This is a sponsored post. I have been compensated for participating. However, all opinions about the product or it’s company are completely mine. Recently, I was talking to my husband about raising our two children. We have had some CrAzY times with those kids! We have gone from teaching them right from wrong to being prepared to being an adult and being on their own soon. ]
At almost 15 and 18, they will be soon leaving the nest and spreading their wings in the “real” world. So, as parents, we have gone from making sure they safely cross the street to how to live on their own.
My husband and I made a list of the top things the kids should know before they leave the house. I think you will find them useful when you are at this same point in your parenting.
Things Every Teen Should Know Before Leaving Home
1. Cleaning The Bathroom: No one likes to do it, but we all know it has to be done. I have taught the kids that you can easily clean the bathroom in about 10 minutes, if using the right products.
2. Doing Laundry: This was a hard one for me to pass the reigns over to the kids. I am such a control freak, it is hard to watch the kids not fold everything like I do!
As if there is only one way, right?! I have also warned the kids that when they are on their own, they may have to go to a laundromat as opposed to down the hall to the laundry room.
3. Writing A Thank You Note: In my opinion, this is a lost art. I have told them for every gift they get, a thank you note must be sent. Writing a letter is included in this as well.
Emails and texts are making communication too non-personal. A letter is such a lovely treat, don’t you agree?
4. Manage Their Finances: I don’t care if they do it by hand or in a computer program, kids need to know how to manage their money. I don’t care which method they use, as long as they can tell how things are financially.
Under this same umbrella is knowing how to use credit wisely. When kids go to college, credit card companies can hit them hard. They make it too easy for kids to get credit at a time when they probably don’t know how to handle it. Let’s throw in how to make a mean, create a shopping list and go to the grocery store.
5. Simple Household Repairs: Every kid should know how to properly hammer a nail, use a screwdriver and change a light bulb. Yes, many children do not know how to even change a light bulb. You’re welcome!
6. Treat A Simple Wound: Every child should be packed to move out of their house with a parent’s help. This way, mom makes sure they have items they would not think to include, like a first aid kit. They should also know how to use the items in the kit. My kids have known how to do this for a while now.
7. Wrap A gift: My first job was at Macy’s department store. I was a floater, so I never knew which department I would be in each time I worked. One of my favorite areas was in gift wrap.
I learned to wrap a gift, which I found many people do not know how to do. Don’t let your kids throw something in a gift bag and call it a day. That is cheating!
8. Prepare A Simple Meal: I had a single mom, so I learned a lot of things earlier than some kids. Mom wasn’t home a lot, so I had to make sure my younger sister and I were fed.
Let me tell you, we ate a lot of cereal! When you chose the right cereal, you can get a bowl full of protein without a lot of sugar. For that, my kids love the Tiny Toast cereal at Kroger!
A New Cereal I Feel Good Serving My Kids
When it comes to my kids and food, I, like most parents, want them to eat as healthy as possible as often as possible. When I see a cereal that uses real fruit to flavor their cereal,
I am very intrigued. With the Tiny Toast cereal being the first new cereal from General Mills in 15 years, I am even more intrigued.
With no artificial flavors or coloring, no high fructose corn syrup and only 9 grams of sugar, I can feel good about my kids eating this cereal. The Tiny Toast cereal at Kroger comes in two palate pleasing flavors; strawberry and blueberry.
When the kids are hungry and I am working or at the gym, they can grab the skim milk, a bowl and a box of the Tiny Toast cereal, and they are good to go. The cereal is not only delicious, but it fills them up until their next meal.
Oh, and if you are wondering how good the Tiny Toast cereal is? Last night I went in to check on the kids and they were in Caitlin’s room, playing Minecraft, each with a box of Tiny Toast cereal!
Which life skill do you feel is most important for your child to know before leaving home?
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
June 20, 2016 at 2:38 pmI couldn’t agree more. When my stepson left for college last September, he could do all of the above 🙂
Tara says
June 20, 2016 at 5:12 pmAll of these are great. My daughter has been learning all of them except for cleaning the bathroom. I will be on her this summer to show her that one. Thanks for the great post!!
Dawn Lopez says
June 20, 2016 at 5:58 pmI love your life skill list! They are all things you definitely need to know when you begin to adult for real. I saw the Tiny Toast on the shelves at the store and thought it looked delicious. I’ll have to buy some and try it out!
DeAnna Keller says
June 20, 2016 at 6:08 pmI just bought both kinds this weekend and have only tried the strawberry kind so far. My family and I are hooked! They are so good! I will definitely buy more! An important life skill I think is important is Independence, having the confidence to know that you can do things on your own. That you don’t need mom or dad to hold your hand for everything anymore.
