Do you know how to be a person? š³
Life Skills Curriculum and Programs for Kids (and their parents too!)
Life Skills was never a topic I intended to write about until I starting receiving consistent feedback on the curriculum wizard on Modulo and that it was one of the most common subjects parents wanted curriculum for.
Intriguingly, itās also one of the few areas that most parents feel comfortable taking ownership over - rather then feeling like they have to relegate it to someone at a school who they think knows better.
But, hold on a secā¦
How do you teach your kid āLife Skillsā if you donāt feel like you have life skills yourself?ā¦
Many parents express that itās challenging to teach their children life skills when they feel theyāve never learned them in their own childhoods, due to trauma, neglect or simply as a result of navigating the complexity of this ever changing world. So, weāll also explore the best books recommended by homeschooling parents on acquiring those skills you want to help develop in your children. There is no one right way to live, but these books can help as learn to provide and care for ourselves better - as well as how to interact productively with our community.
In this post we'll discuss Maria Montessoriās framework for learning Practical Life skills, the best Life Skills programs for kids, strategies for teaching life skills, as well as books, podcast episodes and other programs for parents and grownups that can help you to teach Life skills to your kids, and learn them yourself.Ā
If you are interested in learning specifically about financial literacy programs for kids, check out this post dedicated to the topic.
Outline of this post
Each resource we recommend is accompanied by a more in-depth review on Modulo which you can read by following the link.
Best Life Skills Programs for Kids
For the whole family
For grownups who need to put on their own oxygen mask before assisting their child
Parenting Resources with a Life Skills focus
1. Maria Montessori Practical Life Framework
For families looking to integrate Life Skills into daily life, the Montessori method for teaching Life Skills may be a good place to start. Montessori education emphasizes practical life skills as a core component, fostering independence, coordination, concentration, and responsibility in children. These skills, divided into care of self, care of the environment, grace and courtesy, and control of movement, build a foundation for both academic and personal growth. For infants (0-3 years), activities focus on motor skill development and basic self-care. Early childhood (3-6 years) involves refining these skills with tasks like dressing and polite manners. Lower elementary (6-9 years) children handle more complex responsibilities and social skills, while upper elementary (9-12 years) students manage time, household tasks, and community involvement. Integrating these activities at home involves creating a supportive environment with age-appropriate tools and structured routines, promoting a comprehensive, child-centered approach to learning. To learn more about the Montessori approach to teaching Practical Life, see our blog on this topic.
š 2. The Best Life Skills Programs for Kids
Curiosity Untamed
Curiosity Untamed, founded by Kerry Cordy in 2007, evolved from her passion for scouting and homeschooling. Initially known as Frontier Girls, the program was designed to combine traditional scouting values with a flexible, engaging educational framework. Quest Clubs, another program by Cordy, offers a customizable, co-ed or single-gender option for groups to design their own clubs reflecting their unique beliefs and goals. Curiosity Untamed offers thousands of badges across various subjects, encouraging hands-on learning and curiosity-driven exploration for all ages. Parents appreciate its adaptability, allowing children to work on the same badges at their own levels, fostering family involvement and independent learning. Curiosity Untamed's membership costs $9.99 per month or $69.99 annually, with additional costs for physical badges available as pins or magnets, avoiding the need for sewingā. Read the full review here.
How to Be a Person: 65 Hugely Useful, Super-Important Skills to Learn before You're Grown Up
"How to Be a Person: 65 Hugely Useful, Super-Important Skills to Learn before You're Grown Up" is a practical and entertaining guide written by Catherine Newman. Newman, a parenting writer and etiquette columnist, created this book to teach essential life skills to children in a fun and engaging way. The book is aimed at kids aged 10-14 and includes a variety of skills such as loading a dishwasher, making a bed, and communicating effectively, all presented in a graphic novel style. Parents appreciate the book for its humorous approach and practical advice, which helps children become more independent and responsible. The paperback version costs $16.99, and the eBook is available for $11.99. Read the full review here.
Life Skills Every (6-13) Year Old Should Know Series
The "Life Skills Every ___ Year Old Should Know" series, authored by Hayden Fox, aims to fill the gap in traditional education by equipping children aged 6 to 13 with essential life skills. Fox, an experienced educator, designed the series to offer practical, age-appropriate lessons tailored to each specific age group. The books focus on emotional intelligence, communication, problem-solving, time management, financial literacy, safety, and social skills, delivered through fun, engaging activities that require minimal preparation. Parents and educators praise the series for its effectiveness and ease of use, noting its ability to keep children engaged while teaching valuable life skills. Each book costs between $12 and $25 and is available on major online retailers like Amazon. Read the full review here.
