Learning Life Skills
Well, friends, this week ends the Sullivan Birthday Season as it is referred to in our home every year. My four children each have birthdays, one a month, for four months straight. As we approach this final week of June, not only is it the last of the birthdays for the year, but it marks my baby girl turning thirteen.
Alice’s Tea Cup, New York City
In a way, she seems so much more mature than thirteen and yet I look at her pictures as a red-haired five year old and am quickly reminded that I get to walk with her through an entirely new phase of womanhood. Gulp.
Each of our conversations is approaching a new depth, some comfortable and some less so.
Each of our days are spent with a little less time together, as she gains greater independence.
Each of our evenings are stretching further into the night with reading lamps illuminating turned pages.
Magnolia Beach, Texas
As a new mom, I had elaborate goals of scrap booking a birthday album for each child. While file folders filled with themed invitations and special cards still designate each year, I decided early on that what seemed more manageable was to keep a journal for each one of them.
Now, as each child’s birthday rounds the calendar, I set aside time to write in their personalized pages about that past year of growth; I share their favorite songs, games, sports, activities and trips. I document a favorite saying or a memorable moment from that year. I remind them how fortunate I am to be their mom and why. I pray it will be an equal blessing for them in their grown years.
What struck me this week as I embark into the teenage years, is that my mind is beginning to gravitate less on the past and is focusing more on the future. How many more years do I have with this child under my roof? What kinds of things do I want to make sure to instill before he/she launches into the world?
In that light, and in celebration of completing our 13th birthday season as a family, I have created a free resource for you. Adapted from What Every Child Should Know Along the Way by Gail Martin, this LIFE SKILLS WORKSHEET, organized by age, is a tool to help you and me, as we begin to think about the preparation to launch our children well.
Understandably, each child will develop differently and will be ready for more responsibility at various ages. Therefore, I have grouped together the following ages to more appropriately allow for wiggle room in development. In the worksheet packet you will receive the life skills pages:
Ages 2-5
Ages 6-9
Ages 10-12
Ages 13-16
Ages 16+
Each page provides a jumping off point for life skills to focus on with your child. There is also ample space below each section to add in your “own” areas of development that you desire for your family. For example, there are spiritual areas you may want to add. There may be skills that are unique to a family business or the community that you live in. You may want to be more specific with technology, etc.
The great news, is that these worksheets can be tailored for you in the additional space given.
In our home, we like to refer to these life skill milestones as privileges. When we enter into a new year of their life, I like to ask a question like, “What do you think a 6 year old gets to do that a 5 year old doesn’t?” or “Now that you are 10, do you know what you get to start owning?” See how that works?
In approaching each life stage as a gift, it allows their posture to view responsibility as the privilege that it is and to foster excitement in learning.
I’m excited for you to try it for your family and see how it goes!
My hope is that no matter what, each season with your child brings you to a place of intentionality and provides you with an opportunity to invest in a meaningful way.
Prayers to that end!
Click HERE to download this FREE LIFE SKILLS WORKSHEET.