In today’s fast-paced job market, academic achievements alone are not enough to secure success. Employers are increasingly looking for well-rounded individuals who possess strong soft skills, from being a good communicator to being adaptable in all situations. While school plays a key role in developing these skills, parents and carers can also help by encouraging communication, teamwork, and resilience at home.
As career advisers, we guide students to recognise the importance of these skills, preparing them for the demands of the workplace. Parents and carers can be crucial partners in fostering these abilities, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world success.
Communication Skills
Host fun debates – Communication is essential in all workplaces, whether working independently or as part of a team, it’s important to be able to communicate ideas, instructions and deadlines, effectively. Setting up fun debates with your child can help them think on their feet, structure their arguments, and adapt their language to persuade others. This practice strengthens their ability to communicate confidently and effectively, preparing them for the world of work.
Teamwork Skills
Play Team Games – A great way to support your child’s teamwork skills is through a game’s night! Choose a game that requires them to work with one or more players, such as board games, escape room challenges, or multiplayer video games. This will build their skills at working with others, teaching them how to delegate and communicate tasks so that others understand them – This is a key skill to acquire for the workplace.
Practical-Thinking Skills
Encourage Problem Solving tasks – Give your child some extra responsibility and allow them to prove to themselves how capable they are. This could be through cooking, small DIY projects or solving puzzles. In the working world, tasks often come up that require you to adapt or think outside the box, By offering support while allowing them the space to figure things out, and even fail, they’ll develop resilience and the ability to think critically.
In the workplace, unexpected challenges often arise that require quick thinking, adaptability, and creative solutions. Teaching your child to approach problems with a solution-focused mindset will give them a valuable skill set they can carry into their future career.
Time Management Skills
Introduce a Calendar or Chore Chart – Teaching your child to manage their time effectively will set them up for success in both their personal and professional life. Introducing a calendar or chore chart helps them understand the importance of meeting deadlines and following a schedule. Whether it’s completing homework, household tasks, or extracurricular activities, having a visual reminder encourages responsibility, organisation, and accountability—essential skills for handling workplace deadlines in the future.
By actively engaging in these activities at home, you can play a crucial role in helping to ensure your child is well-prepared for the demands of the workplace. Together, we can help students develop the skills they need to succeed both academically and professionally!
