It’s never too early for young children to begin building practical and mindful life skills. Developing brains are open to new behaviours that will serve your child now and help prepare them for school and beyond as they face new experiences and challenges.
We often discuss the practical life skills children should develop at each age. For example, by 2-3 years, children should be able to help put away toys and brush their teeth; by age 4-5, they might know their name and address and learn to swim.
But what about intangible and mindful life skills like courage, resilience and empathy? These qualities are so important in helping kids become strong, moral and fulfilled adults and empowering them to move into each phase of life confidently.
“I know from experience just how valuable it is when young children are introduced to the skills of mindfulness, teamwork, gratitude and self-awareness before they embark on the more independent path of school. It enhances the experience and sets them up for success.”
Lara Wiser – Academe Time Director
It’s great to keep these qualities in mind right from the get-go. Children’s brains develop faster in the first five years than at any other time. While their brain grows in size, it’s forming billions of connections. The connections that are used more often become stronger, which means how their brain develops in these early years can significantly impact their future.
Opportunities Within Childcare and Kinder Environments
For many children, it’s not just at home that these mindful life skills can develop. There is an abundance of opportunities within childcare and kinder for kids to learn skills they’ll utilise for life. With programs offered in many centres around Melbourne, we’ve found that our qualified Academe Time teachers can help nurture these skills in a supportive, group environment. Focusing on positively and dynamically maximising the experiences for this age group gives wonderful rewards.
“As parents, the childcare experience can be a mixture of emotions. But when they know their child is not only having fun but also learning some life skills, it brings positivity to each day. It also opens up some lovely conversations between parent and child on what they’ve learned.”
Lara Wiser – Academe Time Director
Some of the mindful life skills for preschoolers and toddlers that can start developing early include:
- Mindfulness
- Teamwork
- Gratitude
- Self-awareness
- Courage
How Toddlers and Preschoolers Can Develop These Life Skills
Teachings that use play, fun, music and movement introduce important lessons to kids. At Academe Time, we intentionally tailor the learning of life skills to the age and circumstances of the children.
Our teachers, along with parents, have seen just how much performance helps grow children’s self-confidence. Even with young children, we introduce movement, dance and drama activities that allow them to think on their feet and be a part of a group. This begins the development of creative problem-solving, teamwork and self-awareness. Exposure to these artistic fields also helps children understand what they enjoy and find what they’re passionate about.
The benefits of yoga in supporting children’s physical, mental and emotional well-being are almost unlimited. By teaching in an age-appropriate manner, yoga helps growing limbs and improves focus whilst also teaching the important life skills of mindfulness and gratitude.
Toddler and preschool children can develop skills such as courage and grit simply by trying new things and experiencing the satisfaction and joy that may come from that. With positive feedback in a nurturing environment or simply by finishing something they started, young children learn to be courageous, resilient and persistent for positive experiences.
The important thing is to tailor the teaching of life skills to the age and circumstances of the children. This age group have the most wonderful imaginations and hunger for play and interaction. We use play, fun, music and movement to teach these important lessons.”
Lara Wiser – Academe Time Director
Toddlers and preschoolers are faced with many new activities every day. Learning they can do things that initially seem challenging develops the neural pathways within their brains, helping them feel more confident for their next adventure. When framed alongside mindfulness skills, building these life skills at a young age better prepares your child for school and life’s journey.
Contact us today to learn more about our programs that teach essential life skills to toddlers and preschoolers.
