Have you thought about how to use the holiday season to teach your child life-long skills?! Critical thinking, problem solving, culinary techniques, money management, decision making, communication, leadership, empathy, and SO much more can be learned by involving your child in your holiday endeavors! We want our children to grow up with all of these qualities. Let’s put in the work to get them there! Here are some ideas on how to do that:
• Involve your child in recipe choices, baking, cooking, and serving: Teach basic culinary skills and etiquette. If you don’t know, learn together! You can even turn it into a service project by baking for gifts! These activities encourage culinary expertise, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
• Include your child in your holiday shopping: Make a budget, shop off the grocery add, or learn how to write checks! These activities encourage money management, decision making, and critical thinking skills.
• Use this season to serve others: Create a family service project by finding a way to give to your local food bank, adopt an Angel Tree recipient, or send cards to your local nursing home. These activities encourage communication, leadership skills, and empathy.
If you have questions about more ways to encourage life skills within your home, please contact your local County Extension Agent for Family and Community Health, Kendra Callahan (806) 485-9135.