Getting Ready for The Big Game

"Life is the game that must be played."
-Edwin Arlington Robinson

Recently, I read an article about a star professional athlete in his rookie year, "living the dream". He's on his own and making millions, BUT he does not know how to cook or do laundry. I won't put him on the spot and give his name because, frankly, he's not the only one in this predicament. We may even know people like him - highly accomplished in areas such as sports, the arts, or perhaps, academics, but otherwise unprepared, and heavily dependent on others, in the most important game of all -- life.

It seems that parenting priorities have shifted in recent years. In our quest to ensure our children are adequately entertained and zooming on the fast track to athletic and scholastic renown (starting in preschool), we are cutting corners on the basics. Data from a recent study surveying 2,200 online mothers in the US, Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand found that more than 58% of children aged 2 to 5 yrs, were able to play a basic computer game while 52% could ride a bike. In addition, 63% could turn a computer on and off while only 20% could swim unaided, 11% could tie their shoes without help, and 20% knew how to make an emergency phone call. Here again, life skills development is taking a backseat, this time to electronic diversions.

If you find yourself on this slippery slope, apply the brakes now and provide more balance in your child's life, without squashing all the fun. Here's how:

- Start life skills training at a young age. Begin with self-care activities from which the child immediately benefits (i.e., hygiene, dressing themselves, taking care of his belongings, etc.). Achievement of these early milestones really boosts a child's confidence, very important as they prepare for new academic and social experiences in school.

- Expand your training to include more challenging tasks and household jobs which benefit the child personally as well as other family members, such as washing and drying clothes, ironing, washing dishes, housecleaning, etc. Mastering these skills will build on her self-esteem while instilling a concern for others and a willingness to use her skills and talents in the service of others. Be sure to include social skills in your training.

- Provide opportunities for community service to help your child avoid an unhealthy preoccupation with himself and satisfying his own needs to the exclusion of others. In addition, he may find he can use the skills he has acquired at home to help neighbors, sometimes even earning a little extra money.

Taking these early steps with your children builds confidence along the way, helps them to become well-rounded and well-adjusted, and most importantly, prepared to survive on their own. Competence in basic life skills not only reduces dependence on others for daily support and fuels self-esteem; it equips children to work with others and contribute to society, and fosters an appreciation for the work others do. Of course, sports and other extracurricular activities also contribute to a well-rounded experience for our children, but don't forget to give them skills to play in the game that really matters.

~Carol~
Copyright © 2011 Gardener Parenting Consultants, LLC