From Surviving to Thriving

It’s time we rethink what our kids are actually learning in school. Things that should be a must:

1.	Personal Finance: Managing money isn’t just a skill, it’s a necessity. Teaching kids how to budget, save, and invest means they’ll avoid the financial traps so many of us fell into.

2.	Budgeting: It’s simple but powerful. Learning how to set up and stick to a budget can make the difference between financial stress and financial freedom.

3.	Credit Score: Understanding credit is huge—it’s the key to renting an apartment, buying a car, or getting that first home. Let’s make sure our students have this knowledge before they need it.

4.	Stress Management: Life is stressful, and our kids feel it, too. Teaching them how to manage that stress now means they’ll have healthier, happier lives later.

5.	Taxes: No one teaches you how to file taxes until you’re staring at confusing forms. Imagine if our students already knew the ropes by the time they graduate.

6.	Cooking: Knowing how to cook isn’t just about survival—it’s about health, independence, and even bringing people together around a meal.

7.	Basic Home Repair: Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or patching up a wall, these are skills that save money and give a sense of independence.

8.	Insurance: Navigating the maze of insurance is intimidating. Let’s make sure our students know what’s what, so they can protect themselves and their future.

9.	Survival Skills: From natural disasters to unexpected emergencies, knowing how to stay safe can make all the difference. It’s peace of mind that everyone deserves.

10.	Self-Defense: It’s about feeling safe and capable in any situation. Empowering students with self-defense skills gives them confidence.

11.	Social Etiquette: Good manners and respectful communication are keys to success in life and work. Let’s teach our kids how to navigate the world with respect and confidence.

12.	Car Maintenance: From changing a tire to checking the oil, these basics can save time, money, and stress. It’s practical knowledge every driver should have.

These are the kinds of things that prepare kids not just for the next test, but for life itself. They should be giving the opportunity to thrive not just survive.

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I agree with all of these, and I would like to add that it shouldn’t be a unit you teach once in 9th grade and never touch it again. It should be woven into the curriculum for every year a student is in school. A large issue is that a lot of these are “taught” in most schools, but what they really mean is students are “exposed” to that information. Slowing down the rigor of the academic curriculum and truly taking our time for MASTERY of skills will be essential for students to be well educated, in both academic skills and life skills. And yes, state testing will absolutely be effected by this, but the decision makers need to realize that no matter how well these students may score on a test, they are in no way prepared to navigate life after graduation.

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