The secrets to a successful life don’t always come exclusively from a school classroom. Some of the most important life lessons are passed down from parent to child. Use our guide to help enable and empower your children with the information and resources they need to graduate to adulthood with confidence.
When to teach: Ages 5-7
Key teaching tool 1: Tackling basic chores.
Life lesson plan: Establish two specific, daily chores. For example, at the age of five, kids can put toys away or help set the table.
Key teaching tool 2: Understanding that doing chores come with positive results.
Life lesson plan: Let them watch and help you. Then let them complete tasks on their own. Praise a job well done. If a chore is done incorrectly, suggest a trick that will help correct the problem for next time.
Helpful parenting tip: Set up a "star chart" reward system, awarding a star for a week's worth of successfully completed chores. Stars are redeemed for money, privileges, or other rewards. Apply previously agreed-upon consequences if chores aren't done.
When to teach: Ages 10-17
Key teaching tool: Set a good example for your child and provide opportunities for him or her to start taking an active role in their health and fitness.
Life lesson plan:
When to teach: Ages 16-17
Key teaching tool: A pre-college visit to the doctor explaining routine concerns.
Life lesson plan:
When to teach: Ages 10-17
Key teaching tool: Role playing.
Life lesson plan: Help your child brainstorm options for getting herself out of scary situations safely. Don't stop until you're satisfied she knows what to do, and work in brush-up sessions on occasion and before events.
Have her act out these situations:
When to teach: Ages 11-13
Key teaching tool: A savings account.
Life lesson plan: Set up a meeting with your child and a bank manager to discuss the difference between savings and checking accounts, monthly charges, fines, and interest rates.
When to teach: Ages 14 and up
Key teaching tool: A part-time job (including babysitting, dog walking, or other odd jobs).
Life lesson plan:
When to teach: Age 12
Key teaching tool: Open, honest, ongoing communication.
Life lesson plan:
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