Teaching Kids Independent Living Skills

Chores

• No one likes chores, but the responsibilities that come along with them teach children basic domestic skills that are essential to their eventual ability to live independently. In addition, completing chores adds to a child̵7;s sense of self-reliance, self-discipline and confidence, which contribute to healthy and successful independent living. Start early by showing -- and then requiring -- toddlers and preschoolers to pick up after themselves by putting toys away, throwing trash into the garbage can and throwing dirty clothes into the hamper before bed each night. As children grow, increase responsibilities according to ability levels. Don̵7;t expect a 6-year-old to mow the lawn, but do enlist his help in raking leaves or gathering twigs around the yard. Distribute household tasks such as vacuuming, laundry and sanitizing among older kids to promote domestic skills and competency in home organization and upkeep.

Meals

• The ability to prepare meals, feed oneself and make nutritious food choices is essential to healthy, independent living. Encourage your toddler to use utensils on her own during mealtimes, and get your preschooler involved in food preparation with simple tasks such as combining and mixing simple ingredients. Once your child is in elementary school, encourage her to prepare her own simple meals and snacks, such as sandwiches or cheese-and-cracker platters. Children learn by doing, but it is important to show them how to properly and safely use kitchen equipment and prepare food items to avoid accidents or kitchen dangers. Encourage adolescents and young adults to prepare a family dinner once a week, or make it a group effort and assign everyone a different task in meal preparation. Talk to children about ingredients and food items as you cook and prepare meals together to promote an awareness of nutrition and healthy eating decisions. Read labels together to teach kids what ingredients to look for and which food products to avoid.

Personal Care

• While it may be easier and quicker for you to help your young child get ready for school in the morning, giving him the opportunity to complete daily personal tasks on his own will teach him independence, confidence and self-esteem. Use a daily routine chart to help young kids keep track of tasks, such as making the bed, getting dressed and brushing teeth. Supervise activities at first to ensure they are properly executed, and offer assistance only after your child has made a solid attempt to complete the task -- as with tying shoe laces, for example.

Safety

• Safety is critical to the well-being of anyone who lives independently, regardless of age, gender or ability. Foster and promote safety awareness in your home now, so that your children will follow the same safety measures and precautions in their own homes someday. Let your child assist as you replace fire alarm detector batteries, replenish the first-aid kit with fresh materials and lock all the windows and doors before bed each night. Hold regular fire drills and draft an emergency action plan together as a family so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.