When my kids hit the tween years, they wanted to be more independent and learn new skills. Both wanted to do more “grown-up” things like sewing, woodworking, and cooking. So I started including more of these
Now, I am not Suzie Homemaker. All my skills were self-taught or learned in the 7th-grade home-ec and shop class. My mom really didn’t take the time to teach me to knit, sew, or cook.
Luckily, I like to research things. Books are my best friend when it comes to learning something new. I am always scouring the internet or searching for the children’s section of the library to help me find how-to books for my kids. I have basic knowledge in different areas but not a good enough understanding to teach it to my kids. Thank goodness for YouTube, Pinterest, and the library!
I found some fun books that are great for helping your tween learn new and useful skills. They are written at a kid’s level without being condescending. At this age, kids just want to learn how to do things independently and not be treated like a little kid. I guess you can’t blame them.
Books Your Tween Will Love
Books for Kitchen Skills
Kids really should learn how to cook. I know take-out and boxed meals are easy, but honestly, they should learn how to cook. It seems so many kids aren’t learning it anymore which is sad. Not only is it healthier but you also save a lot of money cooking from scratch. Here are two books that will teach your tween to be independent in the kitchen.
Cooking Class
On one of my excursions to the library, I found the book Cooking Class by Deanna F. Cook. We renewed it as many times as we could because my daughter fell in love with it.
This book is great because it explains cooking terminology. Your child will learn what it means to fry or sautee. It also includes fun and simple recipes. The book is definitely appropriate for 9-12-year-olds. You can find it on Amazon.
Baking Class
The book Baking Class is by Deanna F. Cook, too. It contains 50 recipes for your child baker to try. It has a nice variety of things to bake. Your tween is sure to find something they would love to try.
Sewing and Knitting Skills
Sewing and knitting are also useful life skills for kids. The tween years are a great time to learn them. At this age, kids tend to have more patience and better fine motor skills to handle knitting needles or a sewing machine.
My kids love using their sewing and knitting skills to make gifts for others. It feels great when you finish a project you can use or give to someone else.
Sewing School 2
Sewing School 2 is perfect for the middle school kid. It teaches kids all aspects of using a sewing machine, and it has projects they can use. Best of all they learn real sewing skills they can apply to other projects beyond this book.
Kids Knitting Workshop
The book Kids’ Knitting Workshop by Susan B. Anderson is a great beginner book for knitters. Kids are given step-by-step instructions, and they gradually build their skills throughout the book. The kids will love their new talent and all they can do with it.
Skills for the Adventurous Tween
Do you have an outdoorsy or adventurous tween? You can find some great books that will help teach them survival skills or ways to have fun in the outdoors. I think it is great for kids to learn to have fun in the outdoors and learn how to be safe.
Survivor Kid: A Practical Guide to Wilderness Survival
The book Survivor Kid: A Practical Guide to Wilderness Survival by Denise Long contains great survival information. It teaches kids skills like how to navigate in the woods and build a fire. Plus so much more! Kids can feel confident about going out in the woods, and moms can feel more at ease, too.
The Boy’s Book of Adventure and The Girl’s Book of Adventure
The Boy’s Book of Adventure and The Girl’s Book of Adventure by Michele Lecreux are fun books that teach some fun projects and skills that outdoorsy or adventurous kids will enjoy.
For boys, they learn how to identify rocks and insects, read maps, and construct fun art projects they can use. While the girl’s book includes plant identification, how to pack for a hike, and then some more “girly” crafts.
Both books have some fun information and skills boys and girls would enjoy. They are age-appropriate activities that celebrate the adventurous and independent spirit.
Woodworking Skills for Kids
Many kids love to build. Probably one of the first building projects many kids do is build a birdhouse. Woodworking is a wonderful and life-long skill kids should learn. It is also one of those skills that kids can take pride in and feel they aren’t doing “baby” projects.
Wood Shop
One book I found on woodworking for kids is Wood Shop. It includes illustrations and step-by-step directions for
Kids between 9-12 years old want to be independent and start learning some skills they can use. I love these books because they are great for helping kids do just that. They are also great books that help kids learn useful life skills for later in life.
What skills do your tweens want to learn? Comment below.
Happy Homeschooling!
