When our kids were young, I asked a good friend why she was so strict about chores. She replied, “Ultimately, we’re raising our kids to be responsible, reliable adults.” That stuck with me. It’s easier to do things for my kids the “right” way (yes, I’ve picked up socks from every room), but that doesn’t set them up for success. I’ve committed to teaching my kids the real-world skills they’ll need as adults.
Read on for practical skills kids need for life after high school—broken into manageable, bite-sized steps.
Personal Care and Well-Being
Health & Wellness
- Keep a calendar of medical checkups and practice making appointments online and by phone.
- Schedule time to exercise—ideally with friends.
- Create a small first-aid kit and keep it stocked before illness hits.
- Know how to fill prescriptions and replace eyeglasses.
- Use a condom every time.
- Never drive under the influence or ride with someone who is. Set up a ride-share app with emergency funds.
Mindfulness & Self-Care
- Gretchen Rubin, author of “The Happiness Project,” suggests: “Treat yourself like a toddler.” Sleep enough, eat when hungry, hydrate. Go outside into nature when stressed.
- Try meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises. Build a list of calming techniques that work for you and practice them at home.
- Use a gratitude journal or send a daily positive text to build a positive mindset.
- Cool tool: The Calm app offers a low student rate.
Time Management
- College and work life can be full of distractions. Use social media blockers to stay focused.
- Consistently use a planner or online calendar that works best for you.
- Schedule downtime and fun alongside responsibilities. It’s crucial to find balance and make time for friends.
- Plan for the long term. Set quarterly goals to develop your personal and professional priorities.
- Cool tool: Habit app helps track goals daily.
Personal Responsibility & Domestic Skills
Taking responsibility for your space shows care for yourself and others. When living with roommates, establish shared expectations early—who does what chores and when.
Skills to teach:
- Do laundry and put it away.
- Wash dishes right after eating.
- Properly clean a bathroom.
- Vacuum and dust.
- Perform simple home maintenance.
- Grocery shop smartly—understand when a sale is a true bargain.
- How to cook nutritious, budget-friendly meals.
Additional basics:
- Know how to find your polling place and vote. If out-of-state, register to vote by absentee ballot.
- Book flights, check in and pack luggage effectively.
Communication: The Key to Healthy Relationships
Be Assertive
- Practice expressing needs with clarity and confidence.
- Use positive body language and posture.
- Role-play tough conversations. What would you say if a roommate takes your food or borrows clothes without asking?
- Address tension with roommates ASAP. Don’t let things stew. It will only worsen. Check in afterward by simply asking, “Are we good?”
- Cool tool: “The Naked Roommate” by Harlan Cohen.
Stay Connected
- Set and stick to a regular call schedule with family.
- Speak in person for clear, open communication. Texting is quick, but some conversations—apologies and conflicts—are better handled face-to-face. Never rant, accuse, or gossip via text.
Build Positivity
- Speak up in class and attend professors’ office hours.
- Choose relationships that make you feel good—you deserve respect and support.
- You won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Don’t dwell on it.
- Be kind to yourself. Talk to yourself as you would a friend.
- Be kind to others—you never know what someone’s going through.
Managing Personal Finances
- Know the difference between needs and wants. Stick to a basic budget based on needs (rent, food, utilities) and wants (streaming, eating out, entertainment). Use a notebook, app or spreadsheet to track spending.
- Remember: Instagram is an ad space. Avoid the pull of online ads targeted to you.
- Learn to manage a bank account, including setting up auto-pay for bills.
- Understand credit cards. Pay off the balance in full to avoid debt.
- Start saving for retirement ASAP—it’s paying your future self.
Job Skills
- College students: As early as freshman year, visit your campus career center. Familiarize yourself with resources. Ask about mentorships and how to find an academic advisor.
- Take a career inventory to determine your strengths, interests and jobs that best fit your definition of success
- Build a resume and cover letter. Have a savvy adult look them over and practice interview questions.
- Set up a LinkedIn profile.
- Expect to apply to many jobs or internships before getting one.
And when you do land a job—even if it’s not your dream one—show up on time, communicate positively and pitch in where you can. Reliability and enthusiasm matter.
Related
Cherie Gough is mom to a daughter with celiac disease. She is committed to planning thoroughly and living life fully in the face of dietary restrictions. Find her on IG @cgoughwrites.
