Lessons for kids

73 things I want my kids to know

3 Comments / Parenting, Personal Growth / By
Have you ever stopped to think how much there is to teach our children? I’m not talking about the things we actually tell our kids.
 
Things like:
  • Look people in the eye when you talk to them
  • Hold the door for your mother and sister
  • Say excuse me if you belch
  • Don’t pee in the pool

These lessons all matter, but they focus more on raising children than raising adults.

Take a second and think about everything you wish you knew as an adult, but were never taught.

Here is my list.
  1. On failure/failing
  2. On being humble
  3. On attitude
  4. On buying stuff
  5. On learning
  6. On being true to yourself (also known as integrity)
  7. On doing things well
  8. On being honest
  9. On curiosity
  10. On responsibility
  11. On trying new things
  12. On persistence and determination
  13. On giving back
  14. On food and health
  15. On money
  16. On hard work
  17. On time
  18. On worry
  19. On passion vs. pay
  20. On perspective
  21. On taking action
  22. On family
  23. On self-confidence
  24. On goals
  25. On the words you use
  26. On experiences
  27. On sports
  28. On networking
  29. On procrastination
  30. On taking risks
  31. On public speaking
  32. On mentors
  33. On communication
  34. On expectations
  35. On commitment
  36. On admitting mistakes
  37. On living in the moment
  38. On getting an education
  39. On saving money
  40. On inventing
  41. On impatience and instant gratification
  42. On popularity or being “cool”
  43. On imagination
  44. On writing
  45. On sales
  46. On fixing things yourself
  47. On productivity
  48. On self-disciplinee
  49. On reading
  50. On the friends you keep
  51. On compound growth
  52. On meeting new people
  53. On what I want to be
  54. On asking for help
  55. On marriage
  56. On deciding how to spend time
  57. On candor and feedback
  58. On titles at work
  59. On fear
  60. On storytelling
  61. On disappointment
  62. On happiness
  63. On laughter
  64. On problem-solving
  65. On art
  66. On adversity
  67. On apologies
  68. On uncertainty
  69. On leadership
  70. On opinions & peer pressure
  71. On giving back
  72. On getting things in order
  73. On gratitude
Our children may pick up some of these things from watching us. There may even be an opportunity to discuss these life issues before they head off to college. But, I don’t want to leave it to chance.
 
My idea is to take each life lesson and turn it into a letter to my children. They may read it this year or they may read it ten years from now. I’m fine either way.
 
Part of the exercise is figuring out what is important to say about each lesson. Then I need to tell the story in a way to make it stick. I’ll publish each lesson on my blog in case others find it valuable.
 
Do you want to help? Look at the list above and let me know if I missed a lesson you wish you learned earlier. Feel free to post it in the comments below.
Note: since I first wrote this list, it’s gotten longer. Before this is over I may have 100 lessons!

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3 thoughts on “73 things I want my kids to know”

  2. Liz

    Chad, while I was in Vail a few weeks ago, they had a vendor booth (Be Good to People) at their farmer’s market. Be good to people is a slogan that Vail is certainly adopting as should many other communities.

    After what is happening in St. Louis today, it is never to early to remind us all how to respect each other. While your Dad and I were traveling in Ireland this year, we commented to a gentleman in Dublin on how kind everyone was there. His response has stuck with me…”it’s nice to be nice”.

    Pray for peace today – love to all of you!

    Reply

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