Summer is the perfect time to catch up on practical (but fun) life skills for kids. See the ultimate list of fun activities for skills like mapping, cooking, communication, problem-solving, and more!
Every family dreams of finally reaching the Promised Land of summer holidays, don’t they?
All the sunshine, flexibility and fun…
But you know what? With all that free time, summer can be a perfect time to develop needed life skills, too.
During the school months, we fill our kids with head-knowledge…but now we have extra time to grow life knowledge.
Life skills are behaviours and thought processes – tools, really – that allows us to adapt to challenges, so we may thrive in life and be salt and light to the world.
Read on to discover fun activities that cultivate practical, as well as behavioural life skills your kids will enjoy.
practical life skills for kids
Pick one of the practical life skills below to start building up those handy abilities.
- Finances: Money mentors has practical worksheets with vital lessons that apply to each grade
- Sewing: simple projects your kids ages 9-14 can make
- Cleaning: a spring cleaning checklist that divides tasks for the whole family
- Mapping/directions: hands-on activities for kids to learn map skills
- Time management: fun minute to win it games is a great icebreaker to the topic
- Cooking: 5 skills your pre-readers can have in the kitchen & Healthy eating: 7 destructive habits for kids (with a healthy eating challenge for all ages)
- Laundry: cheatsheet to easily teach each step
- Organization: 10 chore motivators & games your kids can do to make the job fun
- Digital Citizenship: discuss internet safety as kids make their own pendant banner
- Gardening: Quickly start a mini-garden with upcycled cartons
- Health & hygiene: how to help your kids get a better sleep
- Prayer: guided prayer booklet for kids that teaches them to pray on their own
- Service: ideas for families while social distancing
social and emotional life skills for kids
The WHO listed 10 necessary internal life skills kids should develop to become healthy adults. Which one would you like to work on this week?
- Problem-solving: All kids love a good STEAM project, like these ideas using cardboard boxes
- Creative thinking: try this Brainstorm game to teach kids to think outside the box
- Self-awareness: emotions candy game
- Interpersonal relationship: prepare your child ahead of time with these social scenario task cards
- Management of stress: make this soothing glitter sensory bottle together for a calming tool
- Decision-making: have your kids follow this template to learn an easy process
- Critical thinking: print off this strategic board game from Nigeria for a fun afternoon
- Empathy: this simple activity with two apples packs a punch into the effect we have on others
- Good communication: fun speaking conversation cards to practice
- Emotional management: 7 products to give your kids a healthy outlet for their frustration
WHERE TO START
Maybe you’ve already noticed where your kids have a need in an area listed above. Or you’re not sure where to start.
In that case, I’d recommend my Housework Triage system: start with ONE practical life skill that takes up the most of a mom’s time and energy: cooking, cleaning, laundry, and kid’s health. Once your kids have mastered that skill, use your newfound free time to work on the next one.
Want more info? Dig into my life skills series on the blog to learn the first few steps of getting started easily.
MORE IDEAS FOR SUMMER FAMILY FUN:
What can you do to fill those summer days in between teaching life skills?
I’ve rounded up some boredom busters from fellow bloggers to help you out:
10 Unusual Ways to Homeschool Over the Summer from In All You Do
Does learning have to end in June? With a few creative ideas and twists, you can make the most of your summer days while still learning during those summer months!
How to Use Classic Board Games as School Review from The WOLFe Pack
You know how most kids forget what they’ve learned as soon as they finish a test? Solidify their knowledge by using these classic board games to review.
STEAM Subscription Boxes for Summer FUN! from Homeschool On the Range
The use of hands-on projects is a great way to reinforce concepts learned while having fun! Some of these boxes have fantastic coupon codes for first-time buyers, so be sure to check the purchase information and look for the code!
Summertime STEM Activities from Hess Un-Academy
This collection of fun summer STEM activities for kids ages 4-19 is a fun way for parents to encourage problem-solving and critical thinking skills while also having fun!
