This post is from Grown and Flown.
by Helene Wingens | Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
People think of learning as something that happens primarily in the classroom but our student learn how to “adult” by watching us, by being with us while we do our errands and by taking note of how we behave in any given situation. When they go off to live their lives we wonder how they will figure everything out. The following are thirty-three basic life skills that hundreds of families agree young adults should have mastered by the time they leave us to lead their own lives.
33 Life Skills College Students Need to Master
1) They should know how to craft a handwritten note, place it in an envelope, address said envelope, stamp it and mail it. And, while we are on the topic of mail, they should be able to pick up a package from the post office. Tip: If you are mailing something oversized or heavy, it may need extra postage (let the nice mailperson at the post office weigh it).
2) They should know how to find their polling place and vote or if they are out-of-state they should be registered to vote by absentee ballot. This will require their mailing, addressing and stamping skills.
3) They should know how to use a phone for making phone calls, like calling to make a reservation at a restaurant. Texting is great but not always available and knowing how to communicate over the phone is an important life skill. Tip: If you text someone that you are standing at their door and they don’t respond, try ringing the doorbell.
4) They should know how to get cash because sometimes you need it. We all use less cash than we used to, but having a bit of cash on you is always helpful. Tip: You can get cash back from the grocery store if you use a debit card.
5) Some food items are sold by the pound - fish, deli meat and cheese to name a few. A young adult should have a rough idea what a pound of sliced deli meat looks like.
6) They should know where in the car the car manual is kept and that if there is an issue they should refer to the manual for guidance. They should be able to fill their tires with air, pump gas and know what to do in the event of a flat tire. Tip: The manual is usually in the glove box which is in front of the passenger seat.
7) They should be able to read a map and follow directions without using GPS.
8) They should know that if their stomach is upset or they are recovering from the stomach flu, it is best to eat a bland diet for a few days. They should be familiar with the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). Tip: Hot water with lemon is also very soothing.
9) They should be able to write and deposit a check which would also require them to know where to endorse a check. Tip: Endorse the back of the check above the line provided.
10) They should know how to do laundry (darks-cold, whites-warm) and where the detergent goes. Tip: Cotton shrinks in the dryer and colors bleed in hot water.
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