Really, being a teenager means having more than enough maturity to learn to be a valuable part of the workforce – be it as an in-demand emergency plumber or a respected copywriter. So teaching your teenager about things like soft skills is a very good idea.
Of course, there’s no need for an intensive crash course at such a beginner stage just yet, so here are 3 tips for easing your teenager into developing soft skills.
Everyday Experiences
Daily activities provide a low-pressure setting to ease into the world of soft skills.
How do you get the ball rolling? A good place to start is to kick things off by casually talking about your plans or tasks for the day. Then, gradually bring in talk of skills – like decision-making elements; picking between two options – and encourage your teenager to share what they want. In fact, break down your decision-making steps during routine tasks. This not only shows how you make decisions but also gives your teenager a peek into the thought process.
For example, have your teenager help out with planning the grocery list. Chat about finding a balance between cost and quality for different items. Let them make some choices and explain why, laying the groundwork for financial savvy and decision-making skills.
Movie or Show Analysis
Media analysis offers a cool way to get into soft skills within a fictional setting.
So after watching a relevant movie or show, you want to spark a conversation about the characters’ moves and interactions. Explore stuff like how they talk, resolve conflicts, and make ethical calls. In fact, try to link those fictional scenarios to actual situations.
For example, pick a scene with characters hashing out a conflict. Dive into the different communication styles on display and ask your teenager how they’d tackle a similar situation. It’s all about sparking critical thinking and empathy.
Hobbies with a Twist
Weaving soft skills into shared hobbies means learning is not only practical but really fun.
Take task diving. When it comes to a shared hobby, dish out specific tasks and roles, highlighting how skills – like coordination and clear communication – are really the MVPs during the activity. Once the hobby is done, have a laid-back chat. Talk about what clicked, what threw a curveball, and how smooth communication and teamwork played a big part in the whole shebang.
For example, say you and your teenager share a love of cooking together. While whipping up a meal, toss around responsibilities like chopping veggies or manning the stove. Hammer home the need for teamwork and clear communication to whip up a stellar dish. It’s hands-on teamwork building with a side of effective collaboration.
Soft skills are an essential skill and making sure your teenager not only knows but embodies them is an important duty. Try out these tips.
Originally posted on February 7, 2024 @ 2:36 pm