Kristen says
June 20, 2016 at 6:27 pmIt’s very important to know how to manage your money!
Kari says
June 20, 2016 at 6:39 pmGreat list for sure! Our kids are teens/young adults so I totally agree with everything on your list. Laundry was (still is, if I’m telling the truth) a hard one for me too. I’m home during the day AND a huge control freak so I always preferred to do it myself. When our daughter went off to college two years ago, it was her first time having to do her own laundry. I realized then that I wasn’t really helping them by doing everything for them. The finances are another biggie, a very important skill!
Julie says
June 20, 2016 at 7:07 pmThis is a great list. It’s so important for kids to know how to do these things before heading off for college. When I worked in a college dorm, I couldn’t believe the number of kids who had NO clue about most of them. They were lost!
Tina W says
June 20, 2016 at 7:23 pmHow to do laundry! I remember being amazed in college at how many students had never done their own laundry before. And how many expected those of us who had that skill to just do it for them!
Liz Mays says
June 20, 2016 at 7:38 pmWe do need to prepare them by teaching all this stuff. Also, even though I like to cook, a bowl of cereal totally works for me. I want those too!
William Sweeney says
June 20, 2016 at 7:45 pmI love this list!!! I remember how looking back some of what is little things now seemed huge that I didn’t know how to do when I moved out.
Kathy says
June 20, 2016 at 9:23 pmThis is such a great list. I think all teens need to read through this. That cereal also looks really good. I’ve never seen that around yet. I hope I can find it because I’d love to try them.
Val says
June 20, 2016 at 9:52 pmWhat a great list of life skills every teen should know, I enjoyed reading this 🙂
Alicia says
June 20, 2016 at 10:57 pmMy kids would love that cereal! Good tips, too! I’m starting to work on teaching some of them to my boys.
Cathi Crismon says
June 20, 2016 at 11:19 pmAll excellent ideas but I have to say… I love writing a thank you note best. Maybe it’s my generation but it truly has become a lost art. Most adults let alone children have no idea how to pen a note or letter.
Shauna says
June 20, 2016 at 11:42 pmYup, I agree with every single one of these. Shoot, I make my 9, 7, and 5 year olds write thank you notes for gifts. HA! They get embarrassed passing them out at school and I am all, you have to do it. Show appreciation
Amanda West says
June 21, 2016 at 12:33 amWhat a great list! Their future spouses will thank you for teaching them these things. Love the laundry tip!
janis says
June 21, 2016 at 12:56 amThese are all really important things. I made aure my kids could of these before they went off to college, because they are just things that you have to know
Janeane Davis says
June 21, 2016 at 9:34 amThe life skill I most want my children to learn before I release them to the world is to ask for help when they need it rather than letting pride keep them from getting the help they need.
Ann Bacciaglia says
June 21, 2016 at 10:13 amThese are all important skils for teens to have. We have been working on cooking skills.
Elizabeth Lampman says
June 21, 2016 at 10:14 amI will have to look for this cereal. It looks so delicious I know my kids will love it. These are all important things for kids to know how to do.
Winona Rogers says
June 21, 2016 at 10:16 amThese are important life skills for teens to know. First aid would be at the top of my list.
Paula Schuck says
June 21, 2016 at 3:11 pmThese are all great tips. Kids aren’t kids forever. They need to be able to feed themselves, keep their domicile in order, and not die of paper cuts.
Pam says
June 21, 2016 at 3:59 pmI definitely taught both of my kids to do laundry. I didn’t want the, rolling up from college with all their dirty clothes for me to wash!
Sarah Bailey says
June 21, 2016 at 3:59 pmThese are so true – it amazes me how many young adults can’t manage their fiances and get into such issues. x
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
June 21, 2016 at 4:04 pmSuper cute cereal, and great life ideas! I know you have it listed already, but the finances thing is SO important. I was never taught that…and it made for a mess later on, for sure.
Lady Lilith says
June 21, 2016 at 4:40 pmLaundry is a big one. My girls know how to do the laundry, but most of their friend do not. It scares me how they will go off into the real world with little skills.
Catherine S says
June 21, 2016 at 6:12 pmThese are all great skills every teen needs to learn. We have been helping our 19 year old son with his finances. He has his own checking account now and we are working on making and sticking to a budget.
Amy Desrosiers says
June 21, 2016 at 7:39 pmThis cereal looks like so much fun! I love the tiny pieces of toast and the flavor available.
