more than life
skills learning
Do you ever worry that your child is not learning the skills they really need to succeed in life? Our program focuses on the important skills that matter for confidence, resilience, teamwork, and social success, yet are rarely taught in school. It is a place where children make friends, feel part of a supportive community, and grow through fun interactive activities. Through games, challenges, and reflection, kids develop empathy, problem solving, and real-life skills while having fun and feeling included.
about programs
Big life skills, fun experiences! Find the right fit for your child.
weekly
REGISTER NOW (opens in a new tab)
LIFE SKILLS
WORKSHOP
REGISTER NOW (opens in a new tab)
Learn more about the workshop
FUTURE LEADERS
WORKSHOP
REGISTER NOW (opens in a new tab)
Learn more about the workshop
Weekly Class Fall Schedule
Tuesdays 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Westside Community Center, New Braunfels
DATELESSON NAMEKIDS WILL PRACTICE
-
DATE Oct 20
LESSON NAME Listening Like a Leader
KIDS WILL PRACTICE Active listening, focus, and following directions through movement games and partner activities
-
DATE Oct 27
LESSON NAME Understanding Others
KIDS WILL PRACTICE Empathy, kindness, and perspective taking through role play and team activities
-
DATE Nov 3
LESSON NAME Brain Builders
KIDS WILL PRACTICE Critical thinking and problem solving through puzzles, mystery games, and creative challenges
-
DATE Nov 10
LESSON NAME Big Ideas Lab
KIDS WILL PRACTICE Creativity, imagination, and innovation through invention and idea-building activities
-
DATE Nov 17
LESSON NAME Social Confidence Lab
KIDS WILL PRACTICE Social etiquette, conversation skills, and respectful communication through real-life practice scenarios
-
DATE Dec 1
LESSON NAME Speaking with Confidence
KIDS WILL PRACTICE Public speaking and self expression through storytelling, show & tell, and presentation games
-
DATE Dec 8
LESSON NAME Challenge Accepted!
KIDS WILL PRACTICE Resilience, adaptability, and confidence through team missions and fun problem-solving challenges
are we a fit?
where?
Westside Community Center, New Braunfels
who?
Kids 5–13 years old
Age groups vary by program or workshop
A great fit for kids who can take turns, follow along, and participate without constant redirecting.
when?
Weekly class:
Tuesdays 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Workshops:
Select dates; typically afternoons
pricing
Real Skills. Lasting Impact.
1 spot remains!
7-week Cohort
$179
REGISTER NOW (opens in a new tab)Life Skills Workshop
$30
Learn more about the workshop
REGISTER NOW (opens in a new tab)
A life skills workshop focused on teamwork, communication, and active listening
Nov 19
Future Leaders Workshop
$35
Learn more about the workshop
REGISTER NOW (opens in a new tab)
Kids explore goal setting and entrepreneurship through fun, creative challenges.
Join our interest list to hear about upcoming classes and workshops!
from our parents
My child has had a great experience in Life Skills Labs. He comes out happy and excited after the session and is always looking forward to going back. He specifically enjoys the games and group activities and loves interacting with other kids. I highly recommend this class for other families!
I recommend Life Skills Labs to other families because kids get to hear helpful information while interacting with others. Ms. Lucie kept the challenges/activities moving at a great pace and kept my child's interest for the entire hour. Also, Ms. Lucie adjusted to the different needs of others during the class with ease. She's a wonderful instructor!
It is nice for the kids to hear these things from someone with experience. It also gave me great ideas for conversations and games to try.
-
connect
Building Friendships from the Start
Each class begins with a friendship-building activity designed to help children get to know each other and feel included. This step creates a warm, supportive environment where children feel safe and connected.
-
learn
Learning Skills, One at a Time
Kids are introduced each class to an important life skill, such as resilience, empathy, or problem-solving. The teacher then guides children through a structured activity to try it out. Practicing in a safe space helps the skill stick and builds confidence.
-
play
Applying Skills in Fun Ways
Through fun games and interactive activities, children apply the skills they practiced. Role-play, group challenges, and cooperative games make learning active and enjoyable. This step helps kids internalize skills while building friendships and collaboration.
-
reflect
Thinking, Feeling, Growing
Children share what they learned, what was challenging, and how they may practice it at home. Teachers guide them to connect lessons to real-life situations. Reflection encourages self-awareness, reinforces learning, and prepares kids for the next class.
what kids will gain
Building Friendships. Learning Life Skills. Growing with Confidence.
