If you’ve got a child under the age of 10, chances are they’re pretty skilled when it comes to a smart device or any piece of tech. But do they know how to use the washing machine or how to stick to a budget?

As parents, we often spend an exhausting amount of time doing things for our kids – sometimes because it’s easier, other times because we’re worried it might be too dangerous for them. But essential life skills are the building blocks for adulthood, and as tiring and frustrating as it may be, it’s our job to help set them up for success.

But should it only be up to us as parents? What about schools?

A recent joint study by Monash University researchers and the Australian Scholarship Group found that 69% of parents believe that schools should teach children more life skills. Regardless of who is teaching children the skills, parents agree that our little ones need to know a whole bunch of essential knowledge before they hit double digits.

24 Life Skills Every Child Should Know Before They Turn 10

Mouths of Mums asked our huge audience what life skills every child should know before they turn 10, and we’ve compiled the most popular suggestions into the list below.

How To Swim: Living in a country where a huge percentage of the population lives close to a body of water, means this is a must. Our mums suggested furthering the skills to include inland waterway survival as well as beach safety.

How To Make A Sandwich: Seems simple enough, but most of us do this for our kids daily, rather than let them do it, because it’s easier (and makes less mess!). But we really should be teaching our youngsters how to make their own lunch, and some basic knife skills.

How To Be Kind: For many children, being kind is innate – kids want to please others and be friendly. But children are also exposed to so many different influences these days that can impact on their sweet nature. Teaching children to be kind costs absolutely nothing, but means the absolute world.

How To Make A Bed: Let’s be honest, most of us make the kids’ beds because if they try, they make an absolute meal of it! But they’re never going to learn unless they try. And while they won’t make it perfectly, resist the urge to fix it up, so they can feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, rather than shame that they can’t do it right.

How To Cook: Ok, we’re not expecting our little ones to whip up a three course meal, but learning the basics is a way to foster a love for home cooking. And let’s face it – lots of us are losing those skills! Simple tasks like how to use the microwave, how to turn on the oven and how to boil an egg are all things a child close to 10 years-old can tackle.

Personal Hygiene: It seems elementary, but how many of us still have to remind our older kids to brush their teeth twice a day?! Instilling good hygiene habits early will put your children in good stead for the rest of their lives.

How To Call Emergency: Admittedly, Australian children watch lots of American TV, which is why many of them think the emergency number is 911 instead of triple zero! So make sure you teach them how to dial this number, and they may also need to know your mobile phone password if you don’t have a landline.

First Aid: Simple first aid is great to start early with kids. Things like how to properly clean a wound and what to do if one of their friends is having an allergic reaction or asthma attack are really important to learn.

How To Cross A Road: Road sense is one of the most important things you can teach a child. And while most children aged under 10 would be with an adult when crossing a road, many younger kids walk to school. And these times are incredibly busy on the roads – so that fundamental skill of looking right, looking left and looking right again is essential.

How To Express Their Feelings: Gone are the days when ‘boys don’t cry’. Let kids feel and deal with their emotions, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly the develop emotional maturity.

Boundaries: While they’re often awkward or uncomfortable conversations, children need to know the boundaries around their bodies, and those of their friends and family. The earlier you’re able to open up these conversations, the safer your children will be.

Their Parents’ Numbers And Address: Essential information that we often forget to teach our kids! But back in the day, every child knew their home number and address – these days it’s a little trickier with long mobile numbers. But it’s still worth taking the time to teach at least one parent’s number and your home address.

Bike Safety: In Australia, it’s law to wear a helmet, and we should teach kids to pop their helmet on every time they ride. Next is teaching them road safety while on their bikes – and this is a long process!

Manners: The simple art of saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ is somewhat lost these days, but it’s a great place to start. Even babies love saying ‘ta’ when they get something given to them!

How To Take Care Of A Pet: Whether it be a goldfish or the family dog, by learning how to look after a pet, children learn to respect and care for animals.

Basic Money and Budget Skills: There are plenty of adults who don’t have these skills – so teaching them young is the way to go. Pocket money for odd jobs is the perfect place to start.

How To Tell The Time: While we all have digital clocks on hand these days, there’s still a need to be able to read an analogue clock.

How To Grow Food: What a sweet skill to learn! This is a lifelong skill that has so many benefits in childhood, including learning where food comes from.

How To Use The Washing Machine: How many of us didn’t learn this skill until we left home?! Guilty! Kids love learning how to use technology, so kill two birds with one stone and get the kids helping with the chores!

How To Tie Their Shoelaces: This is a childhood rite of passage, so it’s only fitting it would make the list! If you’re trying to teach your kiddo how to tie their shoelaces, check out our handy tip.

How To Clean The Toilet: It’s never too early to teach children’s good toilet cleaning skills! Trust us, you’ll be thankful when they reach the teen years!

How To Wipe Their Bottoms Properly: It’s amazing how many older children still don’t know how to wipe their bums properly. Teach it once and teach it well!

How To Mow The Lawn: This is one that will need supervision for quite some time, but teaching mower safety first is key.

How To Make Their Mother A Decent Cuppa!: No explanation needed!

Do you have any more skills we should add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.

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