There is a general concern in families about how to educate our sons and daughters so that they are prepared for go out into the world tomorrow: that they be autonomous, responsible, have empathy, decision-making capacity, make good friends, access a job that fulfills them and allows them to be independent, etc.

It is natural, because we all want the best for our little ones. We want them to have the necessary tools so that they can function and have the life they want.

However, we do not always realize that to become adults with these qualities, the work begins now, in childhood. It is a long path that is cooked over low heat, through the experiences and learning that they will live throughout their lives.

In the same way that we see it as essential that educational centers help children acquire technical knowledge (mathematics, English, general culture…), it is also essential educate in life skills. Working on skills such as empathy or decision making is as important as acquiring knowledge, qualifications and technical skills.

Life skills, what are they?

In 1993, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined life skills as ““those skills necessary to have adequate and positive behavior that allow us to effectively face the demands and challenges of daily life.”

Below you will find the emotional, social and cognitive skills that we must work with our children and adolescents.

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Essential life skills we should teach our children

Skills emotional:

Empathy

It is the ability to imagine and feel what the world is like from another person's perspective. This helps to understand it better and respond in a supportive way, according to the circumstances.

emotional management

Being able to recognize our own emotions and those of others. Be aware of how they influence our behavior and respond to them appropriately.

Management of tension and stress

Being able to recognize moments of tension and stress, in their different manifestations, finding healthy strategies to regulate ourselves and find a way to solve it.

Skills social:

Assertive communication

What we say is as important as the way we say it. We must express our ideas clearly, while respecting and taking into account the feelings of others.

Interpersonal relationships

Distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy relationships is essential. Being able to establish and maintain meaningful relationships, as well as being able to set limits and distance from those relationships that harm us.

Problem and conflict management

Be able to face problems and conflicts in a flexible and creative way, focusing on possible solutions and identifying opportunities. Do not turn your back on problems, but confront them constructively.

Skills cognitive:

Self-knowledge

Knowing ourselves helps us to be aware of our strengths and limitations, trying to find our own path and motivation in life and what we need to achieve it.

Critical thinking

We are surrounded by information that reaches us through a multitude of media and channels, so we have to learn to analyze, contrast and evaluate it, becoming able to draw our own conclusions.

decision making

It means being able to evaluate different alternatives, taking into account the criteria and possible consequences of those decisions, not only in our own lives, but also in those of others.

Creative thinking

Creative thinking helps us navigate life more effectively, approaching situations from different points of view and different perspectives, allowing us to invent, innovate and create new ideas.

How can we educate these skills?

As mothers and fathers we can help our children develop these skills in various ways, let's look at some tips:

Let them make their own decisions

You can start by letting your children make decisions adapted to their age and maturational development. In this way they will progressively assume responsibility and learn to take charge of the natural consequences of their actions.

Educate by example

Mother Teresa of Calcutta said “Don't worry if your children don't listen to you, they watch you all day“. Do you want your child to learn to manage frustration? That he is able to handle anger? So start by reviewing your behavior and work on that in yourself. Take advantage of motherhood as an opportunity for personal development. We are their example, so our words and actions must be consistent and aligned.

Transform mistakes into learning opportunities

To develop skills it is necessary to practice, practice and practice. Children are not born knowing. Let's give them opportunities and spaces so they can make mistakes and try again. Accept that mistakes are part of the learning process.

Developing these skills in our children as they grow will help them cope in the situations that life throws at them.

Below are other entries, in case you are interested in continuing reading about these topics: