empower your homeschooler with life skills

Every day so many kids graduate from traditional schools without even the most basic knowledge of how to navigate the adult world. One of the advantages of homeschooling your children is the opportunity to integrate essential life skills into your curriculum. In this article, we will explore some of the most crucial life skills that you can impart to your children, helping them make the transition into adulthood just a bit smoother and building some great memories along the way!

Here are some of the most often mentioned skills I hear from homeschooling families:

1. Doing Laundry: Laundry is a basic but necessary skill. Explain the basics of sorting clothes, using laundry machines, and reading care labels. Check out the Laundry 101 guide on The Spruce for step-by-step instructions.

2. Cooking: Cooking is a vital life skill that promotes independence and good nutrition. Start with simple recipes and gradually introduce more complex dishes. The StartsAtEight website offers a variety of easy-to-follow recipes and cooking tips for beginners.

3. Grocery Shopping: Teach your child how to create a grocery list, compare prices, and make healthy food choices. On My Kid's Plate provides an excellent article that walks you through all the nuances of introducing grocery shopping to your teen.

4. Self-Care: There are many aspects of self-care that you can discus with your homeschooler. There are the physical ways in which we care for ourselves, like eating healthy foods, having a good sleep routine, taking time for hygiene, and exercise. But there 

5. Household Budget Management: Expand on the basics of personal finance by introducing the concept of household budgeting. Websites like Mint and YNAB (You Need A Budget) provide excellent tools and resources for budget management.

​6. Driving: When your child reaches the appropriate age, ensure they are well-prepared for safe driving. Consider enrolling them in a driver's education program and use resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for additional guidance.

7. Friend and Romantic Relationships: Help your child develop healthy interpersonal skills and boundaries. Explore books and resources like "The Friendship Formula" by Caroline Millington and "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman to guide them in building meaningful relationships.

8. Writing a Professional Email: In today's digital age, effective communication via email is a valuable skill. Teach your child how to write a professional email, including appropriate subject lines, greetings, and clear, concise messaging. You can find tutorials and examples on websites like Grammarly and Purdue OWL.

9. Making Proper Phone Calls: Phone etiquette is still relevant, and teaching your child to make a polite and respectful phone call is essential. Cover topics like greeting, introducing themselves, and asking for the person they wish to speak to. WikiHow offers a comprehensive guide on how to make a polite phone call.

10. Paying Bills: Understanding personal finances is crucial. Teach your child about paying bills, budgeting, and managing expenses. The website NerdWallet offers comprehensive guides on budgeting and financial planning.

11. Voting: Teaching young people how to vote is essential for the preservation and strengthening of democracy. A well-informed and active electorate is the cornerstone of a robust democratic system, ensuring that the government remains accountable to the people it serves.​As a compliment, check out my article on how to help your homeschooler discern Fact from Fiction.

Conclusion: As homeschooling moms, our goal is to equip our children with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the real world. By teaching these essential life skills, we empower them to become independent and responsible individuals. Remember, there's no rush – take your time and enjoy the journey of imparting these valuable lessons to your children. The online resources mentioned above are fantastic tools to support your teaching efforts. So, embrace the role of teacher, mentor, and guide, and watch your children blossom into capable, confident adults.