he familiar phrase popped up again at our homeschool co-op planning meeting. I could already predict what would come next. Eyes lit up as parents tossed out the usual suggestions—changing a flat tire, balancing a checkbook, repairing drywall, writing a résumé. The list grew longer, and heads nodded in agreement. These were all useful, practical skills we all wish we’d learned sooner.

But as I listened, something nagged at me. Was this really all there was to life skills? A checklist of handy how-tos? Or was there a deeper purpose, something that connected these skills to the bigger picture of how we prepare our kids for life?

The most obvious reason to teach life skills is simple: survival. A young adult who lacks them won’t get far without running into constant friction—small obstacles piling up into big frustrations.

As our kids leave the nest, we want them to step into adulthood with confidence, knowing they can handle the basics of daily life. The goal isn’t just competence; it’s independence. We don’t want their first years on their own to feel like a series of desperate phone calls home or expensive service calls for things they could have handled themselves. Instead, we want them to have the skills and the mindset to tackle life’s practical challenges head-on.

Even with a stellar education in math, literature, writing, history, and science, kids can still step into adulthood with surprising—and sometimes embarrassing—gaps. A flawless transcript doesn’t guarantee they’ll know how to manage a budget, handle basic home repairs, or navigate professional and social settings with confidence.

Recognizing this isn’t an admission of failure. Instead it’s a call to action. As homeschoolers, we’ve already chosen an unconventional path. Expanding our approach to include real-world skills isn’t a stretch; it’s a natural extension of what we do best: preparing our children for life, not just for tests.

Thinking of life skills as gap fillers also provides a practical way to set priorities. What missing skills could turn into the biggest, most expensive problems? Maybe personal finance or career preparedness tops the list. Or perhaps it’s DIY skills like knowing how to fix things instead of paying for every repair. But life skills aren’t just about avoiding financial pitfalls. Social gaps can be just as costly. Hygiene, etiquette, and everyday communication all shape how our kids interact with the world.

By identifying and filling these gaps, we equip our kids with more than just knowledge—we give them confidence, self-reliance, and the ability to thrive in the real world.

We’ve all heard the phrase “It’s the thought that counts.” And in a sense, that’s true. A kind heart is valuable. A willingness to serve is admirable. But if someone is in real need, would you rather have help from a person who means well or one who actually knows what they’re doing?

A strong desire to serve is a good starting point, but practical skills give that desire real power. They turn empty offers into meaningful action. A person who knows how to cook can feed a hungry neighbor. A person who understands budgeting can help a struggling friend get back on track. A person who can repair a broken faucet, sew a torn jacket, or change a flat tire doesn’t just have useful knowledge—they have the ability to step in when it matters.

This is why life skills matter. They are not just for personal independence, but for impact. The more capable we are, the wider our reach. The more skills we have, the more meaningful our generosity becomes. A kind heart paired with competence creates a life that blesses others—not just in words, but in action.

Beyond the future benefits of life skills, it’s important to recognize their immediate impact on our kids today.

When I ask my kids or their friends about their favorite subjects in school, they usually mention a traditional academic subject. My oldest daughter loves anatomy and biology. My youngest enjoys math. But whether they love the subject itself or simply feel good at it isn’t always clear.

Kids tend to enjoy what they’re good at. But if they were honest, some of my children might admit they don’t actually love school itself. They might enjoy a particular co-op class because of friends, or feel energized by an enthusiastic teacher, but would they feel a sense of loss if academic work suddenly diminished? Probably not. It depends on the kid.

Not every child thrives in traditional subjects, and that’s okay. Adding life skills to your homeschool plan creates new avenues for achievement, enthusiasm, and confidence. It ensures that every student—not just those who excel in typical academic areas—can find something they genuinely enjoy and succeed in.

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” You might recognize that phrase from Mary Poppins. But as a kid, I was more puzzled by another word in the lyrics—precocious. Was it a compliment? A criticism? Mary Poppins wasn’t always easy to read.

Now, as a parent, I look for every opportunity to recognize and celebrate the precocious accomplishments of my kids.

Kids know when they’ve done something impressive. They have a sharp sense of what’s “normal” for their age, and when they step outside that boundary—when they master a skill most kids haven’t even attempted—it fuels their confidence in a way nothing else can.

In core academic subjects, homeschooling allows kids the flexibility to move at their own pace. But subjects like math and science have limits. No matter how fast a student progresses, they can only get so far ahead before the complexity catches up.

Life skills, on the other hand, have no such barriers. There are nearly endless opportunities for kids to accomplish something extraordinary that sets them apart.

My brother and I learned to juggle and pass flaming torches before junior high. Was it nerdy? Absolutely. But knowing we could do something almost no one our age could do gave us confidence. Likewise, our young kids have tackled odd but impressive challenges such as helping file income taxes, planning and booking an entire family vacation. These experiences leave a lasting mark, reinforcing their sense of ability and value.

Not every child’s strengths will show up in traditional academics. Some kids will never feel at home in a math workbook or writing assignment, but that doesn’t mean they lack talent. By making life skills a semi-formal part of your homeschool plan, you create space for legitimate achievement, real recognition, and earned confidence.

For a child who struggles with traditional schoolwork, maybe the solution isn’t just working harder—maybe it’s expanding what “school” even means.

Some skills fill gaps, ensuring kids step into adulthood with confidence. Others uncover strengths, giving them a sense of purpose beyond academics.

But these aren’t opposing goals—they work together. The more capable our kids become, the more doors open, both in their own lives and in how they serve others.

avid Larsen is a second-generation homeschool dad, raising and homeschooling their five children along with his wife of nearly 20 years. Having been homeschooled himself for several years, he values practical, hands-on learning that equips kids for both life and faith. He and his wife run a small family business providing video-based life skills lessons for homeschoolers. Learn more at www.skill-trek.com.