A vacation from school is something kids look forward to and enjoy because it’s the time they get to break from their academic life and tons of school work. But while school closures allow children more free time to play, they can also be a perfect opportunity for parents to provide their kids with productive activities that foster learning.
Learning isn’t something that only takes place within the four walls of a classroom. It’s something you can and should promote at home as well.
Promoting learning doesn’t mean you have to stick to the lessons taught in school. In fact, it’s important to teach kids life lessons they don’t get inside the classroom.
Read on to learn about the important life lessons you might want to cultivate in your children while school is out.
Good manners
Good manners are important because these are what shape a person into a kind and considerate individual. It helps someone become likable and helps them maintain good relationships with others.
Because good manners are so foundational, they are something that should be instilled in children as early as possible. Start with teaching them how to say “thank you” and “please” by being a role model. Use these words often in your interaction with them. Say “thank you” when they share their food or a favorite toy. Say “please” each time you make a request or ask them to do a task. Even when they can’t utter the words yet, they observe your actions as well as your language. Be sure to model the best examples of good manners because your child is likely to follow suit.
Money management
Another important life lesson kids should learn is money management. Their attitude toward money while they’re young will teach them how to be responsible with spending and saving. This will significantly impact their financial health in the future.
If your child is already going to school and is receiving an allowance or has some other income, make use of the opportunity to teach them how to budget and save money. Tell them why budgeting and saving money is important especially when they have a goal to achieve. For example, let’s say they want to buy a certain toy. Instead of buying it for them, teach them how to save for it. This is a good head start to learning how to set financial goals and saving money to achieve them.
Value of honesty
It’s important that young kids understand the importance of honesty and the consequences of being dishonest. Explain to them why it’s important that they always strive to be truthful. Talk to them and discuss real life examples that may test their honesty.
For example, say they were invited by a friend to a party and they won’t be able to attend because you have a family dinner. Tell them that they can be honest with the real reason instead of making up other excuses. More importantly, be sure that you model honesty in front of your kids. The best way to teach them that even occasional lying is not acceptable is by leading by example.
Making healthy choices
The habits and lifestyle children adopt are based on what they have grown accustomed to and been practicing growing up. Therefore, if you want to teach your kids how to have a healthy lifestyle, be sure to teach them how to make healthy choices early on.
When it comes to food, teach them how to eat healthy by serving a well-balanced diet. Be mindful of their screen time and do not tolerate a sedentary lifestyle. Instead, encourage more physical activity and outdoor play.
Being kind
You can never go wrong with being kind. After all, what we sow is what we reap. So, teach your little one the value of kindness while they’re young. In fact, this is an easy one because children’s default mindset tends toward kindness.
No matter how young they may be, there are plenty of ways they can sprinkle kindness around them. Encourage them to lend a helping hand or say kind words. Showing care to others can go a long way.
School closures are a perfect time for young kids to learn life lessons that will prove valuable to them throughout their lives. Cultivate these lessons in your little one starting right now and watch how they reap long term benefits.
For more parenting tips or if you’re looking for the best childcare center for your little one, please feel free to visit Wee Care Preschool.
