Have you ever helped in the kitchen, fixed a broken toy, or stood up in class to read aloud? Then guess what—you’ve already started building some awesome youth skills. Youth skill are everyday abilities that help young children like you into smart, confident, and capable young people who can contribute to the development of our world.
Whether you’re good with your hands, full of big ideas, or just curious to learn, there’s a special skill for everyone. And the best part? Skills can be learned, practised, and improved—just like learning to ride a bike, tying your shoe laces or wearing a tie on your own, all skills take time and some effort but with a little bit of practice, patience and hard work, you can learn a lot and give so much to yourself and the world around you.
Let’s look at eight fun and important skills you can explore:
1. Cooking and baking
Who says chefs have to be grown-ups? Children can cook too. I am sure you have seen reality shows like Junior Master Chef, where children like you go on to create incredible dishes and desserts. They all started small at home, and went go on to reach great heights. If you love helping your mum around the kitchen, start small and do recipes by yourself with the help of your mother, you can start by making a fruit salad or bake some muffins or cookies, learning your way around the kitchen teaches responsibility, creativity, and safety.
Try this: Ask an adult to show you how to make a healthy snack like a veggie sandwich or a fruit smoothie or try our recipes each week.
2. Public speaking
Talking in front of a crowd can be scary, but it’s also a powerful skill you can build for yourself. Whether you’re reading a story aloud, presenting a class project, or sharing your opinion, public speaking builds confidence and clear communication.
Tip: Practise speaking in front of a mirror or your family. Start with a joke or a fun fact to break any nervousness.
3. Tech and computer skills
In today’s world, being tech-savvy is super helpful. Learning how to use a computer, create a slideshow, or even code a simple game teaches you to be smart and creative with technology. By learning tech skills many young people go on to create wonderful things like apps and games and become successful young entrepreneurs when they grow up.
Bonus: Try coding games like Scratch or Code.org to start building your digital skills.
4. Mindfulness and self-calm
Feeling nervous, angry, or excited are all part of bring human but that’s doesn’t mean it’s good for us. Our physical and mental well-being is very important to grow into healthy young adults. So, learning how to calm your mind and body is a skill that is very important. Breathing exercises, stretching, a little mindfulness meditation or yoga can help you feel focused and peaceful.
Quick activity: Sit still, close your eyes, and take five deep breaths, feel the breath go in and out. You will feel calm and relaxed. Works like magic.
5. Fix-it and DIY skills
Knowing how to fix small things at home is great. Learn how to sew a button, glue a broken toy or vase, put on a light bulb or hammering a nail. These hands-on skills teach you to be careful and clever. But be careful, get an adult to teach you, don’t go experimenting on your own.
Try helping your parents with simple repairs or organising your very own tool box.
6. Money smarts
Even children can learn about money and how to start saving at a young age. Knowing how to save, spend wisely, and budget is an important life skill.
Challenge: Start a piggy bank and set a savings goal—maybe for a new book, toy or gift.
7. Martial arts and team sports
Karate, judo, football and cricket—these aren’t just games. They teach you discipline, teamwork and hard work. They tell you how to take care of your body and mind. They are great ways to protect yourself and others. Plus, they’re loads of fun.
8. Arts and creativity
Drawing, painting, singing, writing stories, sewing or learning an instrument are all skills that help express the magical world living inside of you. Creative children are great problem solvers too.
Share your work: Send your best drawing, poem, or comic to Junior Observer and get featured.
You are already special
No matter what your talent is—big or small—everything matters. Keep learning, keep trying, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more skills you build the more ready you’ll be to face the world around you like the superstar that you are.
So… what skill will you try this week?
