
Due to the current worldwide circumstances, most of us are finding that we have quite a bit more time on our hands. Or if we’re still having to work full-time, just suddenly from home, there’s a good chance your teen now has quite a bit of blank space on their schedule that could be put to better use.
It may feel like these days are never going to end. But before we know it, life will go back to normal and in no time at all our teens will be heading off to college and and a more independent life.
There are probably things that we’ve thought to ourselves “Oh, I should probably teach him/her to do that when we’ve got a few minutes.” Or perhaps some of the items below hadn’t even crossed your mind, but you’ll be like “yep, that would be kinda good for them to know.”
Oh, and if you think “surely they know how do that!” Ummm, don’t be so sure. I was shocked that my teen had NO idea how to address an envelope. But in their modern world of technology and email, many of these simple non-tech basics get easily overlooked and taken for granted.
Either way, these aren’t overly involved things and shouldn’t be too terribly stressful to teach. But there is no time like the present to check a few boxes on that “how to be a functioning adult” list.
50 Simple and Useful Life Skills You Can Teach Your Teen Quickly
- Fill out a form (do they know all the info they would need like SS #)
- Make an online appt. or an appt. by phone (role play works!)
- Address an envelope (are you sure they know where the stamp goes?!)
- Changing a lightbulb (different watts for different lights)
- Replacing the batteries in the smoke detector
- Fixing a blown fuse (breaker box)
- Loading and Unloading the dishwasher
- Running the dishwasher (what type and how much soap)
- Safely using knives/ Chopping food/Sharpening knives
- Ironing a shirt, pants or dress
- Shining shoes
- Sewing on a button
- Writing a check (no they aren’t totally obsolete yet)
- Paying a bill
- Depositing a check using a banking app
- Sending an online check or payment
- Transferring funds online
- Doing laundry/Folding Laundry
- Cleaning the lint trap on the dryer and why
- Unclogging a toilet or a drain
- Using a vacuum and a mop
- Sending a package
- Wrapping a present
- Setting up a basic budget
- Different ways to cook an egg
- Using a grill/ Cleaning grill
- What medications to take for what symptoms
- Mowing the lawn
- Trimming trees or bushes
- Identifying and pulling up weeds (other basic yardwork)
- Checking the oil in the car
- Changing a tire
- Checking tire pressure and putting air in a tire
- Writing a thank you note or email
- Ordering food online or by phone
- Creating a grocery list
- Replacing the A/C filter
- How to use basic tools (hammer, wrench, screwdriver)
- Cooking a quick and simple meal (grilled cheese, quesadilla, pasta)
- Putting gas in the car
- Washing a car or going through a car wash
- Folding a fitted sheet/Making a bed
- Scanning and sending a document using an app
- Getting a stain out of a garment or furniture
- Signing their name (like in cursive)
- Changing car wipers and refilling wiper fluid
- Cleaning a toilet and a shower/tub
- Dealing with customer service representatives politely by phone or online
- Jump starting a car (jumper cables)
- What can and can’t go in a microwave, stove, washing machine, etc.
I actually asked for input on this post from a ton of FB friends. I got some other excellent answers, but they were for things that aren’t exactly quick and easy to teach, but probably necessary like financial literacy and taxes. So, we’ll be working on a second post with tools and tips to help you if you want to tackle some of this bigger life skills while your teen has some time on their hands.
Raising Teens and Tweens can be hard. Maybe some of these other popular posts that other parents found helpful will make it a little bit easier:
How To NOT Raise Entitled Teens
Apps For Supporting Your Teen To Use Their Cell Phone Responsibly
How to Talk to Your Teen About Anxiety and Stress
Give Yourself Grace Mama, You’re Doing The Best That You Can
This is an awesome list! Looking forward to the longer ideas too. Thanks for doing this!