There are many skills your children will need in the future that you can start teaching them now, at almost any age. No matter where their lives take them, they’ll need communication, organization, and problem solving skills. Additionally, with more and more industries becoming dependent on technology in their day-to-day operations, teaching your children how to use technology responsibly is one of the best things you can do for them. Here are a few ways you can your children these valuable life skills.

Communication

Be open and honest with your children, and listen at least as much as you expect them to. Consider their opinions and thoughts in your responses. Show them by example that communication is a two-way street. This is a skill they’ll need for their personal relationships as well as professional ones. Before they even enter the workforce, they’ll need to be able to communicate effectively with their teachers and fellow students throughout grade school and college.

Organization

Something as simple as keeping their rooms not only clean but also organized will help your children learn this basic, but important, skill. Sorting their own laundry, and taking inventory when the seasons change, can help. Have them pack their own clothes for trips, and help them place everything in the order in which the items will be used. This will teach them how to plan projects in the future. If they were to pursue a public administration degree, for example, organizational skills would be required.

Ask your children to help you with the dishes, putting them away where they belong. Make the grocery shopping list together, and organize each group of items by the grocer section where they’re found.

Technical Knowledge

These days, almost everyone has a smartphone or tablet. Most kids pick up the ability to use technology without much help from adults at all. Make sure your children have access to age-appropriate apps, and limit their time spent on electronic devices. Assign their weekly chores and download an app that tracks their progress. Help them set goals, and use an app with a reward system for that as well.

Integrate technology into your children’s lives in a healthy way. When they enter today’s workforce, which is increasingly dependent upon technology, their responsible, tech-savvy ways will make them desirable candidates, even for non-tech related jobs.

Problem Solving

Allow your children to fail sometimes so that they learn the consequences and understand the importance of giving their best effort in everything they do. They may fail repeatedly, and they may need help sometimes, but allow them to make a few mistakes. They’ll learn how things work if they have to fix their own mistakes or start over. In the case of this parent whose child failed at a summer job, the child learned to always put forth his best effort so that he would be called upon again in the future.

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your children succeed in the future. Teach them these skills now, and you’ll give them the tools they need to thrive.