding of philosophy can help us appreciate different perspectives and respect different cultures, ultimately leading to greater tolerance and understanding.
Budgeting
Knowing how to manage your finances can be the difference between financial stability and financial chaos. Learning how to budget can also help your child develop organizational skills and self-discipline, which are vital for success in life. By teaching your child budgeting early on, you can help them develop good habits that will last a lifetime. Explain to them why it's important to keep track of their spending and save money. Show them how to create a budget and track their progress against it. Encourage them to set goals for their savings and to track their progress against those goals.
Finally, teach your child the importance of smart investing and the consequences of reckless spending.
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| photo via Unsplash Andre Taissin |
Sports and Mobility
When it comes to sports and physical activity, it is important to learn proper techniques and form to ensure that kids can participate safely. Not only should children learn the basics of a sport, but they should also be encouraged to try new activities and explore different ways of moving their bodies.
Mobility is just as important as sports when it comes to a child’s development. Mobility includes everything from walking and running to hopping, skipping, and jumping. These activities help children build strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility while also having fun. Remaining active and mobile as an adult is incredibly important to prevent health concerns and chronic pain. Therefore, it makes sense to show the benefits of physical activities at a younger age. If your child doesn't enjoy traditional sports, think outside the box! Yoga, martial arts, rock climbing and hiking are all equally fun alternatives.
Skills that contribute to personal growth transcend the school curriculum. They drive value to the individual and support them throughout their personal development, so remember to go beyond your traditional sense of academics when it comes to teaching our children about the world!
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