Helicopter Parenting: 7 Must-Have Skills Your Kids Should Know By High School

Many parents wonder how to prepare middle school students for high school. These seven real-life skills will help kids prepare for high school life without any problem and will have you saying goodbye to helicopter parenting.

Wake Up At The Sound Of The Alarm

As part of your helicopter parenting, there is a high probability that you are the one who wake your kids up in the morning. So make sure that your kid will have the ability to wake up on time at the sound of the alarm clock without you having to drag him out of bed. Absent this skill, your child may find himself constantly being late in his high school classes.

Do Laundry

Helicopter parenting may most likely consume you whenever you see your kids' soiled clothes scattered on the floor. Instead of picking them up, teach him to do the laundry. That way, when he's in high school he will not end up smelling every day.

Make Meals

An old saying will tell you that you should teach a man how to fish so that you can teach him how to survive. The same goes with children. If you teach them early how to make a meal, they can take care of themselves in high school without you worrying over their health. Parenting said you must have the confidence that your kid can make breakfast or lunch.

Develop The "Pitch-In" Mindset

If you do everything for your children when they were in middle school, chances are, they will continue relying on being told what to do instead of thinking of what they can do to help. Allowing them to help in household chores will develop that "pitch-in" mindset which could benefit them not only in high school but also in their professional lives.

Pack Their Own Bags

One thing that makes kids rely on your helicopter parenting is whenever you pack their bags for them. Stop this and make your kids pack up the things they need in school. If they miss a homework, let them own up to their mistakes. That way, you'll be teaching them responsibility over the things they need in school.

Grocery Shopping

Don't wait until your kids are in high school before teaching them to do grocery shopping. Your helicopter parenting techniques will not be appreciated when you're no longer around to buy their needs. Better teach them this life skill now.

Take public transportation.

Since you wouldn't be around to drive them to school, have them take the public transport. Teaching them early will help them find their way around even when in a different place later on. TED mentioned that life skills aren't exactly taught in schools, and are essentially learned at home.

Helicopter parenting may be effective in ensuring the safety and well-being of your child but only up to a certain point. If he is already preparing for high school, better say goodbye to helicopter parenting and teach him these seven life skills.