During the summer I primarily focus on teaching my kids life skills – tying their shoes, riding a bike, ordering at a restaurant – simple, yet important things that will build confidence and empower them to be more independent. While many skills can be taught at home, I wanted to share how I work on life skills when we are out and about.
Taking Turns and Losing Gracefully
For children ages 6 and under, taking turns is a tough but fundamental skill. If this is one you want to work on with your kids, head to Unplugged Games Cafe. There are many games for preschoolers, and some are cooperative so the focus is on teamwork versus winning.
Playing games at Unplugged also offers an opportunity for children to learn how to lose. Yes, learning how to lose is a skill, and for competitive kiddos, losing can be incredibly difficult. For older children, I suggest playing games as a family and then working your way up to inviting friends to this outing.
Tip: Chesterfield County’s Clover Hill Library has games available to play for free while you’re at the library.
Placing Your Own Order
We recently went to dinner with friends who complimented my kids on ordering for themselves. I know it sounds silly – something adults don’t really think about – but ordering on your own is a big deal.
Start this with your children when they’re very young, so they can get lots of practice. I would often give my kids the first words, “May I please…” and then they would echo that and place their order. Reminding them to speak audibly, make eye contact, and be polite is important.
Try this at ice cream shops and work your way up to restaurants.
Read more tips from Alaina about dining out with kids.
Learning to Read
A great time to practice reading is over the summer. Allow your children to pick out books from the library so they can learn what their preferred genre is. Giving them voice and choice is critical in helping them develop reading as a habit.
After practicing, sign up to read aloud to a dog at one of the local libraries. It is completely free, and a great way to boost your child’s confidence. Further, for shy children it helps empower them to read aloud in class. If your kids aren’t dog lovers, head to Richmond SPCA and read to the cats there instead.
Working on Writing
In the summer I encourage my children to do lots of free writing – stories, poems, journals, notes to friends. They love the opportunity to choose what they can write, and even maintain a journal between the two of them.
Letting my kids pick out postcards from a museum visit to send to a friend or grandparent is a fun way we work on this. Additionally, a nature journal to maintain throughout the summer during our hikes and other outdoor outings is a simple way to increase writing into our days.
The sibling journal I mention above has been so fun for my kids, too. They write notes to one another – no grownups involved. It’s mostly silly, but they love having their own way to communicate. (And I love that my rising 1st grader is writing for fun!)
Idea: Read Regina’s review of VMFA’s Samurai Armor Exhibition, take your kids, and purchase a postcard to send to a friend!
Read Christen’s article about encouraging your children to write and mail handwritten notes and cards.
Increasing Independence
One simple tool I use to increase my kiddo’s independence is a walkie talkie. While I don’t suggest separating from your kids in busy or unfamiliar areas, our walkie talkies have enabled the kids to go to play areas while we are on vacation at Love Ridge Mountain Lodging, or to go to the Nature Center while I’m loading up the car at Pocahontas, and more.
The walkie talkies aren’t completely necessary, but they’re helpful in making the kids feel comfortable – Mom’s just a call away, and simultaneously allowing them freedom in a safe space.
What life skills are you working on with your kids this summer? Let us know @rfmtoday!
