Life Lessons to Teach Your Child or Improve on Yourself

It seems to me that society has forgotten some of the fundamentals of being a good human. Whether you agree with some of these or not, they are important for a person to know or at least be familiar. They don’t have to be 100% proficient, they don’t have to necessarily agree that it’s a great skill, but somewhere down the line these all will come in handy.

How to dance – A basic two step will do. Even just teaching rhythm to be able to follow along with the beat will work. It’s amazing to me how many people will stand around not having as much fun simply because they don’t know a basic dance move.

How to cook at least 5 meals – It blows my mind that so many people these days depend on restaurants. There will be a day that your child will need to be independent and will have to depend on some basic skills. Or maybe your child wants to impress someone for a more personal date night? Teach some basics. Meatloaf, spaghetti, stew

How to have a conversation face to face – This goes without saying. Technology is great but has also ruined people’s personal skills. No one knows how to approach someone anymore. No one knows how to even make a phone call. It makes such a difference when you walk up and hold a general conversation.

How to apologize – Pride is hard. Some people let it ruin relationships because they’re too stubborn to admit that anything might’ve been their own doing. Apologize and move on. No one’s perfect.

It’s ok to be alone – Thank you social media for making everyone addicted to needing someone’s opinion and being connected with people all the time. It’s a hard skill to learn, but being alone helps you reflect on yourself and make your own judgments. You don’t need a significant other to make you feel important. It’s ok to have down time and enjoy nature, watch a movie, or go to a meal alone. You might actually find you enjoy the tranquility.

Gun safety – Even if you’re anti gun, there will be a time your child will be around one. You don’t have to teach them how to use it, but at least teach them the general rules of safe handling. If you don’t know either, find a friend to help you. I will volunteer myself! Attend the lesson with your child.

How to not like someone but still get along – Face it. There’s always someone you will have to encounter that you don’t particularly care for. It happens at work, school, parties, friends of friends, in-laws….but just because you don’t like someone or don’t agree with them doesn’t mean you can’t be civil. It doesn’t mean you have to tear them down. It doesn’t mean you can’t complete a project with them. We’re not asking you to spend your Saturday hanging out.

How to cherish friendships – Forgive when they made a mistake. Apologize when you’re wrong. Don’t make everything all about you. Do nice things for them. Get over stupid arguments. You can never make new old friends.

Failing makes you better – The best inventions have come from repeated fails. Perseverance gets you farther than being right all the time. Making mistakes toughens you up for when the big failures hit you. God is in control. You are not. When something fails it’s because you needed to learn from it to be better in the future.

Marriage is not what you see on tv – Expect to be let down. Expect to be hurt. Expect an open relationship where you both can feel comfortable in your sweats. Expect to be able to agree to disagree and stick with them through all the hard times when they need your support. You should expect the same in return.

How to change a tire – I don’t care how good of insurance you have. You will break down on a mountain road with no service and be stuck there until morning. Don’t depend on others for your safety.

Hold the door open – For strangers. For friends. It’s polite. It makes them feel important.

Always be interested in people – Get out of your box. Talk to people that have different opinions, viewpoints, cultures, religions. You don’t have to agree with them, but you will be shocked at what you will learn or be exposed to.

What do you think is an important skill everyone should know? Leave me a reply!