40 Boredom Busting Summer Ideas and Activities for Families from Geez, Gwen!
Avoid the “Mom, I’m BORED” before it even starts with this post. Grab your printable Summertime Bucket List Checklist to stay inspired all summer long!
Educational Summer Ideas for Kids from Making Room 4 One More
Even though you might be on summer break from formal school work, you still want your kids to learn, right? Here are some educational summer ideas for kids + teens to get you through the next few months.
Fun Seashell Identification Activities for Kids from Homeschooling 4 Him
Your next trip to the beach is a perfect time to learn about shells with these fun seashell identification worksheets! What a great Covid-safe family activity!
Pack The Perfect Backpack for Special Needs Summer Adventures from Our Crazy Adventures In Autismland
Having the right items in your travel backpack will make the difference between success and failure with your child with special needs.
Homeschool Schedule: Our Summer Routine from An Off Grid Life
More practical life skills for you: learn about our summer homeschool schedule in Canada’s subarctic as we focus on foraging, northern gardening, homesteading, and self-reliance skills.
21 Fun Summer Homeschool Ideas for Work From Home Moms from Thrive at Home
Looking for fun summer homeschool ideas to occupy your children while you’re working from home? Here are 21 to get you started!
5 Awesome Ways to Learn Parts of Plants for Kids from Julie Naturally
Learning the parts of plants doesn’t have to be hard or boring. And, knowing them is important for understanding plant id, edible vs. inedible, and so much more! Have fun with these 5 ideas!
7 Ways to Encourage Summer Reading from Heart and Soul Homeschooling
One thing you want to encourage year round is reading! Make it fun, get creative, and watch the pages turn this summer with these ideas to help.
Budget-Friendly Summer Fun (for you and the kids!) from Hope In The Chaos
If you are looking to have some fun without breaking the bank, look no further than these ideas for budget-friendly summer fun!
Homeschool Summer Bucket List from Whole Child Homeschool
It never hurts to be prepared for twitchy kids stuck at home for another summer. Discover these 12 fun & mostly free educational activities to do at home.
Use Morning Time to Beat the Summer Slide! from Everyday Graces Homeschool
The thought of a “summer slide” is enough to make any parent cringe. But we’ve got the simple solution to keep your kids engaged in learning over the summer so those wheels stay greased and the cries of “I’m bored!” stay at bay.
Summer Music Lessons for Holidays & Special Days from Music in Our Homeschool
You’ll find 12 music lessons in the “Summer Music Lessons for Holidays & Special Days” online course–each one only 15 minutes in length and perfect for elementary ages. Each lesson contains the music lesson, videos, a printable, and an online quiz that relates to the special summer holiday.
Summer Read Alouds for Kids from Simple Living Mama
Summer is the perfect time to cool down with a great book with your kids. Take a look at some of these great books to read aloud this summer!
Insect & Bug Activities for Kids from My Joy-Filled Life
Explore the tiny world of bugs and insects! This great list of activities and crafts will help you and your child learn about these fascinating little creatures.
Summer Slide Activities for All Ages from The Homeschool Cafe
Time to continue to have fun in your homeschool, create memories and have a blast while learning with this packed Summer Activity Pack. It is stuffed with games, treasure hunts, worksheets and more for reading, writing, math and critical thinking.
25 Cheap & Easy Summer Meals for Families from Orison Orchards
Who wants to slave away over a hot stove all summer long? Not me! I want to eat well, but I also want to play. That’s why I keep this list of delicious, nutritious, cheap & EASY summer meals handy. No stove required!
How to Take Inexpensive Road Trips with a Large Family from With the Huddlestons
Looking to get out and about with your family without sacrificing your family’s savings? Here are my best tips for taking inexpensive road trips, especially with a large family!
6 Summer Family Activities to Keep Learning Fun from This Bit of Life
It happens every summer. You’re finished with school and suddenly your routine is all messed up and your kids start to say the dreaded words… I. Am. Bored! You can have fun this summer while learning together! Here are 6 summer family activities to keep learning fun.
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