Importance of Developing Soft Skills
Soft skills are attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously
with other people. They are also known as common/ core skills. Parents often focus on
children’s grades and performance at school academically and usually miss out on soft
skills. We strongly believe that that must not happen. Soft skills are essential in order to
communicate with others successfully, increase productivity, maintain businesses, build
positive attitudes and have better problem-solving skills. These skills describe your
approach to life and relationships. Not only that, but they also affect every aspect of
one’s career.
Following are the important aspects considered in building soft skills:
- Time management
- Networking
- Teamwork
- Creative thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Communication
- Leadership
- Responsibility
- Ability to work under pressure
- Flexibility
It can become difficult to teach children soft skills separately. Hence, it is better to incorporate the use of soft skills into their day to day life. With a practical approach like that, they will easily master the qualities they need in life without even realising it.
Learning through play
Children absorb knowledge faster than adults during their developing ears. They
can learn easily by just observing and doing things. Fun games and activities can
help children’s soft skills. For eg- solving puzzles can make them better problem
solvers later in life. It can also help them build a good memory. Leader of the
blindfolded is a game that you can explore with your children to help them
enhance their leadership traits.
Learning from their mistakes
Decision making is a very important part of everyone’s adulthood. Playing “Would
you rather” is a great way for children to practice decision making. You can ask
them about their thought process behind each answer and help them see
differently wherever required. Give them smaller decision making tasks at home
like how much food to order or how many clothes to put in the washing machine
at a time. Correct them when they over/underdo it and praise them when their
decisions are apt. Smaller mistakes and learning from them will take them ahead
in their life.
Learning from art
Encouraging kids to express themselves via arts and crafts is a great way to
explore their curiosity and polish their creativity. You can choose one day of a
week or month depending on your schedule and comfort to be the “Expressions”
day. Turn one wall of your house into a gallery of their creations and see them
shine. You can even put up a whiteboard for them to draw on/ decorate every
day.
Learning through negotiation
Being sensitive and persuasive is an important part of developing personal
communication skills. Allow your kids to make compromises with you and
vice-versa. For eg- make them eat all their vegetables for dinner in exchange for
staying up at night for 10 minutes more. Or don’t buy them their favourite
chocolate unless they clean their room. This will teach your kids how to negotiate
and be sensitive to others’ feelings.
Learning from examples
Children are excellent observers and they usually pick up from the adults in their
house. So, create a positive environment in your house. Strive to be a motivating
parent. Congratulate your kids on their success and help them look at the
positive parts of their failure. Most importantly, encourage them to always try and
achieve their goals regardless of difficulties.
Learning by following a strong work ethic
A strong work ethic can help children excel in school and in work when they grow
up. Teach your kids to be punctual, and set timetables for them whenever
possible. This can teach them time management, attention to detail and
dependability. Teach them how to watch the clock and make sure they are ready
10 minutes before they leave for some event or school or a playdate. You can
always use the extra 10 minutes to spend quality time with your children.
Little Genius with its business program and management skills focuses on the overall
development of children. We believe that only good grades will not bring a child
success. Soft skills are equally important. We hope this article helps you teach your
children some basic soft skills at home without making it a teaching lesson.
