In recent times many parents have claimed that the International Maths/Science Olympiads are not that useful as proficiency in these subjects is anyway tested periodically in the schools of their children. At the same time, last year parents from 72 countries registered their children for the International Life Skills Olympiads, thereby raising the question if Life Skills Olympiads are better than Maths or Science Olympiads. The argument goes something like this: Why are olympiads conducted in the first place. If it is to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the children in hitherto unknown areas, then Maths or Science olympiads indeed are completely redundant and repetitive tests. On the other hand, the Life Skills Olympiad throws light on 25 critical life skills about which most children and parents are totally clueless. Secondly, the awareness of their global index in these essential skills triggers a lifelong journey for acquiring new life skills and using them in their personal, professional and social lives. So, what is the verdict? International Maths Olympiad or Life Skills Olympiads? Well, the answer is easier than you think: the International Maths Olympiad scores better only on the grounds of familiarity while Life Skills Olympiad wins hands down on all other counts. Let's look at how these olympiads or firstly these subjects are used in real life. Reading & Thinking are the most important skills required to succeed in real life. Many children across the world fail to meet even the basic standards of reading skills. Now, Life Skills Olympiad questions are based on real-life situations and simulating decision making in real life. The possible options for each question again require the students to read and think. So at the most basic level, unlike maths, science or other subject-based olympiads, life skills olympiad helps the students with their reading and thinking skills. Of course, Math or numeracy is also an important skill. Any test of Math measures a student's ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently. Science is also a valuable subject to include in the curriculum. Students across the world, spend more time studying science in school than almost any other subject. There are many ways to incorporate science into the curriculum. For example, you can teach a student how to draw a tree, make a model of it, use a microscope, and so forth. But using science in the classroom will help create a better climate for learning and comprehension than simply appearing in a multiple-choice question-based olympiad. It is difficult to say whether an IMO test is more essential for producing better results in the real world for your children than a Life Skills test. However, it is a good idea to include both the olympiads in your child's preparation for taking on the challenges of the 21st Century. By instilling in them the life skills they will need in order to succeed in any test in their life including tests like Maths or Science Olympiad, you will give your child a much better chance of doing well in their real life and ultimately succeeding as an individual, professional or social being