I once sent my 9-year-old, Leo, into the grocery store armed with $14 and a simple mission: choose ingredients for lunch that he would actually eat. After weeks of crafting what I thought were perfect lunches—only to find them untouched in his backpack—I was at my wit’s end. I calmly explained my frustrations as I tossed his discarded lunch into the trash. Translation: I may have raised my voice while throwing his lunchbox into the sink.
In search of a solution, I decided to empower Leo by involving him in the process. With a quick lesson on tax calculations and a bit of rounding, we headed to the store. As he disappeared through the sliding doors, I sat in the parking lot with my spirited 3-year-old, grateful for a moment of peace and quiet. After what felt like a small eternity of singing “Wheels on the Bus,” Leo emerged, grinning from ear to ear, clutching a loaf of sourdough bread, a pack of Swiss cheese (gluten-free, if you can believe it!), and a jar of pickles. Not exactly the selection I would have made.
On the way home, he shared that he had felt nervous asking for help to find the bread and had worried about whether he had enough money. But he persevered, and the thrill of getting change back was palpable.
What started as a desperate attempt to avoid a grocery store trip turned into an unexpected lesson for both of us. Leo learned that nerves are normal but do not have to stop him from achieving something. He also discovered how to seek assistance when needed—a shout-out to the kind employee in aisle six who pointed him in the right direction!
Moreover, I realized that he is ready for more responsibilities and independence than I had previously given him credit for. After a brief moment of pride, I panicked at the thought of all the life skills he still needs to learn.
Amid the ongoing discussions about homework—where teachers worry children might miss out on vital knowledge and parents wonder how to prepare kids for life outside the classroom—I’ve come to believe that many important lessons cannot be found in textbooks or worksheets.
Instead, I propose a different kind of “homework” for Leo, a list of life skills that emphasizes community involvement, family participation, independence, play, reading, and curiosity.
Life Skills Homework
- Engage with the Community: Volunteer, have a lemonade stand, or simply meet your neighbors.
- Contribute at Home: Set the table, help take care of pets, and ask, “How can I help?”
- Foster Independence: Choose outfits, make snacks, and tackle problems on your own.
- Prioritize Play: Engage in sports, music, and outdoor activities. Just enjoy being a kid!
- Read Widely: Books can transport you anywhere and offer an escape when needed.
- Cultivate Curiosity: Keep an open mind, ask questions, and seek answers.
This list may evolve just as my child does. To Leo’s teachers: while you equip him for academic challenges, I’ll be working on preparing him for life beyond the classroom. Thank you for considering a balanced approach to homework so that I can weave in these essential lessons between the numerous daily tasks.
In the meantime, you can find me in the parking lot, singing “Wheels on the Bus” out the window while Leo tackles the grocery run.