Life Skills

Navigating to a Familiar Store Alone (Within Sight at First): Building Independence in Children

Last Wednesday, my 8-year-old asked if she could walk to the corner store to buy a candy bar. It was only 3 blocks away, and we’d walked there together dozens of times. Instead of automatically saying no, I paused and remembered our family’s commitment to the Life-Ready approach. I told her she could go, but I’d follow at a distance to make sure she was safe. The look of excitement and nervousness on her face told me we had a perfect opportunity to practice independence in a low-stakes environment. ...

Lighting a Match Safely Under Supervision: Building Fire Safety Competence in Children

Last Thursday, my 7-year-old was helping me light candles for a birthday party. As I struck a match, she watched with fascination. “Can I try?” she asked with wide eyes. Instead of automatically saying no, I paused and remembered our family’s commitment to the Life-Ready approach. I carefully guided her hand as she struck her first match under close supervision. The look of concentration and accomplishment on her face told me we had a perfect opportunity to practice real-life fire safety skills in a controlled, low-stakes environment. ...

Using a Real Knife to Chop Soft Vegetables (Age 5+): Building Practical Life Skills in Children

Last Tuesday, my 6-year-old stood at the kitchen counter watching me chop carrots for dinner. “Can I help?” she asked, reaching for the knife. Instead of automatically saying no, I paused and remembered our family’s commitment to the Life-Ready approach. I handed her a small, sharp knife and guided her hands as she carefully sliced a soft tomato. The look of concentration and pride on her face told me we had a perfect opportunity to practice real-life kitchen skills in a low-stakes environment. ...