Heather says
June 21, 2016 at 7:41 pmThis about covers it. Great list of skills and that toast looks yummy.
Rachel Langer says
June 21, 2016 at 10:40 pmYAY I must be doing something right! My boys are 9 and 12 and either they know how to or we are working on every one of these. I keep telling them their wives will thank me.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
June 22, 2016 at 8:51 amThis is a good article for overall teen awareness.
I especially like the finances point – there really should be some high school course on household finances, so they can get a better start on managing loans, debt, etc.
Jeanine says
June 22, 2016 at 9:15 amMy oldest is great at everything but laundry. I just think he hates doing it so won’t! I’ve been trying to get him to get his stuff clean, and i always end up doing it!
Lisa Rios says
June 23, 2016 at 5:54 amParenting is always going to be a much challenging task when your kids step in to teenage stage & this is a great list of top things they should know when they are away from home. These are basic, yet straight forward tips to note & very particularly managing their finances is going to be the big task.
Lyndsey R. says
June 23, 2016 at 5:27 pmI will have to with with finances. I was never good with money because my parents didn’t teach me anything about saving and/or credit scores.
Loralynn Maresh says
June 23, 2016 at 5:35 pmHow to clean up after themselves. Especially my boys!
Lauryn R says
June 23, 2016 at 5:53 pmI think it’s important to learn how to cook and clean before leaving home, as well as how to budget and save money. This new cereal sounds delicious! I am definitely picking some up the next time I go to the store! 🙂
Francine Anchondo says
June 23, 2016 at 10:38 pmSome important skills to learn is how to cook, clean and how to save money /balance budget.
Kelly Nicholson says
June 24, 2016 at 1:24 amWhich life skill do you feel is most important for your child to know before leaving home?
i have no children, and i have no idea
Aubrey says
June 24, 2016 at 3:21 amI worry all the time that I haven’t been teaching my kids enough of the things they’re going to need to know. I was talking to a teen a while back that didn’t even know how to address and envelope. So weird.
diane says
June 24, 2016 at 7:39 amhow to manage money
Julie Wood says
June 24, 2016 at 8:20 amWhat a great list! I believe the most important life skill is knowing how to budget and save your money. To make sure to know how to spend money is important!
James Doyle says
June 24, 2016 at 10:22 amEntering for my nephew 🙂 Just make sure you instill them with the right values and when they know right/wrong they will choose right 😉 Hopefully!
monique s. says
June 24, 2016 at 10:51 amI think the most important life skill is managing money and keeping to a budget so that one can optimize the use of the money they are making and not over spend
Jessica miller says
June 24, 2016 at 11:44 amI dont have children but I think learning how to cook/clean and save up money.
Carol says
June 24, 2016 at 12:52 pmGood manners are important.
Elena says
June 24, 2016 at 3:07 pmThese are great tips. I think one of the most important skills for a teen is to be able to manage money
Elle says
June 24, 2016 at 3:49 pmI think life skills having to do with money like balancing a checkbook and how to write a check are important.. how to manage their finances.
Janet Woodling says
June 24, 2016 at 4:26 pmManaging their finances is really important. If finances are not in order then their is no money to buy groceries, gifts to wrap or cleaner to use in the bathroom.
Angela Williams says
June 24, 2016 at 5:10 pmThinking smart and balancing bills with his cash flow or income during different stages in his life. Learning to be debt free and content and not comparing himself to others is very important too.
Jennifer H. says
June 24, 2016 at 6:03 pmThat’s tough – I would say money management.
Janet W. says
June 24, 2016 at 8:56 pmI think the most important life skill for a child to learn before leaving home is how to balance a budget and the value of a dollar.
Linda G. says
June 24, 2016 at 9:42 pmI think it is very important that they learn how to manage their finances
David Balkin says
June 24, 2016 at 10:22 pmYour child has to learn to be independent!
latoya says
June 24, 2016 at 10:36 pmOne of the most important things I think a child can learn is knowing when, how and who to ask for help.
Mami2jcn says
June 24, 2016 at 10:37 pmManaging money/keeping a budget is very important.
Mary Cloud says
June 24, 2016 at 11:11 pmHow to cook – it’s important because you’re not always gonna have mom and dad around to cook for you
Thomas Murphy says
June 24, 2016 at 11:25 pmManage Their Finances is important.
LISA MARKSON says
June 24, 2016 at 11:39 pmI think learning to manage money important.
HS says
June 25, 2016 at 12:21 amGreat list, I think manage their money is essential.
