Adulting and Life Skills for High School Students

Parents of seniors and older high school students, are your kids ready to live independently, fly from the comfort of your nest, and settle into their lives as confident, competent college students and young adults? Here’s a reality check...does your student have these essential "adulting" and daily living skills? If not, get busy! Summer can be an excellent time for teachable moments that last a lifetime. 

1. Money Management: Teach your child how to create a budget, manage expenses, and save money. For example, encourage them to track their spending for a month and identify areas where they can cut back on unnecessary costs. Encourage your child to get a part-time job to learn more about how long it takes to earn money for the things they need and want.

2. Cooking: Teach your child how to cook basic meals and snacks. Start with simple recipes like scrambled eggs or grilled cheese sandwiches and gradually increase the complexity of the dishes. Help them learn how to grill burgers, the classic college tailgate or fraternity party meal.

3. Cleaning: Teach your child how to clean their living space, do laundry, and keep their belongings organized. Show them how to use cleaning products safely and efficiently, and encourage them to create a regular cleaning routine to stay on top of their chores.

4. Time Management: Show your child how to create a schedule and prioritize tasks to manage their time effectively. For example, encourage them to use a planner or calendar app to keep track of their assignments and deadlines. Help them to see how getting started and not procrastinating actually gives them more free time and control over their day.

5. Simple Household Projects: Involve your child in work around the house that requires using simple tools, like screwdrivers, hammers, and paintbrushes; problem-solving; and reading instructions. For example, have your child help you put together a new bookcase for their room, set up the new computer, or sand and paint the gate. 

6. Communication: Teach your child how to communicate effectively with their peers, professors, and other authority figures. For example, encourage them to practice active listening and using "I" statements to express their thoughts and feelings. Help them write emails to teachers, coaches, and other authority figures, and engage in modeling and role play to help them figure out how to express themselves when topics are less familiar or self-advocacy is needed.

7. Decision Making: Teach your child how to make informed decisions and problem-solve. Model the decision-making process, including gathering information, weighing the pros and cons, and considering the potential consequences.

8. Responsibility: Teach your child how to take responsibility for their actions and own up to mistakes. Encourage them to apologize when necessary and make amends for any harm they may have caused.

9. Independence: Encourage your child to take on responsibilities and make decisions for themselves. Give them opportunities to become more independent by gradually giving them more freedom, encouraging them to do things on their own, and providing guidance and support as needed. Have your child learn to drive and teach how to read metro or public transportation schedules before leaving for college.

10. Self-Care: Teach your child about the importance of getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating healthy. Encourage them to establish a regular schedule of sleep and physical activity. Help them recognize when they are overly tired, burned out, or exhausted. Model ways for them to take breaks and then reengage with their school work or other responsibilities. 

11. Goal Setting: Help your child set achievable goals and work towards them. Encourage them to break larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps and celebrate their successes along the way.

12. Self-Advocacy: Teach your children how to speak up for themselves and seek help when needed. Encourage them to ask questions, seek feedback, follow up, and advocate for their own needs and interests.

13. Networking: Encourage your child to build professional relationships and see the value of networking with others. Help them identify potential mentors or contacts and practice introducing themselves and making connections.

14. Health Insurance: Teach your child about their health insurance and how to navigate the healthcare system. Help them understand the different types of insurance plans, how to find a doctor, and how to use their insurance benefits. Make sure they know what to do in a healthcare emergency.

To help your child learn these skills before going to college, you can:

• Model the behavior yourself: If you want your child to learn good money management or cooking skills, show them how it's done by including them in your budgeting or cooking activities.

• Give them opportunities to practice: Let your child take on age-appropriate responsibilities around the house, like doing their laundry or cooking dinner once a week.

• Use real-world scenarios: When teaching skills like decision-making or communication, use real-world scenarios that your child can relate to, like a disagreement with a friend or deciding whether to accept a job offer.

• Provide guidance and support: Be there to answer your child's questions and offer guidance and support as they learn these new skills.