In today’s digital age, there’s so much for our kids to learn, from communicating effectively to critical thinking and media literacy. It's easy to overlook teaching basic life skills that can help foster independence, self-expression and resilience in your little one. Plus, such practical skills last for life and will be valuable at home, school or in their future careers.

Here’s a look at 10 practical skills worth teaching based on your child’s age and readiness.

Toddlers up to 2 years

1. Getting dressed

Being able to dress and undress independently is a vital part of daily life and gives kids a sense of control, independence and accomplishment. Plus, it teaches your child to follow step-by-step instructions and preps them for more complex self-care routines in the future.

2. How to use different table utensils

Mastering dining table utensils helps kids become more independent at mealtime. Learning how to correctly use spoons, forks, knives teaches kids proper table manners, which are important in many social settings from family gatherings to formal occasions. Of course, you can start with kid-friendly utensils that have rounded edges first and carefully supervise when they begin handling sharp ones!

Nursery children up to 4 years old

3. Swimming

Knowing how to swim gives kids familiarity and safety around water. At 4 years old, your kids can learn how to float in water by themselves and pick up easy strokes to move around in water, like the breaststroke.

4. Reading analogue clocks

Sure, there are digital clocks now, but learning how to read analogue clocks where kids can see minutes pass by builds their sense and awareness of time, a skill that helps in both school and the workplace when they have to manage their time wisely.

5. Cycling

It’s not only a good way to pass the time and exercise, but cycling can impart a natural sense of balance and endurance. As they fall, get scrapes, and learn how to get back up, cycling becomes an early lesson in resilience. You can start with a three-wheeled bike to build your kids’ confidence before moving to two-wheeled bikes when they are ready!

Kindergarten children up to 6 years old

6. Wrapping a gift

Everyone appreciates the extra effort put into a specially wrapped present! Guide your kids to measure wrapping paper, fold the edges, and tape down flaps. It’s a great exercise in fine motor skills, following instructions, and expressing their creativity. Plus, this skill can be useful beyond celebrations, such as packing groceries, protecting fragile items, and putting away belongings.

7. Tying shoelaces

It may seem simple, but mastering this task will refine their motor skills, sharpen their focus, and improve hand-eye coordination. Tying is also an essential skill that can be applied in various ways, such as braiding hair, mending clothes, and buttoning shirts.

For older children

8. Doing laundry from start to finish

Laundry is a delicate art in itself. Teach your kids how the machine works, the importance of treating different types of stains, why they should separate colours and whites, and how to read the cleaning symbols on their clothes tags. Plus, guide them to properly fold and store away their clean clothes. These lessons teach them to take better care of their belongings and useful knowledge that lasts a lifetime.

9. Basic first aid

Emergencies can happen at any time, but knowing basic first aid gives kids the confidence to stay calm, take action, and help others when they can. Teaching first-aid will also be handy when you're not around to help them.

10. Preparing snacks or meals

Whether it is making kaya toast after school or assembling their own dinner plate, equipping your kids with go-to recipes encourages them to be independent and use their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. It also offers them opportunities to contribute to family occasions like mealtimes or celebrations, adding to their sense of responsibility and accomplishment. It’s also a great skill for kids to have if they get tired of the same old snacks!

Preparing kids for the future

Teaching children practical life skills prepares them for the challenges they’ll face today whilst building a foundation for a confident and capable future. As a parent, the best way you can support their journey is by being patient, encouraging, and rewarding every milestone learnt, no matter how small!