Need something to do with your kids at home this summer? Want to use the time together in a low-key constructive way that’s actually kind of fun? Teach them some basic life skills at How to Be a Person Camp! Whether it’s tying their shoes, or learning to make scrambled eggs, or even how to pay with a card, you can find easy, age-appropriate ways to help kids become a bit more independent. If you’ve got a posterboard, some marker, and a little time and patience, you can do this!
**Check out Emily’s list of How to Be a Person Camp on the show notes for this episode! http://emilyley.com/podcast
SKILLS TO TEACH DURING HOW TO BE A PERSON CAMP
Number 1: PERSONAL CARE
- How to brush and floss your teeth well.
- How to wash and blow dry your hair.
- How to braid hair.
- How to clean and trim your nails.
- How to choose an outfit.
- How to tie your shoes.
- How to do a load of laundry.
- How to load and empty the dishwasher.
- How to make a sandwich.
- How to make scrambled eggs.
- How to make noodles (for pasta!).
Number 3: LIFE SKILLS
- Memorize your SSN.
- How to sign your name.
- How to wrap a gift.
- How (and when!) to write a thank-you note.
- How to address an envelope.
- How to politely order at a restaurant.
- How to practice simple first-aid.
- How to pay with a debit card.
-
How to safely use a knife.
Number 4: FUN STUFF
- How to do the electric slide.
BONUS
When I talked about How to Be a Person Camp on my socials last year, I got hundreds of comments about times others were going to add to their lists, and they are some really good ones. Here are a few things y’all said you were teaching your kids:
In the House and Cleaning category, you were teaching your kids . . .
- How to clean a bathroom
- How to plunge a toilet
- How to dust
- How to make pancakes
-
How to sew a button
In the Life Admin category, you were show kids . . .
- How to schedule a doctor’s appointment
- How to check a smoke detector
- How to check your car’s oil and tire pressure
- How to wash and vacuum a car
- How to pack for a trip
- How to care for a pet
- How to calculate the tip at a restaurant
-
How to order a pizza
Something you guys really came through on were the suggestions for how to help kids with social and interpersonal skills, like . . .
- How to introduce yourself
- How to be a questions asker
- How to talk on the phone
- How to leave a voicemail
- How to be a good host
- How to take a compliment
-
How to hold open the door for someone
Last but not least, you guys said that kids need to learn how to shuffle a deck of cards (and I agree!).
A Blessing for Your Week
I see you, Mama.
I see the way you’re caring for your kids,
I see you getting them ready to stretch their little wings.
I see your patience as you watch them test their strength,
As they wobble and flop, then get up and try again.
One day, they’re going to be ready to leave the nest.
And while you get them ready to leave,
My prayer is that your words rest on their hearts.
May your own heart be filled with the peace of knowing you’ve done such good work,
And that you’re a wonderful mama.
Simplicity Tip of the Week
If you have older kids and feel like you need a few more ideas on what life skills to teach them, you’ve got to check out the “Dad, How Do I?” channel on YouTube.
Oh my gosh, you guys. The man who runs this channel, Rob Kenney, is just a gem. His nickname is “The Internet’s Dad” and I can see why. He teaches all kinds of things, like how to tie a tie, how to shave, how to wash your car, and how to unclog a bathtub drain—things that dads often teach their kids. He is so kind and generous, and the comments are so touching. It’s just a wonderful page if you want to show your kids a nice, safe place to learn how to do basic life stuff.
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