Life skills are the building blocks that allow children to apply the knowledge they acquire in school to real world problems and situations. These skills go well beyond choosing a course in college or impressing a potential employer in the future. They are important tools for development such as independent thinking, socializing and taking action in situations where parents and teachers may not be around (such as dealing with a bully or personal insecurities). Examples of life skills are critical thinking, problem solving and interpersonal skills.

Parents can take an active role in teaching life skills at home with projects that provide real life experience. They can be as simple as assigning household chores and budgeting through an allowance to volunteering in the community. Fun and simple activities like game nights (playing board games like Monopoly and Trivial pursuit and having quizzes) with family with an educational focus can help build social skills. 

In addition to brushing their own teeth and learning to tie their shoes children should know what to do in common situations and emergencies such as how to get home from school, who to call during an emergency, how to safely cross the street, how to do laundry, how to safely use kitchen appliances and cook basic meals. The habit of reading should be introduced to kids from a young age to help them improve concentration and expose them to diverse situations. 

Life skills can be developed in schools through class discussions, brainstorming sessions, role play activities, audio visual activities like dance and music, debates and case studies. It is important that all students be encouraged to participate in these activities by teachers so that everyone develops a sense of confidence and belonging. 

The inherent abilities and talents of many students will be highlighted in the process. Opportunities for practice with coaching and relevant feedback should be given at the end. Educators should make sure to define the skills, explain the positive and negative examples of how the skill should be applied and correct misperceptions about the skill.

A relevant and proper implementation of life skills education is the need of the hour as it brings a huge change in the attitude, thought and behavior of a child. It enhances the mental health of students and equip them with skills to face the challenges of changing life situations and come out on top in the end.