Dear Parents,

As we continue to prepare children for the future, a question that is posed a number of times to educators is, “What is the importance of Soft Skills for a successful future of children? And what can parents do to develop those?

Soft skills are sometimes referred to as transferable skills as quoted in an article by Vernon Community College.  As this term implies, these are skills that are less specialized, less rooted in specific vocations and more aligned with the general disposition and personality of an individual

Soft skills relate to attitudes and intuitions. Enumerating them as follows:

Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, critical thinking, decision-making, organization, stress management, adaptability, conflict management, leadership, creativity, resourcefulness, persuasion, openness to criticism

So, all things being equal, if you show more of these skills, you do become the preferred or ideal student for different positions and or recognitions.

Just as in school teachers prepare the students, parents too can help children practice soft-skills daily at home

Some examples:

1. Play a family game after dinner where your child gives the instructions and rules of the game. This will help build confidence and clear communication skills.

2. You can give a set of instructions of chores to be done and ask your child to repeat those thereby emphasizing the importance of listening carefully, which is a very important skill to assist in making their own points in a discussion.

3. Be a good role model. Your child learns what is seen and heard. eg posture while communicating- do you slouch, look the person in the eye to exude confidence?

4. Encourage board games at home. Skills of cooperation, taking turns, adhering to rules, being in control of emotions, speaking softly and learning new knowledge are nurtured through this.

5. Encourage your child to complete weekly chores, which will develop their organizational skills and resourcefulness

6. Encourage them to volunteer outside the home – with or without you.

7. Role play can be effectively used to manage conflicts and problem situations. Children learn to accept constructive criticism, stand up for what is correct and walk away from things not acceptable. We can teach them to treat others the way they would like to be treated.

8. Encourage your child to be responsible by taking care of a younger sibling, a pet or grand-parents. Allow them to make decisions of the menu for the evening dinner, washing up or even setting the table.

9. Encourage your child to learn one new thing every year

10.  Teach them that it is okay to make mistakes; Be forgiving of your children

I believe that when school and home work in alignment, emphasising similar skills and values and providing ample opportunities for children to practice these, we are ensuring our children are getting equipped for a complex world ahead of them.

Warm Regards,

Melissa Maria