Quoted Text

by Ann Simpson
March 9, 2011

Communication skills
Be truthful--your word means everything
Speak kindly--don't be hurtful with the words you use
Say please, thank you, no thank you, etc. People appreciate manners
Eye contact is very important
As important as your words are, your actions are even more important
When in doubt, ask questions
Being able to organize and write your thoughts down on paper is important
Realize that what you write may be read by many people--unintended readers as well as intended readers
Be very careful what you write/post on social network sites
Never, ever, ever use your communication skills to bully or make fun of anyone

The formation and maintenance of relationships
Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself
Do not confuse kindness for weakness. Recognize and value kindness
It's important to be reliable
There is no such thing as being too polite, too kind, or too reliable
Value other people's time
Friends come and go--but your family is forever
Empathy--it's very important
It is better to love and to be hurt, than never to love at all (I believe Shakespeare said it so much better!)
You love people for their faults as well as their strengths
It's important to treat animals kindly
Treat other people's property with respect
As important as your words are, actions are even more important (so important, it's mentioned more than once)
Be kind to those that love you
You have instincts for a reason. If something or someone doesn't feel right, trust yourself
Compromise is important
You don't always have to be right
It really is more fun to give than to receive

Financial skills
Understand the value of money
Know how to budget and live within your budget
Know how to make money through investment vehicles such as money market accounts, 401Ks, stock options, etc., and know how to purchase/invest in these vehicles
The concept of compound interest
If an investment opportunity looks too good to be true, then it probably is
The importance of a FICO score
The importance and pitfalls of credit
Know how to make a dollar go a long way

Day-to-day living skills/concepts
Know your way around a computer--know how to fix things--know how to use programs
Understand that Math and Science are extremely important
History is not dull. You really can learn from other's mistakes and triumphs
Know how to swim
Know how to maintain a vehicle so you don't run out of oil and so your windshield wipers always work
Be able to change a tire
If you make something from scratch it gives you a personal sense of accomplishment
One man's trash is another's treasure
Know how to do the wash, hem your pants, sew on buttons, and iron a garment
Know how to make healthy food
Know how to read a label
Know how to make a dollar go a long way (also a financial skill)
Philosophical lessons are very important and can have an effect on one's happiness.  I want my children to understand the following--
Thoughts are very powerful
Enjoy what you have
Always do your best. Realize your best may change from day to day
It's ok to be wrong--in fact, that's how we learn
If something looks too good to be true, it probably is (again, important enough to be listed more than once)
Value and nurture your creativity
Value and nurture your own quiet times. Take time to rejuvenate

Religious/Spiritual Lessons.