40 Things

I was browsing through posts on my parenting feed and stumbled onto a website which lead to me another blog on which was written an interesting post: 40 Things to Teach my Kids Before They Leave Home (check it out!). It was an interesting list, so I thought I’d do one of my own (and any that I copied directly, I marked with an *). So here it is:

40 Things To Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home

My greatest joy as a parent is to love my children. Out of love for them, I have set two primary goals for myself as a mom: to teach them to love and serve Jesus and to teach them to be well-rounded, capable human beings who can function in this world without me. I hope to achieve these two goals, keeping them always balanced by love. And from them come my 40 things.

Practical life skills

I will teach my kids:
…how to create an effective budget that allows them to live within their means and continually increase their net worth.*

…how to plan meals, shop with coupons and compare prices which can save them a considerable amount of time and money.

…how to cook and bake for themselves. There is more to eating well than opening a can or reheating a meal.

…how to properly complete their chores. Knowing how to sweep a floor, sort laundry and wash dishes will mean you can always keep your space looking nice.

…that a job is not finished until it’s all the way finished (for example, the laundry isn’t done until it’s folded and put away).

…that no matter what the fashion is at the time, when it comes to an interview, work or special occasions — grab an iron. Walking around all wrinkled and creased sends a message of laziness.*

… that making their beds and keeping their rooms clean is a mark of maturity, as well as a sure way to keep from being embarrassed when someone comes over to be with them.

…to drive responsibly and defensively. Let the guy who’s in such a hurry go ahead of you. He may get there first, but then again, he may not get there at all.

…that they can save money on books if they frequent the library.*

…that learning to do new things is a fun and valuable way to spend their time.

…how to turn the television OFF. It’s easy to turn it on and leave it on, but turning it off allows for time to develop themselves and connect with others.

…eating breakfast every morning will help them handle their day, physically. And making time for bible reading and prayer will help them face their day in every other way.

…that basic math skills actually ARE used in everyday life, so they need to learn them well.

…how to barbecue a perfect meal paying particular attention to pre-grill prep and special recipes.* (this one they will learn from their dad.)

…that they should attempt, every day if possible, to read or to watch the news so they are not consumed only with their own lives and forget the greater world out there.

…how to hem pants, sew on buttons and fix minor problems with their clothes.

…how to type properly with both hands on the keyboard. In a society where computers are used for nearly everything, learning how to type properly will increase their efficiency and productivity.*

…the concept of compound interest. Who doesn’t want to make interest on interest?*

…how to read a map and use a compass.*

…how to swim and tread water, these skills could potentially save their life.*

…how to do CPR and first aid, which are skills that could potentially save someone else’s life.

Philosophical life lessons

I will teach my kids:
…the Bible is true, that Jesus loves them and died for them, and that he wants to be their friend and savior.

…that a smile is the simplest thing you can do to truly brighten the day of someone else.*

…that learning to think critically, logically, and for themselves will put them far ahead of the majority of people who let
others think for them.

…that there is no such thing as being too polite. You can never say please, thank-you or excuse me too often.*

…how listening without judgement, criticism or offering solutions to problems, is a guaranteed way to show someone you care.*

…that respect goes beyond being kind to their elders – it also includes property, people in general, animals and even
themselves.*

…that people are always more important than things. No exceptions.

…that NOBODY knows EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING.*

…that it’s okay to be wrong as that’s how we learn.*

…that the world and society does not really care about their well-being, so they should listen to worldly advisers with great caution.

…not to compare themselves with anyone. No person is an adequate mirror against which to judge themselves.

…that tolerance is not the highest value in life. They must listen with grace to differing views, but they do not have to accept all ideas as equally true.

…that if something looks too good to be true it likely is.*

…that there is no such thing as “good enough” and seeking that ideal will result in them wasting their lives in vain pursuits.

…that friends may come and go but family will always be by their side. Always.*

…that having character is always better than having friends, money, or material wealth.

…that life is short and that they should make the most of each and everyday, focusing on enjoying what they already have instead of wasting time focusing on what they don’t have.*

…to remember that life is more about enjoying the journey than simply reaching the destination.*

Actually, I need to learn a few of these better myself. And I’m sure there are other important lessons to add to this list. But hopefully, these will enable them to figure out the ones that are missing. And someday when I look back at my life, I hope to see that my children have become this type of person. It would make my momma-heart proud!

Happy Tuesday!