Life skills are tools your children will need to succeed in life, that aren’t always taught at school. 

Here are 50 simple but important life lessons and skills that your children should have by the time they leave home.

1. Make a bed, including how to put on a duvet.

2. Being kind to others

3. Tie their shoe laces

4. Cook at least 3 different meals for dinner

5. Make breakfast, including how to boil, poach and/or scramble eggs.

6. Being able to share with others

7. Sew a button on their clothes

8. Ride a bike

9. Trust their own instincts

10. Know how to cut up different types of fruit and vegetables

11. Do their own washing and fold and put away their clothes

12. Set the table

13. Drive a car

14. Be empathetic to others

15. Turn off the power and water at the mains

16. Care for a living plant or a pet

17. Manage their money and pay bills online

18. Know that everybody is unique

19. Know how to make healthy food choices

20. Change the car tyre

21. Be honest

22. Clean the toilet and bathroom

23. Know when to ask for help

24. Address an envelope and write a letter (not just send an email)

25. Know CPR and basic first aid

26. Wash the dishes by hand and using the dishwasher

27. Wrap a gift and write a card

28. Know you can’t control how other people treat you, but you can control how you respond

29. Change a light bulb

30. Be able to lose gracefully

31. Use a hammer and screwdriver

32. Treat everyone with respect

33. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

34. Know it’s okay to make mistakes

35. How to apply for a job

36. Apologise when they are wrong and mean it

37. Know the names of at least 20 flowers

38. Handwash clothes and remove stains

39. Solve problems and deal with obstacles

40. Iron a shirt

41. Know how to spot a scam

42. Vaccum properly (including behind the fridge)

43. Know the capitals and flags for counties around the world.

44. Greet someone politely

45. Appreciate the small things in life

46. Discover their family heritage and where their family comes from

47. Respect others and expect if for  themselves

48. Be able to say no politely

49. Practice gratitude

50. Know that they are loved, no matter what.