As a parent, you’re likely familiar with the importance of milestones to growth and development, but did you know you can also begin teaching life skills to your child, as well? Whether it’s at home or in an after-school program, there are several different types of skills you can teach your child to better prepare them for life. Help your child develop integral skills at home and in an after-school program by utilizing the following methods for encouragement.

A Guide to Teaching Children Life Skills

Talk to Your Child About Hygiene

An easy way to introduce life skills to your school-aged child is by teaching them more about their health and hygiene. Regular hygiene and maintenance are vital to ensuring your child can properly take care of their body as they continue to grow, and you can start this as early as 2 years old. Encourage your child to wash their hands before eating or after using the bathroom and show them how to brush their teeth.

Introduce Time Management

Punctuality is an important part of life for school-aged children and adults alike, making it a great introductory skill to teach to your child. If they’re not old enough to read a clock, you can still begin working on this skill with them. Talk to your child about the schedule they follow in the after-school program and what you could do at home to mimic it. Establishing a similar routine at home will teach your child about utilizing different blocks of time for particular activities.

Practice Decision Making

Making decisions is something we do every day—whether we’re deciding what food to feed our family or what movie to watch. You can teach your child about the importance of decision making by allowing them to make small choices when it comes to their lives, such as what vegetable they want to eat for dinner or what stuffed animal they want to cuddle with. Your child will gain confidence each time they decide something, making it easier for them to tackle larger choices down the road.

If you want to provide your child with a complete and well-rounded foundation for education, talk with the professionals at Carrier Learning Center in Bristol, CT. This center offers numerous after-school programs to benefit young learners, including the development of life skills through cognitive, sensory, and educational methods. To learn more about how they can help mold your child’s academic future, visit them online or call (860) 589-3000 to schedule an appointment.