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Life Skills
Point Your Preteen Toward Future Success
By Silvana Clark
The following are some activities to help your preteen gain important skills needed in everyday life situations.
Write a thank you letter.
Yes, an actual handwritten letter on real paper that goes inside an envelope. The average 11-year-old has no idea how to address an envelope. Employers say only 5 percent of job applicants write a thank you note after an interview. Your preteen isn't applying for a job, but they can learn the importance of writing a thank you letter. How about thanking a soccer coach, violin teacher or even a scout leader? Your child learns the mechanics of writing a letter, and the letter's recipient gets a pleasant handwritten surprise. Lean how to use the phone book.
What's the difference between the white and yellow pages? Sit down with your preteen and ask, "Let's say my skin breaks out in pimples. How would I find the phone number of a skin care doctor?" See if your child knows the term "dermatologist." What happens when your daughter looks up "doctor." (Doctors are usually listed under "physicians.") How do you find out if a local pizza parlor delivers pizzas? Does your son want a pair of high-priced tennis shoes? Have him look up the number of three athletic shoe stores and ask for the prices of his desired shoes. For some children, this can be a daunting task. Offer encouragement and praise. Think of others.