Kimberly M. says
June 25, 2016 at 1:54 amAll of these are great life skills that everyone should have but I think managing finances is of the utmost importance.
Jason says
June 25, 2016 at 2:09 amManaging their finances is really important
Linda Bradshaw says
June 25, 2016 at 5:07 amIt is important for all kids to know how to do all of that. I think it is very important to learn to handle their finances. That area causes so many problems if they do not know how to do it.
Tracy Robertson says
June 25, 2016 at 5:55 amDriving and putting gas in a car!
Jennifer W says
June 25, 2016 at 7:05 amI think budgeting is a very important skill to have.
Susan says
June 25, 2016 at 7:36 amDefinitely managing your finances!
sandra says
June 25, 2016 at 7:37 amhow to handle conflicts and being resilient
Janice Cooper says
June 25, 2016 at 9:28 amDefinitely how to manage your finances. This is extremely important so they will not live beyond their means.
tammy says
June 25, 2016 at 10:30 amthe best thing to know is to learn how to manage money
Marcie W. says
June 25, 2016 at 11:39 amAll of the subjects and skills you mentioned are extremely important. I feel budgeting finances, paying bills on top and maintaining a good credit score are especially vital.
Jan Hammersmith says
June 25, 2016 at 11:43 amMaking a budget and handling money and checking account
Erin M says
June 25, 2016 at 12:51 pmHow to cook for himself, and that means using a stove and an oven not just a microwave.
Cathy French says
June 25, 2016 at 1:12 pmI think the most important is to teach them how to be vigilant and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Jeff Baluch says
June 25, 2016 at 1:21 pmWe worked with all 4 children on washing, coming, and money sense.
Barrie says
June 25, 2016 at 1:48 pmAll of your points are important! Another important life skill is to know when to put the electronics down to be safe and be aware of surroundings!!
Belinda says
June 25, 2016 at 2:31 pmThese are all really important but I think I’d have to say managing finances is at the top of my list.
ldevine says
June 25, 2016 at 6:05 pmthis was a good post thank you
Natalie says
June 25, 2016 at 6:43 pmI think that the most important life skill is how to manage a budget and live within your means.
Jessica Mcfarlin says
June 25, 2016 at 9:00 pm#4 to me is a the most important.
Nancy says
June 25, 2016 at 9:33 pmManaging both their finance and their time are most important to me.
Cheryl says
June 25, 2016 at 10:37 pmI think managing finances is most important. I learned the hard way.
Mary Anderson says
June 25, 2016 at 10:54 pmI think all teenagers should learn to live within their budget, so they need instruction in spending and saving wisely, using credit cards, shopping for deals, etc.
Mendy Dinsmore says
June 26, 2016 at 12:11 amI think being safe, managing money, and saving money. All you listed are great also.
Karla R. says
June 26, 2016 at 12:16 amI would say how to manage their money.
Michael B says
June 26, 2016 at 2:52 amMoney management: Tracking expenses, budgeting, and living within one’s means (i.e. no debt)
Heather Poindexter says
June 26, 2016 at 8:22 amWell, I think all are needed….especially the ones you mentioned. Seriously though I love to cook and I am always amazed at o people that can’t even do something simple. Lol, and it’s not gender or age specific. Lost week I had a man that was over 60 years old tell me he was throwing out all his pots as he couldn’t cook. Really I guess he can’t dump a can of soup into one and grill a sandwich in one. Those are so simple to me.
Jane Allen says
June 26, 2016 at 9:16 amFor me, the tip on teaching teens to manage their finances is so important. I haven’t done so well in that department but I’m committed to equipping them with the skills before they leave home. Thanks so much for sharing. I enjoyed reading this.
Keri Justice says
June 26, 2016 at 10:55 amI think it’s important to learn the basics of finances and how t handle your money.
Nathan Kirsch says
June 26, 2016 at 2:19 pmBeing able to pick up after themselves.
Rachel Mauffray says
June 26, 2016 at 5:43 pmHow to save money.
Megan Zuchowski says
June 26, 2016 at 8:12 pmIndependence
Billy Lilley says
June 26, 2016 at 10:59 pmSelf confidence is the most important life skill to learn.
Pat Schwab says
June 27, 2016 at 12:33 amAll of your skills listed are important so it is hard to choose just one. I think they need to manage their finances so they can afford to live on their own.
greentopiaries says
June 27, 2016 at 6:08 amHow to manage money is one of the best skills every teen should know. Thank you for the chance!
Candra Evans says
June 27, 2016 at 10:13 amAll of these skills are very needful. I would emphasize financial management and relationship skills.
