Things every kid should know

[DCJenn]

So, this was a topic for conversation that we had on the return flight from Russia-

Beyond the basics- reading, writing, arithmetic, what other things did/do you think it's important for kids to know?

Jenn

[DCJenn]

OK, I'll start- these were the things we really want Nikolai to know upon adulthood:

1) How to swim. and not doggy paddle, but swim, preferably more than one stroke.

2) To speak another language (a no brainer since English will be his second language- I want to keep him in Russian language classes)

3) to cook: (at the minimum) scrambled eggs, hamburgers, grilled cheese and one really impressive meal to impress a girlfriend...

4) That no matter what time of day or night, if he's in a situation like the guy driving the car is drunk- he should call and no questions will be asked, we will come.

5) Assuming there are cars...how to check the oil (if they have oil), how to change a flat tire (if they have tires that get flats, and how to drive in snow and ice.

OK- so what are other- everyone should know this _______ things?

Jenn

[fluffhead]

Basics of money management.

That if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

How to grow your own food, if needed or desired.

[mommax3]

All of these are good. I would add:

How to sort/do a load of laundry.
How to figure out the better buy at the grocery store.
How to make a bed.
How to hang up towels in the bathroom.
How to clean the bathroom.
How to sweep/vaccum a floor.
How to flush the toilet after it is used!
How to dust.
How to find out something you don't already know.

Larger issues:

You are not the center of the universe.
Think of how your actions will affect others and be careful of their feelings......put yourself in the other person's shoes.
Be POLITE and RESPECTFUL.

All stuff we are working on around here on a daily basis. (not always successfully!)

Sally

[houseelf]

This paper was sent home by ds's school and now hangs prominently on my fridge.

WHAT EVERY CHILD NEEDS FOR GOOD MENTAL HEALTH.
Anonymous

To grow healthy and strong, children should have good food, plenty of sleep, exercise, and fresh air. Children have emotional needs too. To have perfect health and happy children require....

LOVE
Every child needs to feel
...that his parents love, want, & enjoy him
...that he matters very much to someone
...that there are people near him who care what happens to him

ACCEPTANCE
Every child needs to feel
....that his parents like him for himself, just the way that he is
....that they like him all the time, and not only when he acts according to their ideas of the way a child should act
...that they always accetp him, even though often they may not approve of the thing he does
....they will let him grow and develop in his own way

SECURITY
Every child needs to feel
...that his home is a good, safe place he can feel sure about
...that his parents will always be on hand, especially in times of crises when he needs them the most
....that he belongs to a family or group; that there is a place where he fits in

PROTECTION
Every child needs to feel
....that his parents will keep him safe from harm
....that they will will help him when he must face strange, unknown, and frightening situations

INDEPENDENCE
Every child needs to feel
....that his parents want him to grow up and they encourage him to try new things
....that they have confidence in him and in his ability to do things by himiself and for himself

CONTROL
Every child needs to know
...that there are limits to what he is permitted to do and that his parents will hold him to these limits

GUIDANCE
Every child needs to have
....a set of moral standards to live by
....a belief in the humanh values: kindness, courage, honesty, generosity, and justice

[PrincessFiona]

Kelly, that's terrific...Thank YOU...I'm going to print it out!

kris

[houseelf]

...but on a less esoteric level, we believe that our kids should know about

Swimming
Empathy for others and a duty to help the less fortunate
That their private parts (parts which a swimsuit covers) belong only to them
We will always be there for them, no matter what
a foreign language
Reading
self-organization, self-discipline, self-control, and self-belief
their heritage: their extended family and their history
the basic tenets of our faith
the ability to entertain his or her self (ditto to what Sally said-the world does not revolve around them)
people and experiences are far more important than things
a healthy life style including exercise and food choices


Jenn, I think about your question all the time because I fervantly hope that I am giving my kids what they need to become healthy, functional, well rounded human beings. There is just so much that I want our kids to know about. It can be overwhelming at times.

Kelly

[Auspicious]

How to use a fire extinguisher.

How to sew on a button.

How to read a map.

Not to mix bleach and ammonia.

The really hoity-toity table manners--even if you don't use them every day, eventually you're going to need them.

How to tie a slip knot.

How to tip.

How to put on pantyhose without running them and/or tie a windsor knot.

How to start a fire.

There may be some repeats here, but....

1. How to change a flat tire. (My dad made me learn how to do this right after I got my driver's license and it's actually come in handy a few times).
2. How to balance a checkbook, pay bills, and understand the perils of ATM and credit cards.
3. To make a few meals to sustain oneself and one to good enough to serve to others.
4. Sort, wash, fold, iron laundry.
5. Understand some basic nutrition concepts (or why Mountain Dew and Red Vines is not a good way to start the day).
6. How to have a conversation with someone you don't know or have recently met, including eye contact and shaking hands.
7. Delayed gratification (so they can go to med school too! )
8. The beauty of compounding interest (that one is for my grandfather).
9. Be able to entertain themselves
10. How to swim and have one physical activity that they enjoy doing.
11. To try their best to be sincerely polite and considerate.
12. Common sense -- like Fluffhead said "if it's too good to be true, it probably is."

[Meenah]

These are great. Jenn, the call and no questions asked is very important. We always said that to our girls, and they did call!!! I have to say that the no questions asked part was really hard!!!
Luanne

Most of what my list has already been mentioned. But, here are the things I can think of right now...

How to start and maintain a conversation

Basic car maintenance, my dad taught me the flat tire/oil change stuff when I got my license too.

Basic around-the-house maintenance and up-keep

To pay attention to surroundings, both for safety and to gain some sense of direction (I have NONE)

How to be a team player

How to express themselves

How to find out things they don't know

Yes Please! Some idea about Money management! (DH has NONE)