Raising a child in Nigeria today goes far beyond academics. From the busy streets of Lagos to the quiet corners of Jos, life is full of situations that require more than just book knowledge. Our children need life skills that will help them stand confidently and wisely when they're on their own.
Here are three more important life skills every Nigerian child should learn before stepping out into the world and how parents can start teaching them early.
1. How to Talk to Strangers Safely
We often tell children, "Don't talk to strangers." And rightly so, safety is important. But as they grow, they'll need to learn how to interact with new people in school, church, job interviews, and daily life.
Start Early Ideas for Parents:
Role-play scenarios at home. Pretend to be a new teacher, church member, or neighbour, and help your child practice polite and safe ways to greet and respond.
Teach them the difference between “good strangers” (like teachers, policemen, or shop attendants) and “unsafe strangers.”
Make it a habit to ask them after events, "Did you meet anyone new today? What did you say?" This encourages reflection and conversation.
2. How to Manage Time
Distractions are everywhere; TikTok, Instagram, football, cartoons, and even small chores. If your child doesn't learn how to manage time early, it becomes a struggle later, especially when preparing for WAEC, JAMB, the demands of university and even life itself.
Start Early Ideas for Parents:
Give them a simple daily schedule during weekends or holidays. Let them help plan their day.
Use timers. Say things like, “Let’s see how much homework you can finish in 30 minutes.”
Introduce them to a to-do list and let them enjoy the satisfaction of checking off completed tasks.
Encourage routines like doing assignments first before watching TV or playing games.
3. How to Stand Up for Oneself
In a world full of peer pressure, your child must know when and how to say no. They should be able to defend what they believe, speak up respectfully, and report when they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Start Early Ideas for Parents:
Create a safe space at home where your child can share opinions and feelings without fear of punishment or shame.
When they speak up for themselves (politely), praise them even if they disagree with you.
Teach them to speak out against bullying and unfairness. Share Bible stories of people who stood up for what was right; like Esther, Daniel, or David.
Practise respectful disagreement through games or family discussions: “What would you do if someone said you're not cool because you don't do what they do?”
Final Thought: The earlier you start teaching these skills, the more natural they’ll become for your child. Life will always test what we’ve prepared our children for. Let’s not wait until they leave home to start these lessons. Let’s build confidence, courage, and wisdom into their daily lives one small habit at a time.
In the next blog post, we’ll continue with more life skills every Nigerian child needs before leaving home. Stay tuned.
