As you’re sitting there staring at your teen or tween, you might wonder if they’re actually ready to launch out into the world. Sure, there are habits and things they’ve learned that may help them in the real world, but when it comes down to it, are they truly ready? Do they have the life skills needed to be successful on their own?
Along with life skills, check out some of The Best Jobs For Teens. Pairing life skills with job skills is a pretty powerful thing.
What are life skills?
Just like it sounds, life skills help out with all things about life. Think money, business savvy, cooking, and hygiene . . . those sort of things.
It’s hard to believe that even as adults we’re still learning various skills about life — and some of us are farther behind than others.
The sooner we can help our kids learn important life lessons they’re ACTUALLY going to use someday (I’m looking at you, band recorder from middle school.), the sooner they’ll be prepared to be out there in the real world on their own.
Life Skills For Teens and Tweens
Below are just a few life skills your teenagers should start to learn now or work on to strengthen.
And obviously, this isn’t a full list because, well, life. It always changes and is different daily. We’ve learned to expect added stress and curve balls from time to time.
So, maybe that’s the best place to start . . .
Coping with Stress Skills
Give them the tools they’ll need when they have to deal with stress. It’s one life skill they’ll FOREVER use.
Cleaning Skills
Are you still picking up after them? They can’t have it both ways forever. If they want their independence, they need to learn how to properly clean the house. And I’m not talking about just making their bed.
Taking out the trash (and learning the actual trash pick-up schedule!), cleaning the kitchen, cleaning the bathroom, washing their sheets, using the right products for each chore — all those things matter and can easily be added to their routine now.
Money Skills
If there was ever a time to teach them that money doesn’t grow on trees, it’s now. Sit down with them and talk to them about money, and how to budget.
Dive into getting a job and how much money they’ll realistically see on their paychecks after taxes and paying Uncle Sam.
Cooking Skills
Living the ramen life might be okay for a while, but their body needs nutrients and healthy foods, too.
Talk to them about easy cooking recipes like spaghetti, or baking bread. Let them choose some of their family favorites to take with them. Remember, recipes don’t have to be difficult for them to be good.
Give them tips on how to use a Crockpot and Instant Pot, too. They will feel more capable knowing at least a handful of uncomplicated meals they can make on their own.
While those are some of the main life skills for your teen, there are a few others to add to the list.
Even More Life Skills And Values For Teenagers To Learn
- Hygiene Skills
- Communication Skills
- Planning Skills
- Organization Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Decision-Making Skills
- Clothing Skills
- Relationship Skills
- Empathy
- Self-empowerment
- Respect for themselves and others
Use these 15 life skills as a way to help your teen prep for life in the present and in the future.