One of the main reasons why our family chose to ditch rigid curriculum and schedules in favor for unschooling – or lifeschooling – is because we wanted more time and space to equip our kids to thrive in a world beyond academics.

And now, with three teenagers in our home, who I often hear praise about from other parents and leaders, I can see the fruit of having real life & leadership skills be the bulk of our learning journey over the years.

Here are the reasons I feel so strongly about this:

1. PREPARATION FOR ADULTHOOD

Life is about much more than climbing up grade levels, getting a good GPA, scoring high on standardized tests, and going to college!

I was a really good student who consistently was awarded honors and accolades but, frankly, did not know how to do much outside of a life of reading, studying, and test-taking. Therefore, it was a HUGE learning curve for me when I finally moved beyond the school world and had to finally learn how to adult!

I wanted to make sure my kids were equipped better than I was for life and so we prioritized making room to teach real-life skills like cooking/baking, budgeting/personal financial literacy, communication, critical thinking, and more in order they would be prepared to take on real-world responsibilities and challenges.

2. Leadership Shapes Character

Leadership skills – such as decision-making, empathy, and problem-solving – help kids grow into confident, responsible adults who can influence others positively, reflecting Godly character in their actions.

Too many young adults in our world right now are what we call “sheeple”! People who don’t know how to think for themselves and find comfort in following trends or crowds, often in fear of not fitting in. But leaders don’t struggle greatly those kinds of insecurities, and instead understand their identity in Christ and purpose in God’s kingdom.

Cultivating a leadership mindset and giving them opportunities to exercise leadership skills have helped refine our kids’ character and influence over others.

For instance, Big Bro’s work ethic and combination of boldness and servant leadership, was recognized multiple times in his workplace, earning him a position as a lead. Big Sis often got requested for acting/modeling jobs she didn’t have to audition for because her maturity and ability to persevere through varying degrees of work conditions (even as a young child), earned respect from those who production. Baby Sis has been able to speak into the lives of peers in a way that challenges them to step into their gospel identity and fight against the status quo of our current culture.

These are just a few of many different examples … but it was because we decided early on that leadership skills would take priority over forcing our kids on the typical track of learning subjects that the school system values.

3. Learning Becomes Meaningful

When kids see the real-world application of what they’re learning, it fosters intrinsic motivation and deeper understanding, and learning becomes meaningful because it’s connected to purpose and responsibility.

Instead of isolating subjects into disconnected lessons, kids learn math through budgeting, communication through real conversations, and problem-solving through real challenges. Leadership opportunities – like planning a family trip, running a small business, or leading a community project – foster confidence, self-discipline, and initiative.

When children see the real-world impact of their efforts, they’re naturally more motivated to learn, grow, and take ownership of their education. This kind of learning not only sticks but also prepares them for adulthood in ways traditional schooling often neglects.

4. Builds Independence

By focusing on real-life skills, you’re teaching kids to take ownership of their decisions and responsibilities, preparing them to navigate life without constant guidance. This naturally fosters independence because it gives kids the confidence, experience, and responsibility needed to navigate life on their own.

Instead of relying on adults for direction in every task, children who practice real-world skills – like managing their own schedules, making decisions, solving problems, and taking ownership of projects – develop the ability to think critically and take initiative.

When kids are trusted with meaningful responsibilities, such as planning a meal, budgeting for a purchase, or leading a group effort, they learn through experience rather than passive instruction. This kind of hands-on learning empowers them to become self-motivated, resourceful individuals who can adapt to new challenges and step into leadership roles with confidence!

5. Encourages Critical Thinking

Instead of just memorizing facts and plowing through worksheets, kids learn to analyze situations, solve problems, and think for themselves – skills that are essential for leadership and decision-making … which naturally strengthens critical thinking.

By cultivating life and leadership skills, they learn to ask thoughtful questions, evaluate different perspectives, and adapt to real-world challenges. Whether it’s figuring out how to market a small business, navigate a conflict, or troubleshoot a project that isn’t going as planned, these experiences train the brain to think logically, creatively, and strategically. When kids are given opportunities to lead, make choices, and experience the consequences, they develop the ability to assess situations, anticipate challenges, and come up with innovative solutions – skills that will serve them for life.

6. Aligns with Biblical Stewardship

Prioritizing real-life and leadership skills in homeschooling aligns with biblical stewardship by teaching children to wisely manage the time, talents, and resources God has entrusted to them.

Scripture calls us to be faithful stewards (Luke 16:10) and to work diligently in all we do (Colossians 3:23). And when kids learn practical skills like managing finances, making responsible decisions, and leading with integrity, they develop the mindset of serving God and others with excellence.

Instead of passively following instructions, they learn to take ownership of their responsibilities, recognizing that their abilities and opportunities are gifts meant to be used for God’s glory. By emphasizing real-life application, we equip our children not just for academic success, but for a life of purposeful, God-honoring stewardship.

7. Opens Doors for Entrepreneurship

With practical skills, kids are better positioned to pursue creative and entrepreneurial ventures, developing resourcefulness and resilience … and are more equipped to think creatively, take initiative, and solve problems – key traits of successful entrepreneurs.

When children are given the freedom to explore their interests, manage projects, and develop practical skills required for those pursuits, they gain the confidence to turn ideas into action. Whether it’s starting a small business, selling handmade products, or offering a service in their community, these experiences teach valuable lessons about responsibility, perseverance, and innovation.

Instead of waiting for job opportunities, entrepreneurial-minded kids learn to create their own, stepping into adulthood with the skills to build businesses, serve others, and pursue meaningful work that aligns with their God-given talents.

8. Cultivates a Growth Mindset

Real-life challenges provide opportunities for kids to learn from failure and grow, and leadership skills help them persevere and adapt, knowing they’re equipped to face challenges.

This cultivates a growth mindset by teaching kids that challenges, mistakes, and perseverance are all part of the learning process – just as Scripture encourages us to grow in wisdom and maturity (James 1:2-4, Proverbs 4:7). When children take on real responsibilities, they learn that effort and persistence lead to growth rather than seeing struggles as failures.

Instead of fearing mistakes, they develop resilience, knowing that setbacks are opportunities for learning and improvement. This aligns with biblical principles of diligence, stewardship, and faith, reinforcing that their abilities are not fixed but can be developed through hard work and reliance on God (Philippians 4:13). A homeschool built on real-life application teaches kids to embrace challenges with confidence, trusting that God is shaping them for His purposes.

Need More Support and Encouragement for This Area?

Then you won’t want to miss the Life Skills Leadership Summit happening February 24-28, 2025!

This is for you if you’re a mama wanting to give your kids real life skills and the ability to make wise decisions, but need encouragement, inspiration, and practical guidance.

You will glean wisdom from 30+ expert homeschoolers with over 50+ workshops to choose from! AND, your ticket includes a swag bag with a value of over $600!

Best part? It’s FREE! Register today, and don’t miss out on finishing out your homeschool year STRONG, with things that really matter in the long run:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE