I\u2019ve talked before about <\/a>setting up new habits<\/a> that help create a healthier lifestyle, like increasing your movement, getting more sleep, and eating more protein. But have you ever thought about the health benefits of learning a fun new skill?<\/p>\n Learning new things keeps our minds sharp and healthy, which is important as we age. Not only does it give your brain some exercise, but it\u2019s a great way to help your mental health. Learning a new skill gives you and your kids self-confidence, plus there\u2019s an added bonus of having a new hobby! Hobbies are a creative outlet for you to express yourself, which helps lower stress.<\/p>\n With our busy schedules, it might feel hard to sign up for in-person classes. And you might think it will be expensive to learn a new skill. Luckily, there\u2019s a world of online classes you can learn from the comfort of your own home (and in your pajamas!). Some of these courses are even accessible through apps, so you can learn something while you\u2019re waiting in your car!<\/p>\n I\u2019ve compiled a list of cool skills you can learn from online classes\u2014everything from hobbies like crocheting to learning a foreign language to life skills like how to budget or change a flat tire. Find one you\u2019ll enjoy to sharpen your skills and have some fun!<\/p>\n There\u2019s so much information available for free or for a reasonable sum that going to school for many skills seems like a waste of time and money. Over the last few years, my kids and I have taken several of these online courses together. We\u2019ve learned fun skills like solving the Rubik\u2019s Cube, cooking, the basics of digital photography, and how to be better chess players.<\/p>\n The best part?<\/p>\n We\u2019ve taken some of these classes together, and they\u2019ve been a great way to spend time together as a family. Each year, our plan is to learn a new skill as a family every couple of months.<\/p>\n Some of my favorite places to take online courses include Udemy<\/a>, Skillshare<\/a>, and Wondrium<\/a>. These websites have loads of courses you can take for very reasonable prices. If you don\u2019t see something you like on this list, search for something that you\u2019d love to learn!<\/p>\n All you need to do once you find the course you want to take is get a few supplies (you can even order them on Amazon, so you don\u2019t have to leave the house!). Then you\u2019re all set to get some new useful skills.<\/p>\n My brother learned how to solve the Rubik\u2019s Cube when we were growing up and could eventually do it in under a minute! I\u2019m certainly not that fast yet, but my oldest three kids and I can finally solve the basic 3\u00d73 Rubik\u2019s cube. This great skill is a fun thing you can do to impress your loved ones!<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need a basic 3\u00d73 Rubik\u2019s Cube (this one is our favorite<\/a>) and the course \u201cMaster Rubik\u2019s Cube in 4 Days<\/a>.\u201c<\/p>\n I\u2019ve always loved drawing, but I\u2019ve found that it\u2019s tougher than I expected to pass on this skill to my kids. We\u2019ve all enjoyed taking art classes together, and I\u2019ve learned some new skills as well. I\u2019m amazed at the drawings we\u2019ve created!<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need paper and markers, pens or pencils, and the course called \u201cThe Secrets to Drawing<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n I have horrible memories of piano lessons with a grumpy teacher who had bad breath. I decided to try again, and this time I\u2019m working on remembering how to play piano with the help of Pianoforall<\/a> and Hoffman Academy<\/a>. Want to learn a different instrument like the banjo, violin, ukelele, or other instrument? Check out Wondruim\u2019s musical instrument offerings.<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need the instrument of your choice (you might find it on Amazon). Check out the memberships on these sites for some fun tutorials.<\/p>\n My grandmother taught me to play chess<\/a> as a child, and I\u2019ve always enjoyed it. She also never let me win. Beating her was one of the crowning accomplishments of my life, as both of my grandparents were in Mensa<\/a>, and she was quite the lady! Now, I\u2019m enjoying playing with my own kids and learning with them.<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need a chess board<\/a> and the course \u201cChess: From Beginner to Advanced at Warp Speed<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n I have so many friends who wish they could sew. I\u2019m so grateful for my mom and her infinite patience in teaching me when I was a kid, but for those who didn\u2019t get that chance\u2026 there\u2019s still time to learn! There are some great online sewing courses, and you can learn to sew in a couple of weeks!<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need a sewing machine (this is the one we have<\/a>), fabric, and the course \u201cStartup Library: Sewing<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n I know several people who joke that their dogs are just wild animals that live in their homes. I realized my dogs had always been this way too. They weren\u2019t mean or harmful, but they also didn\u2019t like to sit, stay, come, or fetch\u2026 much less do anything more advanced. Turns out, you can train your dog at home, and it\u2019s much simpler than it seems!<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need a dog and the course \u201cScience-Based Dog Training (with Feeling)<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n I\u2019ll admit I had my reservations about this one. It was one of my experiments for the new year a few years ago. I loved it! I had always wanted to get better at singing but have never had the opportunity to take lessons. (The courses promise that anyone can sing!).