The Desirable Qualities, Abilities & Life Learning Skills To Be Fostered in Upbringing Our Youngsters

by Kit-Yiu Leung

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To live a happy and independent life, our youngsters are deemed to develop, acquire and possess the essential qualities, abilities and skills to help them cope with everyday life challenges. They are as follows:

1. Resilience:

Resilience is the ability to bounce back or recover in adversity or in face of a stumbling block. To be resilient, with a positive mind-set, we have to persevere; not give up easily in face of any hardships or setbacks.

2. Problem-solving Skills:

In fact, everyday we have to solve problems whether they are big or small. Our youngsters need to apply the seven steps of problem-solving skills in figuring out the best feasible solution in solving a problem i.e.,

• (a.) Identify and define the problem.

• (b.) Come up with possible solutions.

• (c.) Evaluate the options.

• (d.) Choose the best solution.

• (e.) Implement the solution.

• (f.) Evaluate the outcome.

3. Critical Thinking Skills:

In this ever-changing world and with the influx of mass media information, we need to encourage our youngsters to master their thinking skills. Consequently, they will not be misled by the unreliable and biased sources of information and propaganda that hamper their own judgment. They can distinguish right from wrong and so make wise and effective decisions. In this respect, divergent thinking surely outweighs convergent thinking. They allow youngsters to see things from different perspectives and so they can weigh the pros and cons objectively.

4. Confidence:

Confidence, embraced with high self-esteem and acceptance, accounts for the happiness and well-being of our youngsters. It equips our youngsters with the courage to deal with life challenges, allowing them to take risks and explore in a novice field of learning or work. This allows room for inventions and creativity, which is very critical to our society, country or the world. With confidence, miracles can happen!

5. Communication Skills:

Effective communications skills, in verbal, non-verbal and written forms, are indispensable, when getting along well with others, whether at home, at school, at work or in public places. What we intend to say is important but how we deliver our messages is even more important. Putting ourselves in the others’ shoes and being empathetic, as well as understanding definitely help. Using the right speaking tone and the careful choice of diction will surely help in creating a harmonious atmosphere for efficient communication.

6. Good Emotional Management:

A person in control should be able to manage his/her own emotions and not be the slave of emotions. We had better encourage our youngsters to be the master of their own emotions. It does not mean that they have to suppress their negative emotions. On the contrary, they should be guided to vent their anger and frustrations or release their negative feelings through a proper or an acceptable means or channel for their good mental health. It is alright to get mad and feel upset but it is not okay to hurt others physically or mentally. Nor is it okay to damage any properties to vent their rage, annoyance and resentment.

7. Life-long Learning Skills:

The Life-long Skills consist of the 4 C's: critical thinking, creative thinking, communicating, and collaborating. With life-long learning Skills, youngsters can have ample learning opportunities for never-ending self-growth and pursuing their life goals or personal interests with unceasing passion at school or beyond. This can help them keep pace with contemporary times.

8. Responsibilities:

We should instill in youngsters a sense of responsibility at the earliest possible time. They have to take up their own responsibilities, being responsible for their words and actions. Instead of putting the blames on others, they should learn from the consequences. This is the cornerstone of a reliable, trustworthy and honest person. Being responsible contributes to a great extent in realizing the objectives and goals for success.

9. Gratitude:

Youngsters need to show appreciation for what they have, be it scarce or abundant, as well as be thankful for nature: the natural resources, the beautiful sceneries, the gorgeous landscapes, adorable sunrise and sunset and the like. They also need to be grateful for others’ kind deeds for them. In encountering an unpleasant experience or a difficult person, youngsters are encouraged to view the unfavourable experience as a blessing and take a lesson from it to strengthen themselves. Hence, in dealing with a similar situation or person later on, the youngsters are well-equipped and subsequently take wiser actions. There is a Chinese saying: “After one task; one grows wisdom” ( 「經一事、長一智」 ).

10. A Loving Heart:

What this world needs now is LOVE. Self-love and Love for others are crucial. Self-love, as well as self-respect and self-worth, leads to healthier relationships now and in the future. It also leads to good physical and mental health. With a loving heart, youngsters will show respect, kindness and caring, honesty, fairness, cooperation and teamwork, and integrity. In short, it serves as lubricating oil for good human liaison, and a health guarantor.

In conclusion, the author highly recommends parents and grandparents to inculcate in their youngsters the desirable qualities, abilities and life Skills expounded above. Likewise, parents and grandparents should act as a good role model for their youngsters as “Action speaks louder than words.”.