I am in the process of making a deck of 130 cards that gameify and help move responsibility and ownership of learning the life skills over to the kids. These life skills are more-or-less required to becoming a good, respectful, hard-working adult and as their parents, we are all striving to teach our kids. I am excited to see it come to fruition but for now, here is the list I have so far. There are 7 “Missions” they go on, which are these categories list below. They can choose which cards they want to achieve. Some are a “unlock the skill once” with a Capability Key (for example, trimming their nails) while others need to become a habit with a “Practice Path”. After they’ve shown the discipline and consistency, they can check off the skill.

Once they’ve mastered either of those types of skills, they will receive a sticker of that “Life Skill Quest” and be able to put it into their “Freedom Passport”. This passport holds all the life skills they have already achieved so they can look back at how much they have learned and how independent and grown-up they are becoming.

Take a look at the lists and what will be coming soon as a 120+ deck of cards to help your child take ownership in their own life skill development!

Body Boss — “I can take care of my body.”

There are 19 quests within this mission to be able to take good care of your body.

• Get Myself a Glass of Water
• Get Dressed for the Day
• Put Socks & Shoes On
• Use the Toilet Independently
• Cover My Cough/Sneeze
• Blow My Nose
• Wash My Hands
• Brush My Teeth
• Floss My Teeth
• Wash My Face
• Brush My Hair
• Wash & Dry My Hair
• Trim My Nails
• Put On Sunscreen by Myself
• Tie My Shoes
• Shower/Bathe Myself
• Basic Skin Care
• Wake Up with an Alarm
• Plan & Execute a Morning Routine

Home Hero — “I can take care of my things and environment.”

As the largest mission of the deck at 33 quests, it will take the longest because most need a Practice Path to help set a habit rhythm. It will be important to explain that there are Personal Responsibilities (like the category Body Boss) and then there are Family Responsibilities, where we all contribute to the household no matter what. This includes all of the Home Hero Mission quests!

• Making My Bed
• Tidying the House
• Resetting Table After Meals
• Emptying the Dishwasher
• Loading the Dishwasher
• Cleaning the Toilet
• Cleaning Bathroom (what supplies)
• Sweeping the Floor
• Vacuuming (attachments)
• Dusting
• Cleaning Windows
• Putting Away Groceries
• Taking Out Trash
• Recycling Properly
• Cleaning Up Spills
• Watering Plants
• Feeding Pets
• Changing Toilet Paper
• Cleaning the Sink
• Cleaning the Shower/Tub
• Changing Bedsheets
• Mow a Lawn
• Weed Properly
• Folding & Putting Away Laundry
• Putting Dirty Clothes in the Hamper
• Doing a Load of Laundry
• Hang a Shirt & Slacks
• Fold a Towel/Blanket
• Basic Sewing/Mending
• Pack an Overnight Bag by Yourself
• Pack for a Suitcase for a Long Trip
• Change a Tire
• Jumpstart a Car

Social Star — “I can communicate respectfully and confidently.”

A few of these social quests (out of 18) will be a little bit harder to determine when they are “mastered” but they are still important to do. A lot of them will be a one-time challenge that takes them out of their comfort zone.

• Introduce Myself
• Answer the Door Politely
• Order at a Restaurant
• Write a Thank You Note
• Address an Envelope
• Wrap a Gift
• Practice Good Table Manners
• Hosting & Greeting Guests
• Listen Without Interrupting
• Ask Good Questions
• Babysitting Basics
• Change a Diaper
• Read to Younger Children
• How to Answer the Phone
• Make a Phone Appointment
• Fill Out Basic Forms
• Job Interview Basics
• Run an Errand Alone

Cooking Captain — “I can feed myself and others.”

This mission with 24 quests is probably the one that ranges the most in ability and age. From being able to open your own snack packages or bananas, to being able to make a dinner completely by yourself, meal prep, and navigate a grocery store alone. Being able to feed yourself well and feed others is a very important life skill!

• Open Snack Packages Myself
• Pour a Drink for Myself and Others
• Make a PBJ Sandwich
• Peel a Banana/Orange
• Make a bowl of Cereal
• Wash Produce
• Scramble Eggs
• Make Toast
• Make Noodles
• Measure Ingredients
• Pack My Own Lunch
• Set & Clear the Table
• Cook a Dinner by Myself
• Follow a Simple Recipe
• Bake Cookies
• Make a Smoothie
• Make Breakfast Independently
• Use the Microwave Safely
• Use the Oven Safely
• Store Leftovers Properly
• Making a Grocery List
• Navigate a Store
• Read Nutrition Labels
• How to Meal Prep Food

Safety Scout — “I can stay safe and help in emergencies.”

These 22 quests in this mission I think are the ones that end up being forgotten the most. But if there were to be any kind of emergencies, having discussed or even practiced a plan and feeling prepared is going to keep your children (and yourself) as calm as you can be during those situations. These will need more discussion and explicit teaching.

• What to Do If Lost
• Memorize Parent Full Names
• Memorize Parent’s Phone Numbers
• Memorize Address
• Know My Birthday
• Fire Safety
• Emergency Exit Plan
• Call 911
• Basic First Aid
• Parking Lot Safety
• Put my Helmet on Myself
• Bike Safety
• Water Safety
• Stranger Safety
• Cross the Street Safely
• Kitchen Safety (Fire)
• Knife Safety
• Sun Safety
• Medicine Safety
• Internet Safety
• Earthquake/Storm Safety
• How to Swim

Money Manager — “I can use resources wisely.”

• Count Money
• Give Change
• Save Money
• Spend vs Save vs Donate
• Make a Simple Budget
• Compare Prices
• Grocery Shopping Basics
• Use a Shopping List
• Understand Needs vs Wants
• Earn Money Through Work
• Tip at Restaurants
• Bank Basics
• Digital Payment Basics
• Plan a Meal Budget