NIRAJ KUMAR
Education traditionally is associated with academics like social science, language, science and mathematics. While these subjects are essential for intellectual development, true education extends far beyond textbooks and regular exams. For developing a young child into a socially productive adult, life skills are equally important in this complex and dynamic society.
Life skills are the abilities, attitudes and knowledge that prepare children to navigate the challenges of daily life, build positive relationships and contribute meaningfully to society. For school children, learning life skills alongside academics is vital to develop confident and socially responsible individuals of future India.
Self-Awareness and Emotional Quotient
Stress, frustration and failure are very common among children. To deal with these challenges, self-awareness and emotional quotient (EQ)—the ability to recognise, understand and manage emotions—play a crucial role. EQ helps children identify their feelings, understand why they feel a certain way, and express emotions constructively. Children with higher EQ can cope better with setbacks.
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Life presents complex situations that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These abilities allow children to analyse situations, explore alternatives and make informed decisions. Schools can nurture these skills through puzzle-solving, simulations, project-based learning and scenario exercises. By questioning assumptions and thinking creatively, children become independent thinkers capable of handling real-world problems.
Time Management
With increasing academic and extracurricular demands, children must learn time management techniques such as to-do lists, calendars, self-monitoring and goal-setting. Effective time management reduces stress, improves productivity, instils discipline and prepares children for future careers.
Financial Literacy
Basic financial literacy helps children understand the value of money and reduces the likelihood of falling into debt later in life. Learning concepts such as saving, budgeting and spending builds accountability from an early age. Simple classroom activities like managing mock budgets or class-based business projects can teach practical financial skills.
Communication Skills
Activities such as group discussions, debates, storytelling and presentations help develop verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills. These activities teach children to listen actively, respond respectfully, express ideas clearly and handle interpersonal conflicts effectively.
Teamwork
Life is rarely lived in isolation. Schools provide a natural environment for learning teamwork through group projects, sports and cultural activities. Teamwork teaches cooperation, negotiation, shared responsibility, conflict resolution and respect for differences.
Leadership and Decision-Making
Life requires children to make choices. Schools can encourage responsible decision-making by giving students ownership through roles like class monitors, classroom activities and student councils. Leadership skills such as organising events, motivating peers and solving problems strengthen ethical decision-making.
Stress Management
Family expectations and peer pressure often create stress among school children. Learning coping mechanisms such as deep breathing, visualisation, time-outs and engaging in hobbies helps children manage stress, recover from setbacks and maintain emotional balance.
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Health and Wellness Awareness
Life skills also include maintaining physical, mental and emotional health. Health awareness helps children develop habits that prevent illness, reduce anxiety and promote a balanced lifestyle. Education on nutrition, hygiene—especially for the girl child—exercise, yoga, sports and stress management is essential for self-care.
Ethical Values and Civic Responsibility
Schools play a key role in teaching honesty, empathy, integrity, fairness and respect for diversity. Activities such as community service projects like the Swachhata Mission, environmental awareness programmes and discussions on constitutional values help shape compassionate and responsible citizens.
Innovation and Creativity
Nurturing creativity and innovation is an important life skill. Children should be encouraged to experiment, think out of the box and express themselves through art, music, writing and academic projects. Creativity enhances adaptability, self-expression and problem-solving abilities.
Digital Literacy and Online Safety
Technology should be used for learning and skill development rather than for misuse. Children must be taught safe and responsible digital behaviour, how to identify fake content, respect privacy and use digital tools productively.
The right blend of academic knowledge and life skills ensures children develop holistically and become capable, compassionate and confident, future-ready adults.
(The writer is a serving Indian Railway Traffic Service Officer based in Ranchi)
