7 Things Children Should Learn Before They Turn 13

Feb 14, 2018 by apost team

When it comes to raising kids, there's no rule book. Parent have to learn what works best for their family. But as children get older and start to figure out the world for themselves, the one thing on their minds is their eventual independence. 

The best thing a parent can do is teach their kids how to be self-sufficient and successful, which is why the following 7 tips are important for your preteen to know before turning thirteen.
 

Children should learn how to earn, save, and properly spend money. Encourage your children to take on small jobs to learn the value of earning money and putting it towards something they really want. Turning thirteen means the possibility to get a proper job is around the corner, so why not start learning about money management now?
 

apost.com

A lot of children have alarm clocks and get used to waking up for school on their own. But as they get older, their schedule becomes much more complicated than simply waking up for school. Plan out a schedule with your kid to teach them about time management. You can help teach them how to organize their after-school activities, homework, and free time. 
 

Gone are the days when your kid is young enough to get away with suddenly interrupting conversations. Preteens should learn how to speak to others in a polite manner, and respect everyone no matter their age or position. This also means that parents need to treat their teenager with respect so they can learn by example. Everyone will feel more appreciated in the end.
 

Teenagers typically find housework boring, so it's better to teach them when they're younger how rewarding keeping a house clean can be. One day they will have their own home, so learning how to properly clean and take care of small maintenance issues will be incredibly useful. 

Preteens should also learn how to prepare simple meals. This will make it easier to leave them at home alone so you can have a night to yourself, and will make them more self-sufficient. 
 

Teenagers go through dramatic changes in their bodies, so to help combat suddenly having a stinky teen around the house, teach them how to do simple hygienic tasks. Properly washing their face and wearing deodorant will make their life so much better, and carry on into adulthood.
 

Not only does school help children learn valuable knowledge that will aid them when choosing a career, preteens will learn to work hard to achieve excellence. It's important to always make sure your child is doing well in school, even if they complain. They'll appreciate it when they're older!
 

There's still a few years until your preteen learns to drive, but it helps for them to know their neighborhood and the area they live in pretty well. Next time you're driving to a familiar place, ask your child to help navigate you. This will build a sense of self-confidence and help them when they start to drive. 

If you found these tips helpful, then please SHARE this article with the parents you know!