TAKING ACTION
While going to college is, for many teens, the big transition to independence, it isn’t the only one. When adolescents turns 18, they legally become adults. Before your child reaches that milestone, use this checklist of life skills to help them become confidently independent and to have a positive sense of competency in coping with routine life challenges.
- Make a meal and clean up afterwards
- Wake themselves up on time
- Do laundry from sorting to folding and putting it away
- Pump gas, even better, know what to do if they’re in a car accident
- Pitch in, best: without being asked; second best: only have to be asked once!
- Advocate for themselves — coach them the first time
- Pack their own bags
- Order and pay at a restaurant
- Talk to strangers, including: asking directions, clerks and cashiers in stores, at the bank
- Go grocery shopping
- Plan an outing
- Take public transportation including buying the tickets and navigating the system
- Online finance skills: how to use online services and understanding keeping personal data secure
- Make a medical appointment, pick up prescription at the pharmacy, call health insurance company with question or to find a doctor
- Know what to do if they’re in a car accident
Even if your child is still in elementary school, check out “12 Basic Life Skills Every Kid Should Know by High School” . This is a helpful list for figuring out what to expect from your growing child. Think about how you can help your child master these life skills. (http://www.parenting.com/child/child-development/12-basic-life-skills-every-kid-should-know-high-school).
Teens Taking Responsibility for Themselves
Give your college-bound teen the link to CDC’s webpage (College Health and Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/family/college/), which addresses these and other issues:
There are all kinds of tests in college–beyond those you take for a grade.
- Social and sexual pressures.
- The temptation of readily available alcohol, drugs, and unhealthy food.
- The challenge of getting enough sleep.
- Stress from trying to balance classes, friends, homework, jobs, athletics, and leadership positions.
One way you can do this is to have them add it to the contacts list in their phone.
They’re leaving home in a few weeks…Worried that you’ve forgotten something? This checklist is a useful reminder:
- Make a plan – what do they do if they get sick?
- Make a contract – if you’re paying, what are your requirements? Have your teen sign consent for you to get grade reports
- Nuts and bolts – do they know how to do laundry?
- What supports did they have in High School that will disappear?
- Do they need to register with the Office of Students with Disabilities?
- Create a budget together; identify who is responsible for which expenses
- How will they choose classes? Plan their schedule?
- What should they do if they feel homesick?