Why school isn't enough

A wake up call from my friend

I’ll never forget the moment I walked into my friend’s house and was immediately struck by what I saw.

Posters everywhere: family values listed with explanations, house rules like “We help each other” and “We listen when someone speaks.”

It hit me hard. Here was my friend, being so intentional about teaching his kids important life lessons, and I realized... I wasn’t doing enough of that at home.

Our house was more chaotic, and I mostly relied on being a role model, hoping my kids would absorb the right values. But I wasn’t being as direct or intentional as I needed to be.

That was the wake-up call. If I wanted my kids to grow into the kind of adults I admire, I had to get serious about teaching these lessons now.

Your at-home curriculum

There are key areas that fall outside the school system—areas where your guidance is crucial. Below are some examples, but remember: this is just the tip of the iceberg. Think of these categories as broad frameworks where you can tailor the lessons to fit your family’s values.

1. Social Skills

   • Examples: Kindness, empathy, active listening

   • Why it matters: Studies show that children with strong emotional skills are 4x more likely to succeed in life (Harvard). These skills aren’t just for playground politics—they’re key to forming meaningful relationships later in life.

2. Character Skills

   • Examples: Responsibility, perseverance, honesty

   • Why it matters: Schools may touch on these, but reinforcing them at home builds character. Kids who develop resilience and a strong sense of responsibility can better navigate whatever life throws their way.

3. Home Skills

   • Examples: Cleaning, cooking, basic home repairs

   • Why it matters: These everyday skills build confidence and self-sufficiency. When your kids know how to take care of their space and themselves, they’ll feel empowered to handle responsibilities, both big and small, as they grow.

4. Health Skills

   • Examples: Fitness, first aid, mental health awareness

   • Why it matters: Physical and mental health often take a back seat in schools. Who said one PE class per week was sufficient?! Teaching your kids how to take care of their bodies and minds is an investment in their future well-being.

5. Financial Skills

   • Examples: Saving, budgeting, understanding debt

   • Why it matters: According to a recent survey, 69% of American parents feel unprepared to teach their kids about money (T. Rowe Price). Yet, financial education is critical to helping them avoid costly mistakes later on.

6. Career Skills

   • Examples: Negotiation, teamwork, public speaking

   • Why it matters: These aren’t just “job skills”—they’re life skills. Whether your child ends up as an entrepreneur or part of a corporate team, the ability to communicate and solve problems will set them apart.

7. Digital Skills

   • Examples: Online etiquette, privacy, cyber security

   • Why it matters: Today’s kids are digital natives, but that doesn’t mean they know how to navigate the online world safely or responsibly. Teaching them to protect their privacy and be mindful of their digital footprint is critical.

Start small, break it down

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by this list, you’re not alone. It’s a lot. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to teach everything at once. These lessons unfold over time, and some are more age-appropriate at different stages.

The key is to be intentional.

Start small: pick one area to focus on this month. Maybe it's teaching your child about financial literacy by introducing a simple chore and allowance system. Or maybe it’s focusing on empathy, by modeling active listening and kindness in everyday interactions.

You’ve got this

One last thing—don’t underestimate the power of simply being present. Your kids are watching you, learning from how you handle challenges, interact with others, and take care of yourself. Just by being there and living your values, you’re already teaching them more than you know.