A parent’s guide to understanding what life skills are

As parent, you may often come across the term ‘life skill’. It is associated with values, thought process, even studies at times. If you are confused about it, you are not alone, many parents and teachers bump into the word and wonder what it actually means. Read on to understand.  

What is a life skill?  
A life skill is a particular expertise, acquired through learning and/or direct life experiences that enable individuals and groups to manage common problems of daily life more effectively. Examples of life skills include patience, open-mindedness, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, good communications, teamwork skills etc. These collectively create a good citizen fit for the current world, and are considered essential for healthy societies, as well as individual success and well-being.  

Why do parents need to teach life skills to kids? 
Life skills helps kids develop self-confidence, and learn how to successfully deal with significant life changes and challenges. It could be such as bullying and poor marks at school, it could be work place problems once kids grow up. Personal relations also change throughout our lives, and strong life skills can give children a safer future in matters of both mind and heart.  

Life skills are geared towards giving each child an individual voice and thinking pattern, while making them obtain a better understanding of society and how it functions. Life skills enable children to make a positive contribution to the family, peer group and society. These skills are the ones that kids need to assert their rights and understand their responsibilities. Life skills are very important for teens, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of adult and working life. 

As a parent, teaching life skills is your way of equipping your children to have a better, fuller, more satisfying life.  

Are there are wider implications of life skills?  
Active, informed and responsible citizens, willing to take responsibilities and shoulder duties for themselves and their communities, are required more than ever in our world. Educators keep pointing out the importance of early childhood and teen education. By imparting life skills to our kids, by making them emotionally more resilient, parents can contribute towards making Earth a more liveable place. This aspect of life skills awareness is gaining ground slowly but surely.