Friendship and community
Make friends, feel included, and enjoy being part of a caring group
Crucial life-skills
Develop skills needed for success in everyday life, adapted to their age
emotional growth
Build stronger relationships and emotional skills
confidence & independence
Gain self-assurance through participation, decision-making, and small successes
engaging learning
Learn through fun, which makes growth enjoyable and memorable
Our goal is simple: to help children form real, lasting friendships while learning essential life skills that aren’t always taught in school but have a huge impact on everyday life. Each class is designed so kids can connect, collaborate, and grow together in a supportive, friendship-centered community.
our story
This idea started with a real need in our own family. My older son was taking online life skills classes, and while the lessons were valuable, I kept wishing for more connection. As he prepared to begin online school, it became clear how important real friendships and a sense of community would be for him.
As a mom of two and someone who spent five years teaching in early childhood settings, I've seen firsthand how the window for building social-emotional skills is both precious and fleeting. That experience, alongside my certification in SEL education and a background in both psychology and organizational development, shaped how I thought about what kids actually need to thrive, not just academically, but as people.
So I brought it all together. A place where kids can connect, have fun, and learn the everyday soft skills that will carry them through life. When nothing like this existed in New Braunfels, I created it — with a lot of heart and a deep belief in the difference it can make in kids' lives.
partner with us
Bring Life Skills Labs to your school, library, community group, or event.
We offer engaging talks and hands-on workshops for parents, educators, and kids on raising confident, resilient kids in a world that's changing fast. Free and paid options depending on the event.
-
Raising Kids for an AI Future
The human skills that will matter most as technology changes everything.
-
Less Screen Time, More Real Connection
Practical ways to reduce screen time and help kids build real-world confidence.
-
Raising Resilient Kids
Helping kids handle setbacks, big feelings, and the 'I can't do it' moments.
-
Social Skills & Friendships
How kids learn to make friends, communicate, and work as a team.
-
Hands-on Life Skills Workshop for Kids
An interactive session for library days, festivals, co-ops, and events.
Available as a 30 to 60 minute parent talk, staff or teacher session, or kids' workshop.
Thanks! We'll be in touch soon.
faq
What ages is this for?
Ages 5 to 13. Our weekly class and the Life Skills Workshop are for ages 5 to 9, and our Future Leaders Workshop is for ages 10 to 13.
When and where are classes?
Tuesdays 5 to 6 PM at the Westside Community Center, 2932 S. IH-35 Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130. The room is upstairs: take the elevator to 2, first door on the right, look for the Life Skills Lab sign. Workshops run at other times listed on this page. Please arrive about 5 minutes early.
How much does it cost?
Pricing for the cohort is prorated, so the price covers the classes remaining in the session. See the pricing section above. The Life Skills Workshop is $30 per child, and that fee is credited toward enrollment in a full program. The Future Leaders Workshop is $35 per child.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes! The full program can be paid in 2 installments. Just reach out and we'll set it up.
Can my child join mid-session?
Yes! Pricing is prorated, so you only pay for the classes that are left.
Not sure yet? Try a workshop.
Our workshops are a great way to try us out. The Life Skills Workshop is $30, and that fee counts toward a full program. The Future Leaders Workshop is $35.
Do you offer a sibling discount?
Yes, 10% off for each child when siblings enroll.
Can parents stay during class?
Yes, parents are absolutely welcome to stay and observe, and most do. If you step out, please stay in the building or the library nearby.
Is it a drop-off class?
Kids take part in class on their own so they can practice social skills with peers, and parents are welcome to stay and observe.
What does a typical class look like?
Friendship-building time, a short discussion about the life skill we're practicing, and games and hands-on activities that help kids try the skill in real situations.
What should my child bring?
A water bottle and comfortable clothes for games and activities. Everything else is provided.
How big are the classes?
We keep classes to 10 kids max so every child gets attention and support. If a cohort fills up, there's a waitlist for the next one.
What if we miss a class?
Up to 2 missed classes per child can be refunded with at least 48 hours' notice. Just let us know in advance.
My child is nervous. Any tips?
Frame the class as a place where they'll play games, meet other kids, and learn fun new skills.
How do I register?
Use the Register Now buttons on this page. Your spot is secured once payment is received. Questions? Call or text (210) 580-4128 or email info@lifeskillslabs.org.
say hi!
-
Lucie trubak
Founder & Facilitator
-
Email Address
-
Phone Number
-
classes will be held at:
Westside Community Center, 2932 S IH Frontage Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130
-
CONNECT WITH US
