One thing that continually puzzles me is that although schools do a decent job of teaching math, science, and language skills, they often skip over some of life’s most critical lessons. I’m talking about the practical stuff that carries us through real-world challenges—like managing finances, handling stress, and collaborating with others.

Don’t get me wrong: knowing history dates and mastering geometry theorems can be useful in their own way, but the fact remains that many young people graduate without crucial skills that help them navigate adulthood. And then they’re left fumbling around, learning these skills the hard way—often when they’re facing big responsibilities for the first time.

I’ve joked with my grandkids about how I’m tempted to create my own little “Grandpa’s Curriculum,” where I’d teach them everything I wish I’d known when I was their age. But for now, I’ll settle for sharing a few of these lessons here. It’s my hope that some folks reading this (maybe even a curious teenager who stumbles across it) might take these pointers to heart. 

Let’s dive in. 

1. Emotional intelligence

I learned the power of emotional intelligence (EQ) the hard way back in my early career. 

I was always a hard worker and prided myself on getting the job done. But I didn’t pay enough attention to the more subtle human dynamics in my office. 

One day, I found myself in a tense conversation with a colleague who felt I’d been undermining his efforts. Looking back, I probably missed all the signs that he was feeling overwhelmed and unappreciated. Instead of offering empathy, I just barreled forward with my own agenda.

I can’t tell you I have all the answers, but one thing’s for sure: once I learned to recognize and respect others’ feelings, my relationships at work (and at home) improved dramatically. It’s like I began to speak another language—one that isn’t taught in most classrooms but should be.

And here’s something that really drives the point home: research suggests that people with high emotional intelligence earn an average of $29,000 more per year than those with lower EQ. That’s not just a soft skill—it’s a smart investment.

Schools drill algebraic formulas into our heads but rarely explain how to notice someone’s distress and respond with kindness. And yet, it’s these human connections that can make or break us in life.

I wish educators spent a little more time on teaching kids how to identify and articulate their emotions—how to differentiate anger from frustration or sadness from disappointment. If children learn to express themselves clearly and listen actively, just imagine how much healthier their friendships and future work relationships would be.

2. Financial literacy

If there’s one topic I’ve talked about repeatedly on this blog, it’s the importance of financial literacy (maybe you remember me mentioning it in a previous post). 

And still, I’m constantly amazed that so many schools view money management lessons as optional. Teens often emerge into adulthood not knowing how credit cards really work, or why interest rates matter, or how to set up a budget that goes beyond scribbling guesswork on a notepad.

I made my fair share of financial mistakes when I was younger—racking up credit card debt, thinking that paying only the minimum balance was perfectly fine, and assuming I had all the time in the world to save for retirement. 

Spoiler alert: that approach dug me into holes that took years to climb out of.

The thing is, money touches every aspect of our lives, from housing and healthcare to the ability to start a family or pursue further education. 

According to a 2019 study by the National Financial Educators Council, the average American lost over a thousand dollars from poor personal finance knowledge. That’s a pretty steep price to pay for something that could be remedied with a bit of early education.

Schools don’t necessarily need to create entire year-long courses on finance, although that’d be nice. Even a series of workshops—covering basics like budgeting, investing, credit scores, and responsible loan usage—would arm students with the knowledge to avoid crippling debt later. 

As Warren Buffett famously said, “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” Learning how to manage money is like planting that tree; the sooner you do it, the more you’ll benefit in the long run.

3. Self-awareness and personal growth

It might sound a bit lofty or philosophical, but trust me: self-awareness is a game-changer. 

Knowing who you are—your strengths, weaknesses, triggers, and core values—sets the stage for making better decisions in every area of life. 

Yet schools rarely devote any time to self-reflection. Students are so busy cramming for tests and chasing after perfect grades that they seldom get a chance to ask themselves, “What truly matters to me?” or “Am I acting in line with my values?”

Looking back, I realize that I spent much of my youth living on autopilot, doing what I thought I was “supposed” to do. It wasn’t until I was older (and a bit more wrinkled) that I started digging into my own motivations. It changed how I approached relationships, handled stress, and even how I viewed success.

Encouraging self-awareness in schools might involve simple practices like reflective journaling, group discussions about personal values, and opportunities for students to explore their passions without fear of judgment. 

The goal isn’t to crank out a bunch of philosophers, but to help young people become more attuned to who they are. That’s a recipe for a more grounded, confident generation in my book. 

Final words 

I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that these life skills are absolute game-changers. Yet they’re often treated as afterthoughts in school, if they’re addressed at all. 

I’m convinced that if we gave these topics just a fraction of the attention we devote to test scores and extracurricular accolades, our kids would enter adulthood far better equipped to handle reality.

So here’s my little call to action: whether you’re an educator, a parent, or a curious individual hungry for self-improvement, take these lessons to heart. Schools might not prioritize them, but we can. 

We can talk openly about emotions, we can teach each other about money management, we can practice better communication skills, and we can show by example what resilience looks like.