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 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.”…
Help your children develop good study habits with these seven essential tips from a former teacher and mother of three. (This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you.) My nine-year-old bounded through the door, tossed his backpack…
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…
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….
It is possible to model and teach kids respect without allowing them to walk all over us. Here are four ways to make that happen. “You’re stupid!” your child yells as she crosses her arms and stomps her feet, giving you the stink eye. Your offense? Telling her that she needs to wait to have…
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…
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…