Life Skills Every Nigerian Child Should Learn Before Leaving Home (Part 3)

As our children grow, we owe it to them to prepare them for life beyond the four walls of our homes and schools. Whether they’re heading to university, NYSC camp, or their first job, these everyday skills can make all the difference.In this post, we’re continuing our list of life skills every Nigerian child should master before stepping out on their own.

1. How to Cope with Failure

Let’s face it, life isn’t always fair. Your child might fail an exam, not get into their dream school, or miss out on a job they hoped for. They need to understand that failure is not the end of the road, and it doesn’t define their worth.

Start Early Ideas for Parents:

• Share your own stories of failure and how you bounced back.
• Help your child see failure as part of learning. When something doesn’t go well, talk through what they can do differently next time.
• Avoid harsh words or shame when they make mistakes. Encourage effort, not just results.

2. How to Find or Create a Job

In Nigeria today, getting a job isn’t always straightforward. Not every child will have connections, so they need to be equipped to either find a job or create one. Whether they dream of working in a big company or running their own business, the skills are the same — confidence, preparation, and boldness.

Start Early Ideas for Parents:

Finding a Job:

Show them how to write a simple CV and help them practise how to introduce themselves professionally.

Go through online job boards like Jobberman or check out offline sources like church notice boards or community centres.

Do mock interviews at home. Ask questions like, “Why should we hire you?” or “What are your strengths?”

Creating a Job:

Pay attention to their talents like; baking, making crafts, braiding hair, repairing things, or teaching.

Encourage them to start small. If they like to draw, they can design cards or posters. If they’re good at maths, they can teach younger kids for a fee.

Help them understand basic money principles: saving, spending wisely, and reinvesting profits.

6. How to Do Laundry

Whether they’re in a hostel, university, or on their own someday, laundry is a skill every young person must know. This is not just for girls or boys, it’s for everyone.

Start Early Ideas for Parents:

• Show them how to sort white and coloured clothes.
• Teach them how to wash by hand and how to operate a washing machine if you have one.
• Let them practice folding and ironing. Turn it into a weekend routine.

Final Thought:Teaching life skills is not a once-in-a-while lecture. It’s a slow and steady journey; One task, one talk, one habit at a time. And when your child finally steps into the world, they’ll carry these lessons with pride.In our next blog post, we’ll continue this series with even more practical life skills Nigerian children need before leaving home.