13 Things Every Parent Should Do Before Their Kids Grow Up
Kids grow so fast, but they have to grow mentally and emotionally, too.
- Cyra Sanchez
- 4 min read
Scheduling shared events and traditions can help facilitate lasting family memories. Documenting milestones and writing letters to your kids preserve meaningful experiences and lessons, so you or your children can remember them down the line. Open communication is the perfect first step in creating a thriving parent-child relationship into adulthood.
1. Teach Money Management
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Have you ever wondered how to raise a financial whiz? The key is teaching them good money management basics. Children become financially responsible by learning to earn, save, and spend. We start by giving them an allowance and helping them learn to save some of it. The best part? They know the value of money at an early age.
2. Encourage Time Management Skills
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Are you tired of constantly reminding your child to get ready on time? Teaching time management skills can go a long way. It instills in them the skills of time management and prioritization. Teach them how to use planners or set alarms. The highlight? They will be more independent and reliable.
3. Promote Self-Regulation
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Have you watched your child experience feelings? Explicitly teaching self-regulation can change lives. It allows children to handle their behaviors and feelings properly. Mindfulness and taking breaks are techniques that help. The standout feature is that children learn resilience and emotional intelligence.
4. Foster Independence in Daily Routines
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Care to dream that your kid could manage their morning routine solo? The answer is to encourage them to be independent in performing daily tasks. It fills them with self-assurance and independence. Begin by allowing them to control their wake-up times and eat breakfast. The best part? They experience responsibility firsthand.
5. Introduce Basic Cooking Skills
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Think your child can’t cook? Think again! It is fun and educational, and teaching basic cooking skills helps. It encourages healthy eating and self-sufficiency. Start with simple dishes and provide supervision when required. The highlight? They acquire a skill and love for food that lasts a lifetime.
6. Encourage Problem-Solving Abilities
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Have you ever wanted your child to face challenges more intrepidly? You need to build problem-solving skills. It makes them better critical thinkers and adaptable. Provide puzzles and day-to-day situations they can work through. The standout feature? They turn into entrepreneurial, creative people.
7. Teach Personal Hygiene and Self-Care
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Worried about your kid’s hygiene practices? Teaching habits of hygiene and self-care is essential. It keeps them healthy and socially accepted. Guide them when going through daily activities like brushing their teeth or taking a bath. The best part? They form habits that endure a lifetime.
8. Encourage Participation in Household Chores
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Want your child to lend a hand around the house? Dividing household tasks can work wonders. It teaches responsibility and teamwork. Begin with simple things they can do, such as setting the table or folding laundry. The highlight? They learn to participate in the family.
9. Discuss Puberty and Body Changes
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Dreading the puberty talk? It is a conversation worth having. Talking about body changes helps make them less mysterious as the teen years approach. If possible, keep things open and address their questions honestly. The standout feature? They feel supported, informed, and cared for.
10. Promote Digital Literacy and Online Safety
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Are you concerned about what your child is doing online? Teaching digital literacy and online safety is essential. It ensures that your child uses the Internet responsibly. Discuss subjects like privacy settings and spotting cyber threats. The best part? Your child will become a savvy, safe digital citizen.
11. Encourage Open Communication
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Do you feel your child is pulling away? Encouraging and creating a space for open discussions can be the bridge. It strengthens your bond and builds trust. Schedule time to talk without distractions. The highlight? It makes them feel valued and heard, which strengthens the bond.
12. Teach Basic First Aid Skills
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Who said first aid is only for the grown-ups? Think again! A crash course in basic first aid prepares your child to treat minor injuries. It encourages awareness and confidence in all things safety. They enroll in a first aid course for kids. The standout feature? They can respond quickly in emergencies, possibly saving lives.
13. Encourage Community Involvement
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Help your child be empathic and socially conscious. Helping the community to become involved is essential. It creates a feeling of inclusion and obligation. Engage with the community for local events or even volunteer together. The best part? They learn compassion and have a more expanded worldview.