As a parent, we want our kids to grow up to be capable and self-sufficient adults. One of the best ways to ensure that they can do that is by teaching them basic life skills at a young age. I currently have not one, but two 8-year-olds. And while it’s easy to think that they aren’t ready for such responsibilities, the truth is that kids are often more capable than we give them credit for. Let’s go over some essential life skills that kids should know by the age of 8. These skills will not only help them in their daily lives but also set them up for success as they grow older.
The Benefits of Life Skills for Kids
Learning life skills is beneficial to children in many ways. Firstly, it helps them develop a sense of independence and self-reliance as they learn to take care of themselves and their surroundings. This, in turn, boosts their self-esteem and confidence, which is important for their mental and emotional well-being. Secondly, mastering life skills helps children become more capable and responsible individuals, enabling them to navigate the world around them with greater ease and success. Finally, learning life skills at a young age sets a strong foundation for lifelong learning and growth, as children are more likely to continue building upon these skills as they grow older. All of these benefits make learning life skills an essential part of a child’s development and prepare them for a successful future.
- Thorne, Jamie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Skills Kids Should Know By 8
The following are life skills that most children can learn by age 8. Keep in mind that each child is different. Use your intuition as a parent to know what your child needs, but don’t be afraid to encourage them to try more difficult tasks.
Personal Hygiene–Personal hygiene is an essential skill that children should learn from an early age. By the time they are 8 years old, they should be able to brush their hair and teeth, take a bath or shower, and wear clean clothing. Teaching kids to maintain good personal hygiene will not only keep them healthy but also boost their self-esteem.
- Bodrieu, Mr Julien (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 🌞 Teach Children Healthy Habits — The Healthy Daily Habits Poster teaches kids the following 7 daily important hygiene practices: hair brushing, teeth brushing, keeping nails clean, bathing, handwashing, wearing clean clothes, and getting good sleep.
- 🌞 A Must Have — Our wonderfully illustrated kid’s hygiene chart is perfect for parents and guardians; daycare, preschool, and elementary school teachers; pediatricians; the school nurse’s office; Head Start programs; or for anyone involved in the care and education of children.
Getting Home Safely–Parents need to teach their kids how to navigate their surroundings and find their way home. Teach them about the local landmarks in your neighborhood so they can easily identify their way back home. If they get lost, teach them to ask for help from trusted people like police officers or store clerks.
Making Healthy Choices–By the age of 8, kids should have a basic understanding of nutrition and the importance of physical activity. They should know that they need to move their bodies and choose fruits and vegetables over sugary snacks and junk food.
- Rockwell, Lizzy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Days of the Week and Date–Teaching kids how to read a calendar and understand the days of the week is a simple yet important life skill. It helps them stay organized, manage their time better, and plan for future events.
- Well-designed Days of the Week, Months of the Year poster show days and months smartly. Laminated and trimmed in vivid color and perfect size anchor chart for home or classroom hanging use.
Showing Good Manners–Good manners are essential in building positive relationships and social skills. By the age of 8, kids should know how and when to say please and thank you, and also how to apologize when they make a mistake. We have this kids manners book, and it has been a fantastic way to help teach our kids good manners!
Feeding Pets–If you have pets at home, you should teach your children how to feed them properly. They should know how much food and water pets need, how often to feed them, and even where they should feed them. They should also know what pets can and can’t eat.
Basic Laundry Skills–By the age of 8, children should know how to fold laundry, use the washing machine and dryer, measure out detergent, and empty the lint trap between each load. They should also know that they can’t leave wet laundry in the washer.
- USED IN RETAIL STORES (but are also perfect for laundry!): EzPacking folding boards are used in retail stores to help workers fold tee shirts, long sleeves, dress shirts, and sweaters into neat piles for retail display; This shirt folding device can also be used at home to help fold laundry into neat piles for storage in drawers; While packing for a trip, use the folding boards to help you neatly pack clothing items into packing cubes or directly into a suitcase
- USED IN RETAIL STORES (but are also perfect for laundry!): EzPacking folding boards are used in retail stores to help workers fold tee shirts, long sleeves, dress shirts, and sweaters into neat piles for retail display; This shirt folding device can
Caring for Outdoor Toys–If your child has roller skates, skateboards, or bikes, they should know how to take care of them properly. They should also know when and how wear helmets and other protective gear and understand how to safely use the toys.
Basic First Aid–Teaching kids basic first aid skills like cleaning a wound and bandaging it is essential. They should also know how to call 911 or get help in case of an emergency.
Basic Sewing Skills–By the age of 8, kids should know how to hand stitch small tears, attach buttons, tie a knot, and do a basic stitch. These skills will come in handy when they need to fix their clothing or other items.
Keeping their Bedroom Clean–Even younger children can make their beds, but by age 8, children should be able to keep their bedrooms looking nice. They can help change sheets on their bed, keep laundry in the hamper, clean up trash, and put things away.
Taking out the Trash–Teaching kids how to take out the trash is an essential life skill that will help them keep their environment clean and organized. My eight year old’s can both take trash to the bin, and move the bin to the street when it’s time.
Counting and Making Change–By the age of 8, kids should understand the different types of money and how much they are worth.
Tips for teaching life skills
Teaching basic life skills to your kids by the age of 8 is an essential part of preparing them for adulthood. These skills will help your child develop self-confidence, independence, and responsibility while making them capable of navigating the world around them.
- Remember that every child is unique and will develop at their own pace. As a parent, it is your responsibility to be patient and understanding as your child learns and grows. You may want to add or remove certain skills based on your child’s interests, abilities, and personality.
- Make learning fun by turning everyday tasks into games or challenges. Also, be sure to praise your child for their efforts and accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.
Teaching your child basic life skills is an investment in their future. By providing them with the tools they need to succeed, you are setting them up for a lifetime of success and happiness. So start teaching your child these skills today and watch as they grow into confident, capable adults.
