Life skills are one of the knowledge that preschool children need to approach and learn. These life skills will help children develop comprehensively mentally as well as physically. Below we will list the appropriate and necessary life skills for preschool children.
Why children need to learn life skills
Every child is unique from birth, with different strengths and weaknesses. However, when living in a collective environment, each child needs certain common skills to integrate and have fun with friends. These skills are very necessary for the growth of children. Preschool is the age when children practice their skills and habits the best. Therefore, children should learn from this age to know how to be independent and overcome difficulties in life when growing up.
Groups of essential life skills for preschool children
1. Self-feeding skills
There is a saying “Learn to eat, learn to speak, learn to pack, learn to open”, meaning that eating should be learned first. Parents should teach their children how to feed themselves from an early age. This will help children become more independent step by step.
When children can sit firmly and know how to grasp objects, the things they need to learn are: what to eat and not to eat, how to scoop food on their own… Things may not be easy for young children at first. . From about 3 to 4 years old, children can sit and eat firmly, and take a cup of water … without the support next to them. If children go to kindergarten, these skills will be taught more.
2. Behavioral skills
One of the essential skills for children is to behave properly so that they can be confident and integrate with their surroundings. Behavioral skills can be mentioned such as: greeting people, respecting adults and yielding to those who are younger, saying thank you and sorry, and how to behave properly in situations.
Parents should be an example for their children to follow. Besides, when children make mistakes, they should only remind and teach as gently as possible. Remember: Don’t put too much pressure on your child!
3. Self-care skills
Preschool children can completely do some things on their own without assistance from others, such as: brushing their teeth, putting on shoes, getting food and drinks, wearing hats when going out, etc.
4. Learning skills
Preschool children are often curious and love to learn about things around them. Parents should create a favorable environment for children to develop and practice this skill.
The best thing to do is to buy books for children to learn to read, and participate in fun activities so that children can experience everything… Besides, you should teach your children how to ask questions (why, what) and find answers. answer the question (how to do).
5. The skill of telling the truth
Normally, children don’t know how to lie, but they learn this very quickly and easily. Everyone has lied. This is not bad and does not harm anyone in some cases, like lying to protect yourself or to keep others from worrying about your health… However, children are too young to know when should do so.
Therefore, parents should advise their children to speak their minds, and praise when children bravely admit their mistakes or lies to limit this habit in their children.
6. Organizational skills
Tidy is a good virtue that needs to be trained from a young age. Parents should keep everything in the house neat and orderly and expect all family members to follow it, including their children.
The advice for children to be more aware of being organized is to remind them that after playing, they need to put the toys back where they were, and the clothes should not be thrown around on the floor…
7. Skill to overcome obstacles
Children can overcome some difficulties on their own without adult support. If you keep helping without letting the child be independent, he will have a habit of dependence and will not be able to grow up.
For example, when your child falls, encourage him to get up on his own. When your child has a conflict with you, the best thing not to do is rush to defend him. You should find out the cause, teach your child to talk about his feelings, and suggest the right way to solve the problem.
8. Skills of helping and sharing
If you want your child to become a kind and loving person, you should teach him to care for and help others.
For children to learn this skill, first of all, parents need to be a good example for their children to follow. Things you can teach your child are: to put the dishes in the sink themselves after eating and help the adults clean up the things. When you see other people having problems, suggest to the children to help and share difficulties in many ways.
9. Danger avoidance skills
In today’s complex society, danger prevention skills are extremely necessary for children. You need to teach children not to follow or accept anything from strangers, or to stay away from areas, animals, objects, etc. that can be dangerous.
10. Time management skills
Parents should set rules on time to eat, play, and watch TV… so that their children can be trained from an early age. Good time management will greatly help your child’s life in study and daily work.
11. Planting and animal care skills
If the baby knows how to love nature and animals, the personality and soul will also be more beautiful. This skill will help children cultivate positive emotions, and learn to think and care about everything around them.
12. Swimming skills
Swimming is a necessary skill for preschool children and even for adults. If there is an unexpected situation like falling into a pond, the baby can save himself and survive. It is best to let your child learn to swim when he is healthy enough and has support equipment and close supervision.