Abstract Skills

Abstract skills are the ones that focus primarily around using our emotions, and are just as important as concrete skills because so much of how we relate to others, and ourselves, is through emotional connection.

7. Managing Relationships

Considering that our entire lives are essentially a series of relationships, it’s amazing how little we teach children and young people about how relationships work. Being able to negotiate relationship issues, understanding the importance of respect, and even moving on from a relationship in an emotionally healthy way are not covered at all in any traditional education system. What young people are left with is to pick it up from the media (God help us), or my osmosis from the relationships around them.

8. Problem Solving And Logic

The way modern schooling works, we have essentially removed large elements of basic problem solving and logic from the curriculum. Yes, children solve problems, but only when we’ve given them everything they need to solve them, as with formulas in math. But actual logic, and real-world problem solving are so important for navigating the complexities of modern life that it’s not a surprise our young people seem directionless. They can’t figure out where to go because nobody has told them yet!