In today’s competitive world, awareness of life skills is essential to meet everyday needs, challenges and demands of life. Possession of such vital knowledge is not only necessary for adults but should also be imparted to kids from an early age. Alongside providing the kids necessary tools to deal with life issues, these skills further empowers them to make well-informed decisions that have long-term implications.
In this modern age, commonly referred as ‘Conceptual Era, there are a few life traits that deem absolute importance, especially for kids. Both parents and teachers must focus on imparting such critical life skill training to make success E.A.S.I.E.R for the kids.
E.A.S.I.E.R life skill training, developed by utilising the latest neuro-scientific methods can be elaborated as:
Emotional Wellness: Today, kids need to be taught to first identify and then overcome negative emotions (such as anxiety, sadness and anger) effectively. Further, children must also be guided to not let such damaging thoughts overpower them; rather have the access to handy life skills that allow them to positively deal with such ordinary situations.
Adaptability: Rejection and repudiation are a part-and-parcel of everyone’s life. Therefore, amidst our ever-evolving, fast-paced world, kids must learn how to navigate, adjust and adapt their skills according to the changing environment. Alongside textbook knowledge, this life skill wisdom is what actually helps kids deal with unexpected situations and emerge stronger than ever.
Social Leadership: As the world has grown more interconnected and interdependent, children must inculcate the ability to master diverse modes of communication, collaboration as well as public speaking. Effective teaching of such leadership skills enables kids to effortlessly achieve their life goals whilst emerging as young leaders of tomorrow.
Innovation: Generally, kids are curious by nature and rather than rebuffing them, guardians must encourage this tendency. It can be achieved by instilling kids with the right life skills that inspire them to apply curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Therefore, it is imperative that, from an early age, kids are taught the concepts of innovation and creativity which will help them pave their path to success.
Ethics: All ingenious leaders have one common yet defining quality – a strong sense of ethics. So, to warranty success in the 21st century, kids must be facilitated in building a strong sense of character, identity, empathy and integrity. These qualities not only inculcate morals in kids but also aid them to make well-informed, conscientious decisions regarding their future.
Resiliency: Life has its own share of opportunities and obstacles. So, guardians must teach children to appreciate the highs and learn from the challenges in life. Thus, kids must have access to life skills that teach them how to overcome obstacles, learn from past mistakes and bounce back with renewed strength.
Dramatic changes in global as well as local circumstances have shed light on the inability of most adults to effectively cope with trials and tribulations in life. This has further reinstated the need of imparting life skill training to kids from an early age. Therefore, parents must ensure that their young kids have easy access to life skill training; here are a few reasons stating why:
– It helps kids develop self-confidence and provide tools to deal with significant life challenges, such as bullying and intolerance.
– It gives children a voice at school, in their community and therefore, in the world.
– It enables them to assert their rights and understand their responsibilities, while preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of adulthood.
– It helps kids develop positive attitude towards themselves and others.
– It brings about meaningful interaction among learners, teachers and also the community.
Today, life skill training for kids is not just another trend, but a real need of the hour. It stands as a pillar to support you in every step of the success ladder that a kid climbs. There is a pressing need to teach kids the essential tools of life that will help them emerge as successful leaders and pioneers of the future.
Dolphin POD – a world class-learning centre that provides a fun, interactive and inspiring education – seeks to address the life skills training needs of today’s children. By utilising the latest neuro scientific methods for Innovation, Social Leadership and Wellness, Dolphin POD teaches the key 21st century skills of Consciousness Quotient (CQ) – Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking and Contribution.
These skills are the building blocks for a happy, strong, healthy and meaningful life. Through real world experiential learning, Dolphin POD develops a child’s Emotional Wellness, Adaptability, Social Skills, Innovation, Ethics and Resiliency. It follows research based methods designed to make children smarter, happier, healthier, and better equipped to navigate the ever changing waters of our fast paced, ultra-competitive and socially connected modern world.
The author is Shobana Mahansaria, co-founder, Dolphin POD (http://www.dolphinpod.com/).