The Action Hero's HandbookĀ
"The Action Hero's Handbook: How to Catch a Great White Shark, Perform the Vulcan Nerve Pinch, Track a Fugitive, and Dozens of Other TV and Movie Skills" by David Borgenicht and Joe Borgenicht is a humorous guide that teaches readers various action hero skills inspired by TV and movies, featuring real-life techniques from experts like FBI agents and stuntmen. David Borgenicht is known for his engaging writing style and expertise in survival guides, having authored numerous bestsellers including "The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook" series. Parents appreciate this book for its entertaining and adventurous approach to practical skills, making it suitable for readers of all ages. The book is priced at approximately $14.95. Read the full review here.
Dangerous and Daring Books for Girls and Boys
"The Dangerous Book for Boys" by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden, and its companion, "The Daring Book for Girls" by Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz, are designed to inspire children with a range of adventurous activities and practical skills. Conn Iggulden is a renowned author known for his historical novels and survival guides, while Buchanan and Peskowitz bring their diverse backgrounds in writing and education to the series. These books cover topics from building go-carts and performing science experiments to learning about influential women in history. They aim to instill a sense of resilience and independence in children aged 8-14. "The Dangerous Book for Boys" won the Book of the Year award at the 2007 Galaxy British Book Awards and costs around $25, while "The Daring Book for Girls" is similarly priced and praised for its engaging content and empowering messagesā.
Both books can be read and appreciated by any gender or none.
For the whole family
Dad, how do I?Ā
Rob Kenney, the creator of the YouTube channel "Dad, How Do I?", is a Seattle-based man who grew up without a father figure. Inspired by his own experiences, Kenney started the channel in April 2020 to provide practical advice and tutorials for people who may not have a father figure to teach them essential life skills. Prior to starting his YouTube channel, Kenney worked in sales and management roles in the printing and packaging industry. His career background and personal experiences have equipped him with a diverse skill set that he shares with his viewers. The channel covers a wide range of topics, including basic home maintenance, personal grooming, car repairs, and general everyday tasks. Viewers appreciate Kenney's calm, patient teaching style and the heartwarming intention behind his content, which aims to fill the gap for those who lack parental guidance in learning essential life skills. The channel has gained a substantial following for its valuable, easy-to-follow advice and supportive community atmosphere. Read the full review here.
Home Ec for Everyone: Practical Life Skills in 118 Projects
"Home Ec for Everyone: Practical Life Skills in 118 Projects" by Sharon Bowers and David Bowers is a comprehensive guide that teaches essential life skills through practical, hands-on projects. Sharon Bowers, known for her books "Ghoulish Goodies" and "Candy Construction," and David Bowers, author of "Dad's Own Guide to Housekeeping," bring their expertise in DIY and home improvement to this book. It covers a wide range of topics such as cooking, cleaning, sewing, and basic home maintenance, presented with clear, step-by-step instructions and helpful graphics. It is intended for adults and young adults who want to be more self-sufficient at home, making it easy for them to learn and apply these skills independently. Parents appreciate its practicality and user-friendly approach, with the book priced at around $9.99 on Amazonā. Read the full review here.
š¤æ For grownups who need to put on their own oxygen mask before assisting their child
Adulting Made Easy: Things Someone Should Have Told You About Getting Your Grown-Up Act Together
"Adulting Made Easy: Things Someone Should Have Told You About Getting Your Grown-Up Act Together" by Amanda Morin is a practical guide designed to help young adults navigate the complexities of adulthood. Morin, an expert in education and a prolific writer on parenting and education topics, brings her extensive knowledge to this book. It covers essential life skills such as managing finances, maintaining a home, and effective communication. Readers appreciate its straightforward, relatable advice and real-world applications. The book is praised for making adult responsibilities approachable and is priced around $16.95 on Amazon. Read the full review here.
