Kids Life Skills - "Flexibility" a Key Trait for The Future
Posted by Nancy Phillips on Mon, Jan 31, 2011
Our world is changing so quickly right now, what do our children need to thrive and find happiness as they mature? Well, the Menninger Institute of Kansas City did a study that provided that very answer.
The most important characteristic a person needs to have in these times of lightening change is flexibility. Stressful situations occur for people who are “stuck” in certain ways of doing and thinking things, especially if those “things” become obsolete. Flexibility creates options.
What are some ways we can help our children deal with this situation? Help them learn to be creative and critical thinkers. Help them look for new information and opinions and answers. Learning never ends, school is just the beginning.
“Coasting” along in life now can be devastating; things are moving too quickly to not be actively engaged. Inspire passion within them, let them know that with the force of their will and perseverance, any goal is achievable.
I spoke with a pre-teen last week about what she was hoping to be when she was older. She said “an actress, but my mom said it is impossible.” So many dreams are crushed early on, let’s help our youth dream, believe and achieve.
Children learn by observation so let them see you set and write your goals, take action steps and celebrate achievement. They will learn a great deal from this.
We can’t hold our children’s hands through life, they must learn to walk, talk, learn and work on their own. We can however provide the guidance to help them learn the skills they need to adapt to challenging situations, and avoidance isn’t one of them. On the monkey bars at our local playground, some parents spot their children as they climb to the top and other parents don’t let their children go to the top.
For children to find their full potential and capability, the doors of opportunity must be there, the challenge for the parent is trying to ensure a level of safety at the same time. It’s a fine line. But if we want our children to be able to choose the “right” path rather than the easy path, they must have experience doing so.
Supportive words and active listening show you care and you believe in them. Sending the message that “I know you can do this” can help them feel confident as they spread their wings. And if they are to be happy and successful in this fast paced world, they must be able to try, learn and apply their newfound knowledge over and over again. They can't learn to solve problems if they are never given the chance.
When it comes to kids and money, it's no different. They need to experience using it, saving with it, giving it, earning it. They will learn if supported and given the opportunity.
photo by Tameel Temusk @ flickr