Today is the day that a lot of kids are going back to school. Some from home, some in person, some online. But in all cases, it’s time to get back to learning—both academic and life lessons.
I remember when my kids were young, the first day of school was so exciting. All of the anticipation of what this new year will bring for both the kids and me. What will I do with my time, and how will the kids adjust and learn?
I was always grateful for the teachers and staff at the schools who took care of and taught my children for 6 or so hours a day. Especially the year our teachers went on strike.
My kids were still in elementary school, and suddenly, I was forced to try and teach and maintain some structure in their day. I went to a teacher resource store and bought some workbooks for each child based on their grade. I made them sit down at the dining room table for at least one hour and focus on a few lessons. They knew I had no idea what I was doing, so I was lucky to get that hour. I am fully aware that I did not take charge of this situation.
Thankfully, the strike did not last long, and my kids went back to school. To structure and lessons from licensed professionals.
What I wish I would have done during that time, though, was teach my children some life lessons. That is something I have experience and knowledge in. Not 5th-grade science!
Teachers are required to teach our kids the lessons on the standardized tests they are given. Those tests tell everyone if the school and the kids are meeting the “standards.” They do not always have the time (or energy) to teach life lessons too.
I have heard myself and others say that we wish school would teach more basics of life. But what I also realize is that it is our job as parents.
And, if we could teach our children, hopefully, they could model behavior for others.
My children have finished college and are living on their own now. But I still think about different life lessons I wish I would have taken the time to talk about with them when they were kids—both practical and emotional.
Practical Life Lessons for Kids
- Change the oil in the car
- Laundry
- Cooking
- Managing their money and knowing the value of things
- Being a leader
- Doing research on the computer to learn more about what they love to do.
- Time management – Making time for homework, extracurricular activities, family, and fun.
- Change a flat tire
- Make appointments for themselves. Not by text or email, but by actually calling a person.
- Clean a bathroom
- Talk to them about your job. What you do and what it is like to go to work.
“To be yourself in a world that’s always trying to make you into something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emotional Life Lessons for Kids
- Treat yourself and others with respect – Know that everyone is a child of God. Everyone is born with a unique shape, size, and character. Don’t judge; we are all meant to be different.
- The lessons you learn from extracurricular activities are more important than winning or being the best.
- Pay attention to how you can help others.
- Choose friends wisely and always be a good friend.
“No one is perfect – that’s why pencils have erasers.” – Wolfgang Riebe
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; that is how you learn.
- Pay attention to what lights you up. If something comes easy to you and you enjoy doing it, keep doing it.
- Follow your dreams. Don’t let other people’s expectations get in the way. Speak up and tell your parents, teachers, friends, etc., what you want to do.
- You only get one body and one mind. Treat them well.
Related Post: My First Fall With No Kids in School – What I Learned
- Don’t hold grudges. Forgive and allow others to forgive you.
- Play and have fun. Laugh every day.
- Set goals and work hard to reach them.
- Know that your thoughts become a reality. Choose positive ones. Catch yourself talking negatively about yourself and let those thoughts go.
- Be creative in everything you do. Use your imagination. Don’t follow the crowd.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
- Know that you can’t please everyone, and that is not your job. Figure out what makes you happy.
- Be curious. Try new things.
- Say please and thank you. Be grateful for all that you have, including the people who are loving you.
- Know that you can be and have anything you want. Be open to the possibilities and take baby steps towards your dreams.
- You are responsible for your life. There is no one else to blame.
“You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” – Dr. Seuss
At the beginning of the school year, kids and parents are excited about learning. And if you are forced to do some homeschooling this year, maybe you can fit in a little time for life lessons. Use my list as a guideline, and then teach the life lessons using your own experience and knowledge.
Both you and your kids will be happy you did.
You can print out a checklist of these lessons in my Living Marvelously Resource Library. It can be found under Just For Fun.