<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need yourself and the course \u201cHow to Sing<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n I\u2019ve always wanted to become a better photographer. If you saw any of my earliest blog photos, you\u2019ll see that I\u2019ve definitely made some progress. I had fun learning how to improve my photography skills with this course.<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need a DSLR camera<\/a> and the \u201cPhotography Masterclass: Your Complete Guide to Photography.<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n Learning faster is a valuable skill everyone can use! I talked about the specific speed-reading tools my kids use <\/a>in this post about our favorite homeschool tools<\/a>, but there are also some great courses online to help with the process.<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need yourself and the course \u201cBecome a SuperLearner 2: Learn Speed Reading & Boost Memory<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n My kids wanted to learn how to paint, so we\u2019ve added it as one of our classes for our homeschool curriculum for a few years. Not only are they learning how to paint, but they are learning about Impressionism too. I love their artwork and enjoy <\/a>displaying it around the house<\/a>.<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need oil or acrylic paints and the course \u201cImpressionism \u2013 Paint this Farmhouse with Oils or Acrylics<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Music theory is helpful for learning any instrument, and while I learned it as a kid, I don\u2019t remember enough to teach it well. We\u2019re using an online course as a family so the kids can learn and as a refresher for me!<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need the course \u201cMusic Theory Comprehensive Complete! (Levels 1, 2, & 3)<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Learning a new language is a great way to get ready for a trip to a foreign country or just broaden your horizons and stretch your brain. If you want to help your kids learn a new language, check out Talkbox.mom<\/a>. They promise that you can help your family members learn the language even if you don\u2019t know it! And not only do they have the typical French and Spanish, but they even have Hebrew, Romanian, Korean, and others.!<\/p>\n To learn, check out the courses on Talkbox.mom <\/a>and get started learning.<\/p>\n Looking to earn some money with an online job<\/a>? This course helps you learn how to create a YouTube channel. You\u2019ll find all the things you\u2019ll need to be successful, including shooting the video, scripting, and video editing so you can take videos to the next level.<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need video recording equipment and the course YouTube Success: Script, Shoot & Edit with MKBHD<\/a> on Skillshare.<\/p>\n Would you like to help your kids learn about budgeting, money management, problem-solving, how to be independent, skills for work and career, and more? Check out #LifeSkillsNow for online courses for your kids. Their courses offer practical and essential skills for your kids. They even include basic first aid, how to change a flat tire, and how to arrange a flower bouquet.<\/p>\n To learn, sign up for one of the modules (or both!) at #LifeSkillsNow<\/a>.<\/p>\n Always wanted to know how to do calligraphy or origami? What about magic tricks and card tricks? How about hip-hop dancing for beginners or juggling? Always wanted to make a DIY crochet blanket? These creative skills can be a fun outlet for you and your kids to practice in your free time, plus they can provide entertainment, and some will even bring a few laughs. You might just find a new hobby!<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need any required supplies and search for the course you want to learn here.<\/a><\/p>\n Have you always wanted to have bees? This course is a great way to learn all about beekeeping. It will give you step-by-step guidance to build confidence to start this new hobby. You can enjoy fresh honey while also helping out the earth!<\/p>\n To learn, check out this Introduction to Beekeeping<\/a> at NewBee University.<\/p>\n Always wanted to learn graphic design? It\u2019s another great side gig and a way to make extra money from home! There are lots of classes online, starting with the basics all the way to the expert level. Check out a course that teaches you Canva, and you\u2019ll save money on software.<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need a computer, a free Canva account, and the course \u201cThe Complete Canva Course<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Our family cooks together, and as my kids have gotten older, they\u2019ve been able to take over some of the responsibilities on their own. They\u2019ve taken courses to teach them the basics of cooking, and it\u2019s been well worth it. Not only are they learning to cook for themselves, they\u2019re learning how to cook healthy!<\/p>\n To learn, you\u2019ll need kitchen tools, ingredients, and the \u201cKids Cook Real Food\u201d online course<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are so many online courses where you and your family can learn cool skills, find a new hobby, build self-confidence, and spend time together! Just pick something you\u2019ve always wanted to learn and get started.<\/p>\nFinding Time to Learn<\/h2>\n
18 Useful and Fun Skills to Learn Online<\/h2>\n
1. How to Solve a Rubik\u2019s Cube<\/h3>\n
2. Learn to Draw<\/h3>\n
3. Learn to Play a Musical Instrument<\/h3>\n
4. How to Play Chess (or Get Better At It)<\/h3>\n
5. The Basics of Sewing<\/h3>\n
6. How to Train Your Dog<\/h3>\n
7. How to Sing<\/h3>\n
8. Photography Masterclass<\/h3>\n
9. Ways to Learn Faster<\/h3>\n
10. How to Paint Like a Pro<\/h3>\n
11. The Basics of Music Theory<\/h3>\n
12. Learn a New Language<\/h3>\n
13. How to Create YouTube Videos<\/h3>\n
14. Teach Your Kids Life Skills<\/h3>\n
15. Learn a New Creative Skill<\/h3>\n
16. Introduction to Beekeeping<\/h3>\n
17. Learn Graphic Design on Canva<\/h3>\n
18. Teach Your Kids to Cook<\/h3>\n
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