Teach your child how to set goals and to pursue them from an early age. Create your plan to support your child/children to reach their full potential. Start early, be intentional, and involve your child as you support them to reach their goals. Help your child to think of many ways to approach a situation and many ways to solve a problem. Allow them to explore things in the world to think in new, different and stimulating ways.

Communication is key in life - with family, friends, co-workers and the community. Help your child understand how to express themselves clearly and respectfully. Creativity and communication are examples of 21st century skills that your child will use in school, career and life.

One of the best ways to help your child prepare to be ready for their future is to help them understand the importance of 21st century skills. The job market is rapidly changing due to the growth of automation, computers and customer demands. However, if your child has 21st century skills they will be more likely to access stable and good paying jobs. 21st century skills include:

Collaboration and teamwork
Creativity and imagination
Critical thinking
Problem solving
Flexibility and adaptability
Global and cultural awareness
Information literacy
Leadership
Civic literacy and citizenship
Oral and written communication skills
Social responsibility and ethics
Technology literacy
Initiative

Build 21st Century Skills at Home

The Partnership for 21st Century Learning has put together a list of Tips and Strategies for Families to help you find ways to support the development of 21st Century skills in your home and community.