The following chart gives a brief summary of each of the building blocks, or what I call Maxims of Maturity. As the children mature, repeat the areas each year with increasing complexity. [This will help you to develop an overview of life skills, refresh your memory about skills you may not even be conscious of anymore, and give you some ideas about what your children need to know.]
[So, how do we teach responsibility? For that matter, how do we move on from understanding what adults need to equipping our children to grow well into adulthood? The answer is that we mentor our children day-by-day in the laboratory of our homes. We take advantage of everyday teachable moments, as well as activities we purposely arrange, to provide our children with the needed knowledge.]
Maxim One: Responsibility begins in small things, and it should be timed well. By starting too early or too late to expect things from a child we may groom a child who can’t do anything for himself or others.
Maxim Two: Children must learn to get along with others and to resolve and manage conflict on their own. This starts at home with parents and siblings.
Maxim Three: Everyone lives somewhere. We need to take care of that place and make it a haven to nourish ourselves and others—a place to call home.
Maxim Four: It’s a big and sometimes uncertain world out there, and our children need to navigate it safely.
Maxim Five: We are given only a certain amount of time. We have to use it wisely.
Maxim Six: We all work and live in a physical space. We need to manage that space. Our children’s future spouse and employer will appreciate this especially.
Maxim Seven: Things break and need maintenance. The more we can learn to do on our own, the more self-reliant we will be.
Life Skills For Kids: Equipping Your Child For The Real World
by Christine M. Field
I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. ~ 3 John 4
Dad