Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
As you think over the values you want to impart to your high schooler, take time out from math, science, English, and history to teach some important life skills. This week, I'll be talking about five different categories of “life lessons” for you to consider. Long after your child’s high school transcript and GPA have faded into memory, these skills will be serving him well.

How about home economics? It’s important for both guys and girls to learn. In addition to traditional categories like cooking and sewing, why not include etiquette and hospitality? Your high schoolers can participate by entertaining friends for an evening, incorporating what they have learned about being a host or hostess, applying conversational skills, and serving refreshments. Such a project will also teach time management, which is important to keeping a household running smoothly.

Then there are those handyman needs which make maintaining a home easier on the budget and provide abilities that can translate into a paying job. Both boys and girls will benefit from learning the basics of these skills.

Finally, car maintenance can round out any driver’s ed course. Every young driver should know how to pump gas, change a tire and check the pressure, change the oil, and wash and wax a car. Learning these skills will build your child's awareness of the importance of safety and good stewardship of a vehicle.

Until next time, I’m Mike Smith.