Raising Future Ready Kids: Essential Life Skills Every Kid Should Learn

Can we talk about this parenting thing for a sec? I know, I know, we're all just winging it most of the time, right? But lately, I've been having this major woke moment. Like, seriously woke.

I remember when my ex-boss (previous, previous ex-boss, not current one 🙄) asked us what life skills our kids need to succeed in the real world. He said communication is the most important one. At the time, I didn't think much more about it. But now, looking back, I think he might have been on to something.

I’ve always been that kind of mom who spoils her kids a bit. Don’t judge me! I work hard, and I want to give them the best. But lately, with my brain being a little free (as in, not occupied with work stress), I’ve been thinking about what they really need to thrive.

Time really flies, doesn't it? It feels like just yesterday I was bringing home my little bundle of joy, Adam. Now he’s in Standard 5. Iman is following close behind in Standard 4, and little Fateh is already in standard 2. Can you believe it? Next year, even Yusuf will be starting primary school too. Watching them grow and learn is both incredibly rewarding and terrifying at the same time.

Just last week, Yusuf had a little setback. He was sad because he got a question wrong in class. His initial reaction was to pretend to go to the toilet because he wanted to cry. As a mom, it broke my heart to see him feeling so down.😢 But it also reminded me of how important it is to equip our kids with the right tools to handle these situations.

I told him it was okay to feel upset, but that mistakes are a normal part of learning. We talked about how even grown-ups make mistakes, and how important it is to learn from them. I want to foster a growth mindset in him, where challenges are seen as opportunities to grow stronger.

This experience made me realize how important it is to raise kids who are emotionally intelligent, resilient, and good communicators. And I need to create a safe space for my kids to share their feelings without fear of judgment.

I've come up with a few things:

1. Religion and Faith: Now, I'm not saying we need to force-feed our kids religion, but having some kind of faith or belief system can be a solid foundation. It’s like having a built-in moral compass, kan? It’s about teaching them values like kindness, empathy, and respect. It's about giving them a sense of purpose and something to hold onto during tough times.
2. Financial Know-How💰: This one's a no-brainer. I mean, we can't protect our kids from the world forever. Teaching them about money, saving, and investing is like giving them a superpower. It’s not just about teaching them how to manage their allowance, but understanding the value of money, making smart choices, and setting financial goals. Imagine our kids growing up to be financially independent and savvy? That’s a win!
3. Business skills: Okay, hear me out. I'm not saying we're aiming for the next Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Ma ke or anything. But understanding the basics of business can be a game-changer. It's about problem-solving, creativity, and resilience - skills that are gold in any field. We can start small, like teaching them how to run ice cream Malaysia or selling stuff. It’s about instilling that entrepreneurial spirit, right?

But wait, there’s more, I think it's equally important to nurture these skills:

5. Communication: Remember what our ex-boss said? Talking is key! We need to encourage our kids to express themselves clearly and confidently. Let’s help them develop strong communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal.
6. Emotional Intelligence: Being able to understand and manage emotions is a superpower. Let's teach our kids to identify their feelings, express them healthily, and build empathy.
7. Critical Thinking: We want our kids to be independent thinkers, right? Let’s encourage them to question everything, analyze information, and form their own opinions.
8. Adaptability: The world is changing rapidly, and we need to prepare our kids for it. Let's foster a love for learning and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
9. Humility and Curiosity❤️: And let's not forget about humility and curiosity. Humble. We want to raise kids who are confident but not arrogant, open to new ideas, and always eager to learn. Teaching them to embrace challenges, ask questions, and seek out different perspectives will set them up for success.

It's a lot to think about, right? And of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But I believe that by focusing on these areas, we can equip our kids with the tools they need to succeed in life. Plus, they will be men someday. As the Godfather famously said, "A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man." It's about raising responsible, compassionate, and capable individuals who can contribute positively to society.

I'm curious, what do you think? Are there any other life skills you're focusing on with your kids? Let's chat!

P.S: I'm still figuring this whole parenting thing out, so please be gentle with me. 😂