As parents, we often prioritize academic excellence for our children, hoping it will lead to a better and more secure future. But true fulfillment extends way beyond the classroom. Life is every day, and how we show up each day will determine the quality of our lives. That's why it's essential for our kids to focus on developing self-smart skills which are ultimately, life-smart skills. These skills are the foundation for a purposeful and enjoyable life. In this post, I'll explore my top 4 self-smart skills for our youth and their immense value.

Skill #1 – Self-Care

To live well, you must be well. Teaching our children to prioritize their overall health is essential. Health is the greatest wealth of all. If we don’t have our health, we have nothing. I call them: The 3 Big Duhs: Eating well, sleeping well, and moving well. By mastering these basics, simple doesn’t mean easy by the way, they'll build a strong foundation for great health, self-respect and well-being.

Skill #2 - Self-Worth

Self-worth acts as the inner compass that guides us to hold our heads high and embrace our authentic selves. When we lack self-worth, we unconsciously teach people to depreciate our value. Empowering our kids to recognize their gifts, strengths, and talents is so important. When they value themselves, they have healthy relationships, achieve goals, take on challenges with confidence, and recover quickly from setbacks. Self-worth also provides a life full of opportunities, optimism and gratitude. 

Skill #3 - Self-Awareness

Change, whether personal or societal, begins with self-awareness. Without an honest appraisal of oneself and the recognition of areas that need improvement, growth remains elusive. Self-awareness serves as a catalyst for change, as it prompts individuals to reflect on their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, encouraging a willingness to evolve and embrace new perspectives. By cultivating self-awareness in our children, we equip them with the transformative power to navigate life's challenges with introspection and adaptability.

Skill #4 - Self-Competence

The journey of self-competence is ever evolving. It involves becoming independent, gaining life lessons through experience, becoming self-sufficient and setting goals that align with personal passions and aspirations. By empowering your children to cultivate self-confidence and readiness to take on life's responsibilities, they can become self-competent as they adapt in a world that is constantly changing. 

As parents, we hold the key to unlocking our children's potential. When you lead by example and prioritize your own self-smart skills, you teach them to take responsibility for the quality of their lives. Empowering them with these skills is one of the greatest gifts we can give: Self-smart is life-smart. Let's empower our children to become self-smart individuals who can make a difference in their own lives and the world around them.