Parenting Guide: How to Teach Life Skills to Small Children

Mother buttoning her son’s shirt while he brushes his hair.

In Montessori preschool, children master academic and practical life skills through hands-on activities that they direct, not their teachers. Whereas traditional schools focus on academics, Montessori schools find a balance between book smart and life smart in their curriculum’s philosophy. All the academic knowledge in the world won’t be enough for a child—or anyone for that matter—to navigate daily life.

Teaching your child self-esteem

An important part of practical life is having confidence in caring for yourself. If your child isn’t confident tying their shoes, feeding themselves, or getting ready for school, the negative self-esteem could build up. Self-esteem can be built up by oneself, but at a young age, your child will likely need outside validation. Help them learn how to tie their shoes and care for themselves, and cheer them on. Encourage them when they struggle, and when they finally succeed, congratulate them.

Teaching your child fine and gross motor skills

Humans use motor skills all the time. There are two key categories: gross and fine. Gross motor skills involve large muscles, such as legs, arms, and the torso. Fine motor skills involve the smaller muscles in the hands, such as those that control grip strength and finger movement. The latter requires more focus, as gross motor skills are easier to practice naturally if your child is in constant motion. 

To build fine motor skills, your child needs to practice using their fingers to make small movements. Hands-on preschool activities are vital to these skills. Tying knots, buttoning shirts, playing with putty, and other handsy activities are all great ways to build strength.

Teaching your child life skills through world interaction

With strong life skills, your child will have an easy time communicating, coordinating their limbs, and solving problems. In addition to learning these skills at their Montessori preschool or at home, they can develop skills “on the field.” In other words, they can build skills by exploring the world and developing skills as they need them. This doesn’t mean casting your child out to fend for themselves, rather supporting them as they learn new ways to think and move.

Using the Montessori method to teach your child life skills

Using Montessori preschool to teach your child life skills sets them on track for greater success in school and their personal lives. The Montessori method addresses a child’s entire development through a holistic array of activities. Children learn all the necessary components to starting their life with a strong foundation, from academic to practical skills. By giving your child a Montessori education, you give the gift of a strong, self-informed life.