Are you feeling overwhelmed and anxious because your children are not attending school, daycare, or any structured learning environment? You’re definitely not the only one.
As we juggle multiple roles—employee, educator, and parent—many of us are experiencing burnout. A friend of mine, an experienced teacher with a couple of preteens, has reported receiving numerous frantic emails from parents expressing fears about not measuring up, still being on chapter 5 of their child’s curriculum, and feeling utterly drained from trying to teach while managing work and financial stress.
It’s crucial for parents to ease up on themselves. The lessons your children are absorbing during these challenging times may be some of the most impactful skills they’ll ever learn—lessons that traditional classrooms often overlook. We’re talking about essential life skills, commonly referred to as “soft skills.”
What are Soft Skills?
This term, often used in the corporate world, encompasses abilities like effective communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. While hard skills—technical know-how—are important, they can be acquired over time. In contrast, soft skills are nurtured through experiences and real-life challenges.
Think back: Do you recall the intricacies of 9th-grade algebra, or do you remember the teacher who imparted lessons on empathy and self-worth? Did a history lesson stick with you, or was it a life lesson learned during recess? These soft skills are the foundation of character, leadership, and humanity.
The Need for Soft Skills
Interestingly, one of Stanford University’s most popular courses is focused on teaching soft skills. Dubbed the “touchy-feely” class, it’s in high demand among students. With a growing emphasis on hard skills, we’re seeing an alarming decline in the mental and emotional well-being of children. Research shows that one in three adolescents will face an anxiety disorder, and 63% of college students report feeling overwhelming anxiety.
That’s why it’s more vital than ever for children to cultivate soft skills—not only for future success but for effectively managing their mental health and improving communication skills. And right now is the perfect opportunity to foster these skills.
Ways Kids Learn Soft Skills
The most effective ways to teach children these invaluable skills are through role-modeling and personal experience. Children naturally imitate what they observe. They absorb the reactions, communication styles, and problem-solving approaches of those around them—especially their parents.
Moreover, it’s essential for kids to navigate certain uncomfortable situations independently to truly learn the life lessons behind those experiences.
Instead of stressing over completing a textbook chapter, recognize that you are already imparting some of the most crucial life lessons during this time—just by being present with your children. Engaging in everyday conversations and activities allows you to be their greatest teacher.
Ten Essential Life Skills Your Children Are Learning During the Pandemic
- Conflict Resolution: As families spend extended time together, disagreements will inevitably arise. Use these moments to teach the importance of resolving conflicts, apologizing, and forgiving.
- Compromise and Negotiation: With increased screen time, you can set limits that encourage negotiations. For instance, allow extra screen time if they complete a daily chore. This teaches flexibility and the value of compromise.
- Resiliency and Coping Skills: If anxiety surfaces, guide your child in coping methods like outdoor walks, discussing fears, or finding helpful apps. Encouraging coping strategies helps them manage their emotions better.
- Compassion and Empathy: Address feelings of missing loved ones by facilitating virtual calls or creating art for them. Explain the importance of social distancing for the safety of vulnerable family members.
- Creativity and Collaboration: Encourage brainstorming fun activities to make the most of their time at home, whether it’s games or collaborative projects. This nurtures critical thinking and teamwork.
- Emotional Intelligence: Promote discussions about feelings and validate their emotions. This process builds emotional awareness and resilience.
- Self-Awareness: When emotions run high, ask your child to reflect on their reactions. Help them identify coping mechanisms, fostering emotional growth and self-awareness.
- Mindfulness: Allow moments of boredom; it teaches children to be present and fosters creativity as they find ways to occupy themselves.
- Patience: As everyone yearns for normalcy, this situation is a collective lesson in patience for both parents and children.
- Growth Mindset and Curiosity: Encourage them to explore interests they’ve always wanted to pursue, whether it’s picking up an instrument or discovering new facts online. This cultivates a love for learning.
Recognizing these soft skills that your children are acquiring can alleviate some of the pressure you might feel about traditional learning methods. You’re equipping them with essential skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
To support your child’s development and maintain your own well-being during this period, keep in mind that practical learning often trumps structured education. Establishing a loose daily routine can help maintain some normalcy, as children thrive on predictability.
Aim to have one joint task each day, whether it’s gardening or organizing a room. Your children are experiencing profound emotional growth during this time. Don’t stress over lesson plans; instead, embrace the soft skills you’re imparting that will last a lifetime.
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Summary
Parents should prioritize teaching soft skills during the pandemic, as these lessons are crucial for children’s emotional and social development. Simple daily activities can effectively instill these skills, alleviating the pressure of formal education.