Life Skills for Kids
How can I make friends? Are there some simple things I can learn how to cook? How do I make the team? Growing up can be full of questions-
So, I’ve done a book that should help kids and maybe a few adults out. It’s called The Big Book of Life Skills for Kids. It’s got over a hundred questions that kids might ask and need to know to help them grow up and have an awesome life. Here are just a few to give you the idea-
How to Make Friends
Some people seem to make friends easily. In fact, it’s almost like people come searching for them! They might be really gifted in athletics, or they might be musical or even really funny, so they always seem to be surrounded by people who want to be their friend. But if you’re like most kids, you might find it hard to make friends. You might be at a new school, or maybe you’re a little shy and nervous about going up to somebody and saying, “Hi, you wanna be my friend?” Most people have trouble making new friends, but never fear! Here are some ideas on how to start to develop good friendships:
1.The first and most important way to make a friend is by being a friend yourself! That means not making everything about you. Don’t just talk all the time. Don’t make people always do things the way you want to do them. Show that you care about them. Remember their birthday. Call them up once in a while. If they ask you to help them with something, help them out if you can. Show yourself to be a good friend to them.
2.One way to make some friends, especially if you’re at a new school, is to find a group and join it. A sports team like soccer, volleyball, or baseball might be just the way for you to get to know kids who are interested in the same things you are. Or you might join a music group, try out for a play, or get involved in the science fair, chess club, or math fair. That’s a great way to meet people.
3.When you’re in a class or group activity, or even waiting for the school bus, and you see a kid you’d like to get to know, go on over and introduce yourself. You might say something like “Hi, my name is _________ (don’t say “blank”—use your real name). I like your backpack,” or “Cool T-shirt. Did you get it in New York City?” (Only say this if their T-shirt has something about New York City on it.)
4.Ask them questions. Everybody likes to tell you their story. “Are you new at school?” “What kinds of things do you like to do?” “Seen any good movies lately?” “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” “Do they annoy you?” That kind of thing.
5.Step out. Don’t always wait for the other person to invite you to do something. If you’d like them to come over after school sometime or sit with you at lunch, let them know. And if they say no, don’t take it too personally. They may have other things to do at that time. But if they say no every time, you might need to look for another good friend.
Why not write down some questions you might like to ask someone when you meet them for the first time.
We just talked about joining a team but how do you do that? Do I just show up? Who do I talk to? How do I join a team? So glad you asked.
How Join a Team
A great way to meet new friends, get some exercise, and have a lot of fun is to join a team. Do you like soccer? Baseball? Swimming? Track? There are a lot of sports out there, and kids like you can get the chance to play almost all of them! You might be a pro at basketball, or you might never have even seen one, but that doesn’t matter. Teams are all about learning and becoming the best you can be. So, if this sounds like fun to you, here are a few tips for making the team:
1.First, find out what team sports are available for kids your age. Certain sports, like tackle football, require you to be a certain age to play. See if there are soccer, basketball, or volleyball teams in your area for kids your age. Sometimes they’ll put up ads around your school to let kids know when they’re holding tryouts. Maybe your school has a team you can join. Find out how you can sign up and if it costs anything. Usually, your parents can sign you up online.
2.Make sure you can attend the practices and games. If they’re at a time when you’re already busy, you might have to wait till next season to try out for that team.
3.Most teams hold a tryout to see where you are in your skills. Don’t worry, the coaches just want to see how their team is shaping up. Especially in the early grades. They’re there to help you learn. So, show up, do your best, and have a great attitude.
4.If there are papers your parents need to sign or if you need certain shoes or uniforms, make sure you have that all taken care of before the first practice. This shows the coaches that you’re responsible and trustworthy.
5.Control the stuff you can control. That simply means that even if you’re not the fastest or most talented player out there, you can always show up on time, listen to instructions, and follow directions. Lots of pro athletes work harder than anyone else on the team, get better and better, and end up playing in the Super Bowl!
6.Have fun!
Team sports are a great way to make friends, learn new skills, and create some fun memories.
Here’s another skill you might try your hand at- cooking!
Learn How to Cook Something
Learning how to cook something is really fun and a great way to feel more grown up. Don’t worry, you don’t have to bake up a ten-course meal with side dishes and dessert right off, but learning how to cook some simple meals will give you a great feeling of accomplishment. Plus, it’ll be fun, and you get to eat your creations once you’re done!
