Abandoning items already mentioned on the list, I taught two things to my kids.
- The most important thing is happiness: My kids are always happy. I never force them to do anything against their wishes. I only guide them. This sort of independence brings real happiness. I do keep a peripheral eye on their behavior. Being happy does not mean that they can smoke weed or take rum to school. But in every other minor decision, they are absolutely free.
I always taught them that the most important thing is real happiness. If they are not happy doing something, they must immediately stop it. They know that I am not going to force them to do anything unless it is life-saving. They absolutely love it.
- Follow your heart: I teach mathematics, but I never forced them to learn maths. No one forced me. If they want to become a musician, a player, or whatever they choose, I am no one to dictate the terms of their lives. I am there to help them whenever they need me, to guide them, but never to force them.
I know for sure that if you follow your heart, you will be happy. The rest of the skills, they will learn and develop themselves in that case.
For a related reflection on children and what parents may overlook, see What are some things that Indian parents don’t realize about their children?
For another perspective on what children may need to learn beyond formal education, see What are essential life lessons children are not taught in school?