Empowering Our Kids: Integrating Life Skills into Everyday Learning

As parents, we often find ourselves categorizing our children based on their natural tendencies—calling one child an introvert because they shy away from public speaking, or labeling another as socially awkward because they struggle in group settings. While it’s true that every child has unique personality traits, it’s equally true that many of the skills we attribute to personality are, in fact, learned behaviors. When we overlook the importance of intentionally teaching these life skills from an early age, we risk limiting our children’s potential and blaming their adult deficiencies on “just who they are.”

Instead of accepting these traits as fixed, what if we approached them as opportunities for growth? What if we focused on empowering our children with the tools they need to succeed in the areas we often assume are beyond their control? In our family, we’ve decided to be intentional about integrating core life skills into our children’s everyday learning. We believe that with the right guidance and consistent practice, children can excel in areas like public speaking, time management, and financial responsibility—regardless of their natural inclinations.

Here’s the system we’ve implemented to help our kids develop these essential life skills:

1. Public Speaking: Building Confidence Early

Public speaking is a skill that many adults fear and one that I SUCK at, but we believe that by starting early, our children can become confident and comfortable in front of an audience. We’ve enrolled our kids in speech and debate programs, where they have the opportunity to practice speaking in front of others regularly. The goal is to make public speaking second nature to them through repeated exposure. At least, that’s my theory! I know if I had gotten in the reps being in front of large groups, it would have served me greatly in my adult life. Maybe that’s why my career is just sitting in front of a camera. Ha!

Additionally, we’ve introduced piano lessons with opportunities for on-stage performances. Performing music in front of an audience not only enhances their musical abilities but also reinforces the skill of speaking—or in this case, performing—under pressure. By normalizing these experiences from a young age, we’re setting them up to handle public speaking with ease and confidence as they grow.

2. Time Management: Cultivating Responsibility and Discipline

Time management is another crucial life skill that we’ve prioritized in our children’s education. Starting at age seven, our kids are responsible for managing their school work independently. For instance, our seven-year-old, Annabelle, has a structured system where she follows assigned readings and other school tasks. Though this might sound strict, it’s a structure she thrives on, finding motivation in the clear expectations and the reward of free time once her work is completed.

To help her stay on track, Annabelle uses a daily binder with a dry erase marker to check off her tasks. This simple yet effective system not only teaches her the importance of completing tasks but also gives her a sense of accomplishment as she sees her progress. By learning to manage her time effectively, she’s developing a skill that will serve her well throughout her life.

3. Financial Management: Learning the Value of Money

We’ve decided that instead of giving our children an allowance, we’ll teach them the value of money through creation and contribution. While our kids are still young, we plan to introduce this concept as they grow older. The idea is that they will earn their money by creating something of value—whether it’s a craft, a service, or a product they can sell. This approach not only teaches them the basics of earning and managing money but also instills an entrepreneurial mindset from an early age.

By encouraging our children to think creatively about how they can generate income, we’re preparing them for a future where they understand the value of money and the effort it takes to earn it. This will help them develop financial discipline and a sense of responsibility, qualities that are essential for success in adulthood.

The journey of raising children is filled with opportunities to shape their character and equip them with the skills they need to thrive in the world. By being intentional about teaching life skills like public speaking, time management, and financial management, we’re not only helping our kids overcome perceived limitations but also empowering them to reach their full potential.