It’s officially summer!! And that means that the kiddos are home, bored, and in my space. So, I’m taking advantage of this time together to impress upon them some basic life skills!
Over the last few summers, we have had mixed success. We typically start out strong and then around mid-July we just hit survival mode. However, previous lessons have included:
- Learning our address and cell phone numbers
- Tying bows
- Making some basic meals (mac & cheese, ramen, scrambled eggs, etc.)
- Introducing yourself
- Feeding our animals
- Ordering at a restaurant
- Laundry
- Giving the dogs a bath
- Signing your name
This year, I’m going to set more realistic goals and keep the lessons small! Here is what I’m thinking for this summer for my 13 and 10 year old:
Addressing an Envelope
This should be a relatively easy one. They have plenty of people they can write letters to over the summer!
Managing money & creating a budget
Both Harrison and Lily are earning a little cash here and there for tackling bigger chores. So, no time like the present to have a basic understanding of money coming in and going out. Plus, I feel like they will respect their belongings a little more if they can save and budget for something they want.
Basic nail/toenail care
I’m really tired of looking at ratchet nails and toes.
Basic First Aid
Nothing too crazy, just cleaning a cut and applying a Band-Aid.
The Electric Slide
I mean, come on…it’s a life necessity.
Basic Hand Sewing
This one might be a little bold…but I’m tired of sewing on badges!
How to Talk on the Phone
It’s honestly weird that they aren’t better at this…but talking to either of them on the phone is infuriating. They mumble and lack essential phone etiquette skills!
Reading nutrition labels
I only JUST learned how to do this myself but I would like to get ahead of it with them! I’m in NO WAY implying that we’ll be looking at calories but I’d like them to acknowledge the ingredients of what they consume, primarily the added sugar of it all!
How to have a conversation with an adult
Again, it’s weird they aren’t better at this because it’s not like we have sheltered them from other adults. But again, they mumble and just lack some etiquette.
How to pack & travel
This one is purposeful! We are heading to Utah in July and they are going to fly for the first time! So we’ll need to learn how to pack and fly!
In addition to all of this, we still have camps and swim team and daily chores to tackle PLUS chicken chores are coming around the bend…so it’s gearing up to be a fun filled time! 😉 Happy Summer!