Important Tip! Keep this in mind when you decide to cook something. Make sure an adult is right there with you as you work with the stove, with the oven, or with knives. They’ll keep things safe, help you with ingredients, and give you useful tips along your way to culinary greatness! (That just means you’ll be a chef before you know it.)
Here are some suggested meal ideas and simple recipes you might try:
Microwave Mug Cake
This is a really easy, delicious, and quick dessert or afternoon snack. Gather all your ingredients, follow the directions, microwave, and enjoy!
Ingredients:
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup white sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
⅛ teaspoon baking soda
⅛ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon water
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Mix the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl. Add the baking soda, salt, milk, oil, water, and vanilla, then stir until you’ve got a liquid.
2. Pour the mixture into a big microwave safe mug.
3. Microwave for forty-five seconds. Remove from the microwave and let cool for a minute, then dig in!
PS: For extra gooeyness, throw in some semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Microwave Mini Pizzas
These are great for a snack or even for a family dinner. Top your pizza with all of your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
English muffins
Pizza sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Precooked salami or pepperoni
Added toppings:
Pineapple pieces
Tomato slices
Red peppers, chopped
Carrot slices
Directions:
1. Slice the English muffins in half and place on a microwave-safe plate (for extra crunchiness, toast the muffin halves in the toaster for a couple of minutes first).
2. Spread some pizza sauce over the top of each muffin half.
3. Top the sauce with the shredded cheese and precooked salami or pepperoni.
4. Add other toppings like pineapple, tomatoes, red peppers . . . whatever you want! (Maybe not chocolate chips!)
5. Place the plate in the microwave, and cook for about two minutes.
6. Remove the plate and let the pizzas cool for a couple of minutes, then enjoy!
Chocolate Banana Smoothie
This is a yummy, quick, good-for-you shake you can enjoy anytime!
Ingredients:
1 to 2 handfuls of ice
1½ cups milk (you can also use vanilla almond or soy milk)
¼ cup vanilla yogurt, nonfat or low fat
2 large bananas
1 tablespoon chocolate hazelnut spread, such as Nutella
Directions:
1. Put the ice, milk, and yogurt into a blender.
2. Add the bananas (you might slice them or break them up for easier blending) and the chocolate hazelnut spread to the blender.
3. Place the lid tightly on the blender, and blend for twenty seconds.
4. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy!
Peach Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles
This is a fun, delicious, and healthy way to enjoy a sweet treat for dessert or a snack on a warm afternoon. You might need an adult to help you with measuring and blending.
Ingredients:
3 cups strawberries, pureed in a blender to 1½ cups
3 cups peaches, peeled and sliced, pureed in a blender to make 1½ cups
2 tablespoons of honey
½ cup Greek vanilla yogurt
Directions:
1. In a blender, puree strawberries with 4 teaspoons of honey. Put the mixture in a bowl. Clean the blender.
2. Add the sliced peaches to the blender with 2 teaspoons of honey and puree. Put into a separate bowl.
3. In a popsicle mold (or in small paper cups if you don’t have a mold), layer the popsicles as follows: 2 teaspoons strawberry puree, 1 teaspoon yogurt, and 2 teaspoons peach puree. Repeat layers until the mold is full.
4. Tap the mold on the counter to make sure all of the layers settle. If you want, you can use a spoon to swirl the mixture.
5. Insert the popsicle sticks and then freeze for at least six hours or overnight.
Easy Scrambled Eggs
This recipe makes a great quick breakfast, but why not try eggs for dinner occasionally?
Ingredients:
¼ teaspoon butter
4 eggs
Pinch of salt and pepper
2 slices of whole-grain toast
1 tablespoon cold water
Directions:
1. Melt the butter in a small frying pan on the stove. This will help the eggs to not stick to the pan. Have an adult help you with this!
2. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add water, and whisk with a fork until well blended.
3. Add the salt and pepper to the eggs.
4. Pour the eggs into the hot pan.
5. Stir regularly until the eggs are cooked through. Make sure they’re not runny.
6. Remove from pan, and put onto a plate. Serve them with the toast and jam.
Here’s a question you might not have ever even asked, but when you figure this out, you’re going to have a much easier time in school. Check it out:
Want more tips for the kids and grandkids in your life? Preorder my brand new book The Big Book of Life Skills for Kids from Revell. It’s got more than a hundred common sense tips to help kids grow up and enjoy a healthy, awesome life. Click here: The Big Book of Life Skills for Kids
