Home >  Information A-Z >  All Kids Information Articles >  Basic Life Stuff

Basic Life Stuff

It is very important to begin teaching your child at an early age how to do everyday mundane activities that can help them slide through life a lot easier. While, to parents who have been doing these things for many years, it may not be something you will even think about teaching your child, it is important that you do.
These may include such things as the following:

• Hammer use—for someone who has been using a hammer for a decade or two, this may not ever even cross their mind. But, it should be taught to a child because it is something they will use in everyday life for the rest of their life. Teach them how to hold it, the best angle to use, how to avoid hitting their thumb and fingers, etc. These are all important facts about hammer usage that a young child should be taught (around 5 or so, depending on whether you think your child is mature enough). This also applies to girls as well as boys.

• How to put gas in a car—since your child doesn't drive, you probably never think about having them put gas in the car. But, it is easy to continue to forget to teach your child this little detail, and you don't want your child to be the one who is out with friends when they are 15 and can't fill up the tank when their friend asks them to.

• How to air up a tire—obviously, this age group is a little too young to learn how to change a tire, but airing up a tire is simple. If your child is old enough to learn how to air their bike tire up, they can learn to air up a car tire.

• Screwdrivers—these are one of the most commonly-used household tools available, and it only makes sense that you teach your child the easiest and best way to properly use one (plus the many different names for different types such as four-way, all-way and Phillips, which all apply to the exact same screwdriver).

• Other small household tools—while hammers and screwdrivers are the most commonly used, and should therefore be the first things taught, there are many other basic household tools that your child should be taught to use at a fairly young age, such as wrenches.
• Anything else that your child should learn about how to handle things on their own—while you will obviously want to wait until your child is old enough to be able to understand and properly do what you teach them, you can let them watch you use these items long before they reach that age. These teachings should all apply to both boys and girls equally, and they should be given equal attention to be taught.

You can begin by letting your child watch you do all of these things, and since kids are like sponges and absorb nearly everything around them, you won't have to really do much teaching when you think they are ready to try some of these things on their own.

Instead, they will at least know how to go about it the first time, and you can just give them pointers and teach them the best methods to do certain things.
While all of this may seem extremely trivial now, it can help make very independent and self-reliant adults when they get older.

Copyright 2010. All educational materials are the sole property of Kid First Internet and are available for the benefit of our parents. Duplication or use of any material requires the express consent of Kids First Internet.



Browse information articles by category:

Babies
Toddlers
Kids
Health and Safety
Nutrition and Feeding
Bathing
Behavior and Discipline
Diapers and Potty Training
Playtime activities and toys
Clothing
Napping and Nighttime

View All Articles

Kids Bedding Information Center:

Nursery and Crib Safety
Allergy Information
Kids Bedding Gift Giving
Bedding Themes
Crib and Nursery Sizes
Typical Prices
Bedding Production
Cleaning
Materials and Fabrics
Boys Bedding and Girls Bedding

Kids and Baby Bedding Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best kids bedding brands? A look at some of the best kids bedding sets.

What comes in the different crib and nursery sets? Know exactly what you are ordering - before you order.

How do I choose the perfect kids bedding gift? Here are three simple rules for picking out a wonderful kids bedding or baby bedding set!

How can I create a safe nursery? A short article on safety and kids bedding and baby bedding.

How do I clean my kids bedding? Tips and directions to make your kids bedding set last forever.

How long does it take for my kids bedding purchase to arrive? Read about why it is important to order kids bedding several weeks in advance.

Why buy kids bedding or baby bedding online? Learn why we can offer the best prices on kids bedding.