As I parent, I would sometime ask myself what should I teach my kids? Definitely there should be academics. But there is more to learn than just numbers and letters. More than academics, there are seven essential life skills your child needs to find their full potential and to develop a passion for learning.
In the book Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs
The book is written in such a way that each skill is discussed per chapter. So there is much to be read about in the seven skills. Each skill is explained with research and studies as well as stories from parents. The research part is fun to read. I am a fan of brain research and child psychology. Reading about how psychologists come up with their methods and conclusions amazes me. While some research can be technical, Ellen Galinsky did so well in retelling it at a level that parents can easily understand.
Some skills are obvious. All kids need to develop Focus and Self Control. So reading some of these chapters can be boring. But the question now will be how to develop this skill to kids? How can parents instill focus and self control to their children?
The book Mind in the Making comes with tips, suggestions and activities the parents and kids can do together in order to develop that skill. After reading each skill in the chapter, parents can be equipped with action items they can apply and teach to their kids.
The seven essential life skills are:
Focus and Self Control. Paying attention and exercising self control. Develop this skill by playing games that requires your child to pay attention like I Spy and Simon Says.
Perspective Taking. Understanding that other people have different likes, dislikes, thoughts and feelings. Develop this skill by helping your child interpret viewpoints of others — like why was your friend sad or why was mommy happy today.
Communicating. Conveying and understanding others and expressing oneself to be heard. Develop this by asking questions to your child that is not answerable by a yes or no. Ask something about the past or ask to project something in the future.
Making Connections. Putting information into categories and how one thing relates or represent something else. Develop this skill by letting your child see connections in everyday lives like showing the picture in a grocery brochure and showing the actual item on the grocery shelf.
Critical Thinking. The ongoing search for valid and reliable knowledge. Develop this by encouraging your child to ask questions. If you don’t know the answer, look it up together.
Taking Challenges. Being resilient in the face of stress, difficulties, and new experiences. Develop this skill by setting an example on how you manage stress and problems. Encourage your child to seek help from proper sources.
Self-directed Engaged Learning. Continiously seek knowledge and skills. Develop this skill by providing direct and hands-on experiences for your child.
The Mind in the Making also provided a good summary of the essential life skill from their website that you can download.
The Mind in the Making reminds us that our children needs a balanced life. They might miss important opportunities to learn real life skills if they concentrate too much on academics.
More Resources
The Mind in the Making website have several FREE downloads related to the book.
