Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
Every person on the planet builds life skills simply by living their life. We eat, bathe, relate to others, break things and fix them, make and spend money, and maintain what we consider important. Some of these things come naturally and are taught early on by our family and mentors. However, there are some that slip through the cracks or are not developed enough to be functional. Some of them are purposely not taught to girls and women as thoroughly as they are to boys and men. SAY WHAT???? Yes, regardless of women’s equality, it still happens. Here are some important life skills women need.
Important Life Skills Women Need #1: Financial
Knowing how to make money and spend it wisely is something all women need to know. Even if you are married or have a partner who pays the bills, managing your money is your responsibility. Consider what would happen if your significant other suddenly was gone or couldn’t take care of financial matters. If you are in the dark about money, ask your partner to teach you what he or she does to keep finances in order.
Financial skills enable you to make a budget for the entire household and plan for the future. If you have children, you can also teach them the money skills they need to function outside your care. Make it a fun family practice to save and budget money for a vacation or special event.
Important Life Skills Women Need #2: Domestic
So, I’m not saying you have to be Martha Stewart or Betty Crocker to have a successful home life. Let’s just talk about the basics here. Knowing how to clean, maintain, and cook for yourself and family does have its advantages. It saves you money and helps you to be independent. Not to mention, it is a good example for your children if you have them.
Once you master the basic skills, like cleaning, laundry, and easy cooking, try your hand at something creative or more complicated. Make this a part of your fun and creative outlet. I love decorating my home for holidays and everyday living. It is my self-expression and helps me to take ownership of my home and environment.
Important Life Skills Women Need #3: Home And Car Maintenance
Whether you own your home or rent it, and whether you live with someone else or you live alone, having basic maintenance skills is imperative. Knowing how to hang pictures, change light bulbs, switch fuses, fix dripping taps, and mastering other household maintenance skills adds a independent confidence. After all, you may find yourself in a situation with no one else around to do these things for you. And, what about emergencies? Things like keeping your home secure and safe during storms and crisis can literally save lives.
The same is true of your car. If you own a car, it makes a lot of sense to have at least a basic understanding of how it works and what could go wrong. If you have this knowledge and something goes wrong, rather than waiting for a mobile mechanic to come to you, or having to be towed, you can solve the problem yourself. Keep a toolbox and emergency gear like a flashlight and flares in the trunk of your car for emergencies.
Important Life Skills Women Need #4: Social
Social skills are, unfortunately, getting slimmer and slimmer, as we live in a digital world. Texting, PMing, emailing, and video chats have virtually replaced face to face contact for many people. This is especially true for the younger generations. As parents, we need to make sure we are connecting to our friends in person, so our children know it’s normal and productive. Women are often the hub of families and have a great responsibility to keep gatherings and events running smoothly. And, whether you are an extrovert or introvert, being able to present yourself with grace and confidence helps others to know and connect to you. I recommend that you read more about developing effective social skills.
Important Life Skills Women Need #5: Emergency Life-Saving
Emergencies can happen at any time. Advance preparation can be a matter of life and death in some cases. Mastering first aid, knowing CPR, and how to execute the Heimlich maneuver are all skills women need to know, especially if you have children. You may be the only person who has any one of these life-saving skills. Don’t have the attitude that someone else will save a life. Be prepared for yourself and for others around you.
Important Life Skills Women Need #6: Communication
Good communication skills allow you to both listen and convey your own message. It’s important to make the people you are talking to feel heard and valued, while also being easily understood. Watch for body language cues that help you to recognize their emotional state. This, in turn, aids in knowing which direction to take the conversation. Communication isn’t just in person, of course. Written communication is equally as important no matter the situation. School, work, or the home all require excellent written communication skills at some point.
