When kids start taking a shower, it’s a big step! This guide will help you know if your child is ready to start taking a shower and what steps to take to make the transition successful. Kids really do grow quickly! Just when you think you’ve finally got bathtime down, you blink. And suddenly, it’s…
These eleven easy dinner ideas for teens and kids will make it easy for them to start cooking, feel more comfortable in the kitchen, and help out at home. Knowing how to cook – even a little bit – can make a big difference when our kids are living in the world on their own….
These 70+ life skills for teens are essential for making sure your child will be safe, confident, and self-sufficient when they leave home. One day you’re holding your baby in your arms and next you’re standing next to – or possibly looking up to – your teenager. Our time with our children is short and…
Help kids understand what it takes to comparison shop – what’s too expensive, what’s a reasonable price – with these tips. “Mom, look at this,” my seven-year-old said, showing me a price tag on a small stuffed dolphin. “This dolphin costs $22 but the bigger one over here is $26. That just doesn’t make sense.”…
Whether or not to give teens credit cards isn’t an easy decision. Here’s a step-by-step guide to determine if your teen should have a credit card. Things change quickly once you have a teenager. First, they’re able to communicate independently with friends on their phone. Then all of a sudden your teen has a part-time…
Brushing teeth is one of the very first life skills our kids learn. And while some children take to this task immediately, others are more resistant. Here are a few tips for how to ease the transition and make this healthy habit commonplace. If getting your child to brush their teeth feels more like a chore…
Cleaning up toys after play is a perfect opportunity for toddlers and kids to learn responsibility. Here’s how to get your child to help without a struggle. Toddlers and young children are like human tornadoes — all it takes is a moment with your back turned to discover that your child’s bedroom (and the hallway,…
The internet provides numerous opportunities for kids and teenagers to make money online. Here’s a list of ways teens can make money online. To see a full list of ways kids can make money see: How to Make Money as a Kid (This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase…
Getting kids to clean their messy room doesn’t need to be a constant battle. These five tips can help. Slowly you open the door to your child’s bedroom, bracing yourself for what’s beyond. As expected, clothes and socks cover the carpet, the bed is unmade, books and papers are strewn across the desk, and you…
Writing letters is becoming a bit of a lost art form. Here are some tips for kids about when and how to write informal and formal letters. Back in our childhood we had multiple opportunities to practice writing letters. There were the letters we wrote to friends over the summer. Or even the summer camp…
These ten children’s responsibilities at home encourage a helping mindset in kids. Kids want to have responsibilities at home. “Really?!” you may be thinking. But ultimately it’s true. More than anything kids want to feel capable and significant in their family and the world. And responsibilities at home can help achieve this. Consider the opposite for a…
Learning basic table manners helps prepare kids for eating with others and a variety of social situations when they’re older. When we think of life skills our kids will need, table manners usually don’t immediately come to mind. In fact, good table manners might seem more like a “nice to have” life skill to teach our kids….
Strong problem-solving skills are essential for our kids to navigate the world independently. And as our children grow in their ability to problem-solve, they’ll demonstrate greater autonomy and responsibility, making parenting easier. Problem-solving is one of nine important 21st-century skills our kids need. Click the link to see the full list. Mom, I forgot my…
The best debit cards for kids teach basic money management skills while making allowance easy for parents. One of the best ways for kids and teens to learn financial literacy and acquire good money habits is to manage their own money. And while younger kids benefit from managing physical bills and coins, older kids are…
Investing for kids doesn’t need to be complicated. This approach will equip your children with the basics so they can make wise investing decisions. “Why would I ever want to put my money in this retirement plan?” I boldly, and possibly a bit too pointedly, asked a senior-level manager. Looking over what he had just…
Wondering which chores for kids are age-appropriate? This list of age-appropriate chores for kids can help. Research suggests giving kids chores helps them in multiple areas of life: academically, socially, emotionally, and eventually in their future career. Chores also encourage a team mindset in kids as they help their family, they build a strong work…
Inside: How parents can talk to and educate their kids about money without creating a sense of entitlement or fear about the family’s finances. Money isn’t the first thing that comes to most parents’ minds as a high-priority topic to discuss with kids. But similar to sex or drugs, our kids are going to learn…
You’ve taught your kids to ride a bike, to tie their shoes, and even a few cooking skills. But have you introduced them to one of the most important life skills of all: how to manage money? Unlike any other skill we teach our kids, knowing how to manage money could literally make or break their adulthood.
The 21st century life skills our children will need include more soft skills. Parents can play a role in helping their children acquire these essential skills. Making sure our kids can read. Teaching kids their math facts. Encouraging an interest in STEM. Most parents in the 21st century feel compelled to make sure their kids…
Having the birds and bees talk with kids can feel uncomfortable for many parents – but it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few tips on how to inform kids without embarrassment. The birds and bees talk! That dreaded talk that may (or may not) have happened when you were growing up. For many…
Help your child get dressed independently with these tips. “Never do for a child what he can do for himself.” – Maria Montessori You may have heard this quote before and laughed to yourself while struggling to wrestle a hoodie on your toddler. Great in theory, but not always in practice – especially when getting…
Teach your kids or teens laundry 101 with these basic steps. “Is this one dark?” my daughter said enthusiastically as she held up a pale blue shirt. “No, that one’s more of a light.” I replied, a little weary after answering similar questions of light vs. dark clothing nine times in three minutes. Two weeks…
Time management skills usually don’t come easily to kids. Here are a few ways to help kids manage their own time and get things done. “How many times do I have to ask you to vacuum your room?” “When are you going to begin your reading assignment?” “Don’t forget you need to put away your…
Toddler chores are a great way to introduce kids to chores and begin to raise natural helpers. Below are seven tips to get you started and be successful. “I need to sweep. Where’s the broom?” my daughter asked as she came downstairs. My first reaction was one of shock. “Excuse me?” I blurted out, still…