12 Old-School Lessons For Modern-Day Kids

I know calling 911 on cellphones is a little different from the days of yore, but it's still a very good idea to teach your children the all-important number to call in case of an emergency — and also how to do it from a landline, or even, gasp, from a pay phone!

Remember the Golden Rule? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. What happened to it? With bullying running rampant in schools, young children today would benefit by using the Golden Rule as a basic moral compass for how to treat others.

Don't forget to teach your children the best phone number where Mom or Dad (or both) can be contacted — as well as their home address. Kids do still get lost, and it would be a valuable tool for them to have. Plus it'll give you an excuse to memorize your husband's new phone number too.

I'll admit it: Laceless shoes are pretty easy (and cute — thanks, TOMS). So it's tempting to skimp on teaching your child how to tie their shoes, but this skill is not only important for self-care, but it's also good for fine motor skills and coordination.

Instant gratification fuels tots today, but grandma was right: good things come to those who wait. Patience is learned — and it's especially important when teaching about saving money.

Emails, texts, and calls are nice ways to say thank you or hello, but nothing beats a handwritten note. Teach your child the art of writing a note, and you'll provide them with an important life skill.

Please and thank you should be a big part of your child's speech, but other manners should not be forgotten either. Things like holding the door for others and saying excuse me when interrupting are also good to teach.

Answering the phone with, "What's up," "Yo," or even "Hey" was not even an option when I was growing up (because, you know, hay is for horses). Phones are so prominent in our culture, and teaching today's kiddos how to answer them properly and politely is a must!

Kids, especially the shy ones, are not big on eye contact, but this form of communication seems to be a lost art. Teaching young children to look others in the eye when they’re talking to them will go a long way in helping them to communicate with other people — and will force them to put down the game or phone.

And I'm not just talking about drugs. Kids need to learn that it is perfectly OK to say no if they are not comfortable in a situation. I know what you're thinking, "Mission accomplished! My toddler has no problem telling me no." Touché, Mama, but as they get older and spend more time outside of your home, children need to be comfortable setting their own boundaries with others.

Reading on a device is great, but kids are missing out on the joy of cuddling up and getting lost in a good book. By all means, still stock up the Kindle, but also hit up the library for some old-fashioned paperbacks too.

You might have a hard time pulling them away from their video games, but it's worth it! Riding a bike is one skill every child should learn.