The WM Parenting Connection

Every youngster can benefit from added knowledge, and more often than not these skills are not taught formally within the classroom. Teaching life skills need not be limited to pure theory, and there are many practical lessons that can be learned in the home.

1. Start a vegetable patch
What better way of teaching about the seasonality of produce than getting the kids to plant some seed potatoes, and seeing their amazement as the fully-developed tubers emerge from the ground? Working with the soil will allow children to appreciate where their food comes from, and the processes that go into growing it. They will see the processes of decay and fertilization, the worms at work aerating the soil, and pollination creating new plants. More importantly, they will have their hands in the soil and learn that it requires a lot of care and attention. They will develop a sense of responsibility from being given a small plot to work with and entrusted with its care.

Children will learn to use tools and rely on their own labour to achieve tasks. There are child-sized tools available for smaller hands, along with gloves to protect them. Cabbage, pea and root crop seeds will produce robust, easily-maintained plants and give a good yield. In time, the children can appreciate the results of their labours.

2. Get them involved in the kitchen from early on
Once they have contributed to the production of their own food, this knowledge can be further developed in the kitchen. Kitchen skills are helping children to appreciate the sourcing of food beyond the supermarket, it is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate how to prepare and preserve foodstuffs. Pickle Jars, jam making equipment, and child-friendly baking accessories can help children to develop skills that will serve them across a whole lifetime.

Baking, jam-making and turning flat sheets of pasta into ribbons using a machine are all great ways of allowing children to participate in the production process and appreciate the results. Timing, food safety and proper hygiene are all great skills that can set children up for a lifetime of self-sufficiency.

More importantly, the chance to experience so many flavours will help them develop a broader appreciation of different cuisines, and their palates will benefit. For those who remember the youthful pleasures of scooping out the remains of the mixing bowl, this can enthrall a whole new generation.

Guest Post: Fun Activities that will teach your kids a life skill