Skills Parents Should Prioritize During the Pandemic Are Not What You Expect

Are you feeling overwhelmed about your children not being in school, daycare, or any organized learning environment? You’re certainly not the only one.

Many parents are juggling work, teaching, and parenting, leading to significant stress. My friend, a veteran teacher with years of experience and three energetic kids, has been inundated with anxious emails from parents. They often express concerns about falling behind in their lessons and feeling emotionally drained from trying to manage it all amid financial uncertainties.

It’s crucial for parents to take a step back. The life lessons your children are absorbing right now are some of the most critical skills they can learn—skills that a traditional classroom setting may not effectively impart. These are the so-called “soft skills” that life itself teaches.

Along with my friend, Mrs. Linda Foster, who is a social worker, we aim to highlight the essential life lessons you can impart to your children during this pandemic.

Understanding Soft Skills

“Soft skills” refer to a range of abilities, including communication, critical thinking, leadership, empathy, and teamwork. In contrast, “hard skills” denote the technical knowledge required for specific tasks. While hard skills can be gained through formal education, soft skills develop through experiences, modeling, and real-life challenges.

Think about it: Do you recall your 9th-grade math formulas, or do you remember the educator who taught you about kindness and self-worth? Those soft skills are the foundation of character, leadership, and humanity.

The Necessity of Soft Skills

Did you know that one of the most popular courses at Stanford University’s business school focuses on teaching soft skills? This course, affectionately dubbed the “touchy-feely” class, is among the most sought-after electives. With a heavy emphasis on hard skills, the mental and emotional well-being of our children is at risk. Studies show that one in three adolescents will face an anxiety disorder, and a staggering 63% of college students report overwhelming anxiety.

This is why it’s more important than ever for children to learn these soft skills—not only for future success but also for developing emotional intelligence, managing mental health, and improving communication abilities. The current circumstances provide an excellent opportunity to nurture these skills.

How Kids Learn Soft Skills

Children acquire soft skills primarily through role-modeling and personal experiences. They observe the responses and reactions of the adults around them, absorbing how those they love manage different situations. By allowing children to navigate uncomfortable situations, they can truly grasp the life lessons and soft skills being taught.

Before you feel more stressed about adding “one more thing” to your plate, keep in mind that soft skills are naturally integrated into your daily life. Your kids are learning from you every day, whether you realize it or not. By spending time talking, engaging, and modeling behaviors, you’re imparting vital lessons.

10 Life Skills Your Children Are Gaining During This Pandemic:

Conflict Resolution: Living in close quarters can lead to disagreements. Use these moments to discuss conflict resolution and the importance of forgiveness.
Compromise and Negotiation: With increased screen time, you can establish limits and use it as a negotiation tool. Teach your children to find middle ground.
Resilience and Coping Skills: If anxieties arise, teach coping mechanisms—like going for walks or using calming apps. This helps manage emotions effectively.
Compassion and Empathy: Encourage your children to connect with those they miss. Discuss why you’re keeping a safe distance and the importance of caring for others.
Creativity and Collaboration: Make the most of family time by brainstorming fun activities together. This fosters creativity and teamwork.
Emotional Intelligence: Encourage discussions about feelings. Validating their emotions helps build awareness and emotional resilience.
Self-Awareness: When children act out, guide them to reflect on their feelings. This cultivates self-awareness and coping strategies.
Mindfulness: Allow boredom. It teaches children how to be present, use their imagination, and manage their emotions.
Patience: Everyone is feeling the strain of waiting for normalcy. Use this time to teach patience and the understanding that “this too shall pass.”
Growth Mindset and Curiosity: Encourage children to explore interests they’ve always had, fostering self-motivated learning and curiosity.

Recognizing the invaluable skills your children are gaining during these challenging times can alleviate some of the pressure you feel about traditional learning methods. Ultimately, you’re equipping them with crucial soft skills that are just as vital as any academic lesson.

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Summary

In summary, the pandemic presents a unique opportunity for parents to teach their children essential life skills that go beyond traditional academics. By focusing on soft skills—like conflict resolution, empathy, and resilience—parents can prepare their children for future challenges while fostering their emotional growth. Don’t stress about missed lessons; remember that the lessons of life are often the most significant.