An Adult Child's Guide to What's 'Normal'
"An Adult Child's Guide to What's 'Normal'" by John Friel and Linda D. Friel provides insights into overcoming the challenges faced by adult children of dysfunctional families. Both authors are experienced psychotherapists specializing in family and relationship therapy, which lends credibility to their advice. This guide helps readers understand and navigate their emotional and psychological issues stemming from childhood. It is particularly valued for its compassionate and clear guidance on achieving emotional health and normalcy. The book typically costs around $12.30 on Amazon. Read the full review here.
š³ Parenting Resources with a Life Skills focus
š Books
How to Raise an Adult
"How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success" by Julie Lythcott-Haims offers a critical look at modern parenting practices. Lythcott-Haims, a former Stanford dean and an advocate for childrenās and young adultsā rights, uses her experience to argue against overparenting and promote self-sufficiency in children. The book provides practical strategies to help parents foster independence and resilience in their kids. It has been well-received for its compelling narrative and actionable advice. It is available for approximately $10.25 on Amazon and has received numerous accolades, including being a New York Times bestseller. Read the full review here.
Hunt, Gather, ParentĀ
"Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans" by Michaeleen Doucleff combines modern science with traditional parenting wisdom. Doucleff, a global health correspondent for NPR, draws on her journalistic expertise to explore parenting practices from various cultures around the world. The book is lauded for its engaging storytelling and practical parenting tips that emphasize autonomy and emotional intelligence. It resonates with parents seeking alternative methods to modern parenting challenges. "Hunt, Gather, Parent" is a New York Times bestseller and is priced around $12ā. Read the full review here.
š§ Podcast
Life Kit: Parenting Podcast
Life Kit Parenting is a podcast series from NPR that offers practical advice and actionable tips for navigating the complexities of raising children. Hosted by a rotating team of NPR journalists, the podcast covers a wide range of topics relevant to modern parenting, such as managing screen time, encouraging healthy eating habits, fostering emotional intelligence, and creating a positive family dynamic. Each episode features insights from experts, including psychologists, educators, and experienced parents, and is designed to provide listeners with easy-to-implement strategies to improve their parenting skills. The podcast is praised for its evidence-based approach, engaging storytelling, and supportive tone, making it a valuable resource for parents seeking guidance on raising well-rounded, resilient children. Read the full review here.
Podcast Episodes
Are We Raising Unhelpful, Bossy Kids? Hereās the Fix
In the podcast episode "Are We Raising Unhelpful, Bossy Kids? Here's The Fix," Michaeleen Doucleff explores how parents can raise helpful and cooperative children by examining practices from various cultures around the world. The episode highlights a study by psychologist Lucia Alcala, who used a model grocery store to observe how siblings collaborate and help each other. Doucleff shares insights from her book "Hunt, Gather, Parent," discussing how many cultures successfully instill a sense of helpfulness in children from a young age through inclusive and cooperative practices. The episode suggests that allowing young children to participate in tasks, even if they are not initially competent, fosters long-term helpfulness and cooperation. This episode is appreciated for its practical advice and cultural insights on improving parenting practices? Here's The Fix. Read the full review here.
Raising Kids Who Help With Chores on Apple Podcasts
The podcast episode "Raising Kids Who Help With Chores," part of NPR's Life Kit series, is also hosted by journalist Michaeleen Doucleff. The episode delves into strategies for encouraging children to participate in household chores, emphasizing the importance of starting young and integrating chores into daily routines to foster a sense of responsibility and cooperation. Experts on the show highlight making chores a fun and integral part of family life rather than a burdensome task. Parents appreciate this episode for its actionable tips and positive approach to involving children in household responsibilities, which helps develop their independence and work ethic from an early age. Read the full review here.
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Manisha! You got a new fan! Thank you so much for relaying so much info and in an organized way that so digestible visually.
I love to see other teachers use their skills, passion and abilities to really help and serve others outside of the traditional ways of what our industry asks us to (current language teacher / entrepreneur here).
Like we have to get away from the traditional and find ways to use our power in new ways that maybe were just unclear to us. I just subscribed!
Thank you. You cram so much valuable information into your substacks!
Yesterday I was reading an article on the mental health crisis in the Z generation. I think your approach to learning offers many solutions.
I was a music teacher for 4 years, first in Dubai, then Cambodia. Working in these environments taught me tbe value of innovation in teaching models. My experience with these Z-gen students is, they are so bored with the standard curricula. Yes, they can Ace all their exams, but it gives them nothing back. In Cambodia I learnt about UbD which is a modular approach.