5 Skills to teach your kids to get them ready for the real world

Lim Han

17 Apr 2017

1/5
Managing their money
Once your kid has reached the age where receiving an allowance is necessary, key financial skills should be accompanying the moolah they’re trusted with. The value of thrift should be inculcated in them from a young age to teach them the monumental importance of saving money. Opening a bank account for them is also a great idea as it would enlighten them on the intricate workings of a bank, which would come in very handy in the future. There’s going to be a point in time where you’ll be washing your hands off their money matters, so you better make sure they’re prepared when that happens.
2/5
Basic cooking skills
Don’t worry, we're not asking your kid to be dishing out exquisite cuisine that would earn Gordon Ramsay’s seal of approval. We’re talking elementary cooking skills that can prove to be highly useful in the future. From boiling ingredients to toasting bread, there are a myriad of simple and relatively safe kitchen skills that every child should be proficient in. So, whenever you won’t be able to make it home for dinner, you can rest assured that your child will be more than ready to whip up a simple meal for him/herself.
3/5
Swimming
Although seemingly trivial, swimming is an essential life skill that should be an integral part of every child’s skill asset. The chances of your child experiencing The Titanic in real life is low, but, learning to move around comfortably in water would prepare your child for unforeseen circumstances and could very well save your child’s life. And no, our claims are not unfounded – the American Academy of Pediatrics believes that children between the ages of 1 to 4 are less likely to drown if they have undergone proper swimming classes.
4/5
Taking public transport alone
Do you have the habit of keeping their public transport cards and fervently guiding them on public transportation rides? Well, it’s time for a change. Kindle their independence by entrusting them with their travel passes and letting them lead you when taking the bus or train (of course, render them guidance when needed). This imperative ability will serve them well in the future, and may even hone their navigation skills.
5/5
Riding a bicycle
Yes, the unprecedented prevalence of high-tech cars and motorised vehicles in this day and age is undeniable, but bicycles are far from being endangered in the transport scene. Not only are they hailed as one of the most eco-friendly modes of transport, they are also commonly utilised in bicycle-sharing systems. Pushing your kid to learn how to ride a two-wheeled bike will take some time and effort. But, they’ll be thanking you later when they’re off to cycling excursions and they can save on the embarrassment of using training wheels.

No more playing around – are your kids ready for the real world?

Mother birds, as much as you want to shelter your child and offer them the upmost protection, you can’t be doing that forever. Whether your little one is still sucking his thumb, grasping the ability to tie her hair, or already learning how to spell, there are a myriad of skills your child should be equipped with to guide him/her in taking on the future world. The real world is not a clear-cut road or a luscious bed of roses, so it’s imperative that you get those thorns out of your child’s way to prep them for facing it head-on. I’m sure we can all agree that independence is an inherent value that everyone, including your children, will need to master – and you are their go-to sensei. So, why not start today?

From swimming to cooking, the list of important elementary life skills your child should have is probably endless. We’ve picked out the top 5 ones that we believe is necessary for every child to possess in order to settle into the real world with great ease. Head over to our gallery to get started on equipping your child with these vital skills!

Lim Han

Photos: Getty Images

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