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We all want to teach our kids important skills, but sometimes in the hustle and bustle of the school year it can be tough. Whether you homeschool or your kids are away from home most of the day, being home more in the summer can create the space to build some consistency.
The first thing we ever taught was how to unload the dishwasher. It took forever to teach it and there was not that kind of time in the morning before school. We did it as much as we could in the summer, and by the time school started, they could do it independently without supervision. Here are 10 skills to teach kids and teens this summer, depending on their age and ability levels.
10 Skills to Teach Kids This Summer
How to exercise
You don’t have to sign the family up for a fitness boot camp, but if you have older kids or teens, building a consistent exercise routine could be crucial to their long term health. There are tons of at-home options on YouTube, or you could get a summer membership at your local gym. You could help your teen find an easy running plan or simply go on a daily walk with your little kids. The goal is not to do a ton but rather to build a new habit!
How to create something
Depending on your kids’ interests, you can help them learn a new way to create something. Maybe they want to learn to do art with a new medium, or maybe learn to sew or embroider or carve wood. There are so many free resources online or at the library!
How to prepare a meal
Even very small children can help with aspects of cooking and baking. But if you have tweens and teens, you could set a goal for the summer of teaching them to prepare one whole meal from start to finish.
How to unload / load the dishwasher
Even if they’re too small to reach all the cabinets, younger kids can stack dishes on the counter and let teens or parents put them away. Once you have at least one kid learn this, you may never have to unload the dishwasher again!
How to do a load of laundry from start to finish
I’m of the opinion that tweens on up should be responsible for their own laundry. I knew too many peers in college who had never done laundry! Make sure you teach the whole task—starting the washer, remembering to move it to the dryer, and then folding and putting it away.
How to clean the bathroom
There are so many bathroom cleaning tasks for a variety of ages. Younger kids can clean mirrors, while older kids can learn how to scrub the bathtub. Buy chemical-free cleaners if you’re worried about exposing your kids.
How to grocery shop
You know I’m a big fan of smart shopping! You can teach young children about sales and coupons, and older kids can go with you as you explain why you choose to buy certain things over others. Teens can appreciate the hard work it is to plan meals and shop for a whole family!
How to get dressed
Once everyone in your family can dress themselves, it’s a game changer. The morning rush is not the time to do this, so use the summer to teach this skill.
How to brush their teeth
Depending on your dentist’s recommendation, your kids might be old enough to brush their teeth alone. If you’ve been brushing their teeth with no help from them, you can transition by having them brush first, then you come along after.
How to organize something
Knowing how to look at a mess or a bunch of different things and organize them is something that comes naturally to some, but it can also be taught! Maybe you need to clean out a closet or go through some winter clothes. Let your older child or teen help you so they can be introduced to how you think about getting things organized.
