NEW YORK, July 21: Life skills, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are abilities that enable individuals to adapt and respond positively to the challenges and demands of everyday life. These skills are especially crucial for children as they grow, helping them navigate the complexities of life more effectively. Experts suggest that parents should begin teaching their children basic life skills by age 10 to ease their developmental journey.

Basic cooking skills: One fundamental life skill is learning how to prepare at least one meal. While children don’t need to master elaborate dishes right away, introducing them to basic kitchen tasks can be incredibly beneficial. Parents should involve their kids in simple activities like cracking eggs, mixing ingredients, chopping fruits with kid-friendly utensils, and preparing salads. Although spills and messes are part of the learning process, maintaining patience and support is key. As children gain confidence, they can gradually handle more complex recipes, but always under supervision, especially when using heat sources.

Emphasizing clean-up responsibilities: Another critical life skill is the ability to clean up after oneself. Parents should encourage children to take responsibility for tidying up their play areas and kitchen messes. Transforming this task into a game—such as seeing who can clean up their toys the fastest—can make it more engaging. In addition to picking up toys, children should learn to perform other household chores, such as dusting, vacuuming, and folding clothes. These skills not only help children appreciate the effort involved in maintaining a clean home but also reduce the burden on parents.

Navigating and safety awareness: Teaching children to navigate their way back home is an essential skill that enhances safety and independence. Children of all ages should be familiar with their home address, nearby landmarks, and emergency contact numbers. Although GPS technology can assist, it’s crucial that children learn these skills in case of emergencies when technology may not be available. Ensuring that children know how to contact you or emergency services is a vital aspect of their safety education.

Making informed choices: Instilling the ability to make informed decisions is another valuable life skill. Children should be guided to understand the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise. While occasional indulgence is acceptable, teaching the value of consistent healthy habits is essential. Additionally, children should be educated about respect, personal boundaries, gratitude, financial literacy, and self-advocacy. These lessons will benefit them both now and in their future adult lives.

Equipping children with these basic life skills not only prepares them for the challenges of growing up but also fosters a sense of responsibility and independence. Parents are encouraged to start teaching these skills as early as possible, recognizing that it’s never too late to begin. By investing time in teaching these essential skills, parents can help their children build a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling life.