Lauren says
June 27, 2016 at 11:06 amI think being able to manage money is the most important life skill.
Jennifer Aguero says
June 27, 2016 at 11:31 amHow to cook and clean up after themselves. They need to know how to do so. It’s very cost effective to know and they won’t be eating out and packing on the calories so often if they knew how to cook.
Lindsey says
June 27, 2016 at 12:11 pmHow to manage money!
heather e.g. kaufman says
June 27, 2016 at 12:54 pmI think knowledge of finances is very important.
Candice says
June 27, 2016 at 3:22 pmAll are very important. I like the tip about being able to do their own laundry.
DOUG GERARD says
June 27, 2016 at 3:51 pmHOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MONEY AND SUPPORT YOURSELF
Jan Lee says
June 27, 2016 at 5:16 pmI feel it’s important for them to learn how to save money and use it responsibly 🙂 I agree that learning to cook and manage minor injuries is important too. However, kids learn managing illness and injuries as they grow and visit their doctors. If forced to, they can feed themselves with foods that don’t need to be cooked. They just don’t have enough training in saving money. Anything to help them with that aspect would be so helpful 🙂
Angela Saver says
June 27, 2016 at 5:51 pmThe most important life skill that I think my kids need before leaving home is how to manage their finances! There are so many kids that get into trouble with credit, so I find this one to be very important!
Polly Hall says
June 27, 2016 at 6:00 pmI think the most important life skill they should know before leaving home is how to Manage Their Finances, they can learn the others as they go.
Thuy Vu says
June 27, 2016 at 9:38 pmI think that the most important thing to teach a child is to balance your checkbook.
Steve Weber says
June 28, 2016 at 1:43 pmThe most important life skill I’d want them to know is how to negotiate
Laura says
June 28, 2016 at 4:16 pmMoney management is probably the most important life skill to know when one moves out on their own.
natasha Lamoreux says
June 28, 2016 at 6:09 pmI think learning financial responsibilities and manageing their finances is #1 for me.
Will G says
June 28, 2016 at 6:14 pmHow to cook.
Jennifer Ha says
June 29, 2016 at 2:01 amhow to say no and bills
Annmarie W. says
June 29, 2016 at 7:20 amI think laundry & finances are the most important! The other stuff, they can learn or pick up along the way if they haven’t learned it when they’re young.
michelle cavanaugh says
June 29, 2016 at 11:35 amI think budgeting and finance would be the most important.
Erica Beaver says
June 29, 2016 at 3:11 pmUnderstanding credit and how it works.
Jessica Small says
June 30, 2016 at 1:28 amThis is a great list! One thing I wished I learned how to is some basic sewing skills
Brenda Haines says
June 30, 2016 at 9:48 amA good understanding of money and bills with respect and kindness towards others.
Maryam McDaniels says
June 30, 2016 at 10:44 amWhile knowing how to manage your money and clean your bathroom are important skills to have, the most important skill that anyone should have is knowing how to manage your time. This is especially true for college students. This is not an easy skill to master, but is incredibly valuable. One must be able to manage between school, work, student activities, and relaxation. All are important aspects to the college/adult experience.
Jessica To says
June 30, 2016 at 4:41 pmI think it is important to know how to manage your money.
Sarah Hayes says
June 30, 2016 at 8:26 pmsimple household repairs is something really great to know . also knowing how to budget is great
Jennifer Marie says
June 30, 2016 at 10:34 pmI think cooking is the most important life skill to know before leaving home.
Hannah C says
June 30, 2016 at 11:01 pmI think it’s important for a child to know how to cook before leaving home.
Sally Gearhart says
July 1, 2016 at 9:44 amThis is a great list and so very important! My oldest is 20 now and I always had him in the kitchen with me, he didn’t like it at first. Now he calls me at least once a week for the recipes we would make together. Same thing with laundry and cleaning but I never thought about the bathroom, will definitely be incorporating that in now.
Noelle Carroll says
July 1, 2016 at 9:55 amI think the most important life skill is being able to cook/shop on your own within your means, like on a budget, because starting out in life it is so overwhelming
Ruby says
July 1, 2016 at 10:14 amI think being able to communicate and negotiate in a confident, persuasive, and charismatic manner would be a skill I’d want my future children to have. Communication is a highly-rated skill in every field and seems increasingly rare in our technology-driven world.
Denise C says
July 1, 2016 at 3:05 pmKids have to know how to feed themselves. Not necessarily how to cook, but what they should eat. Otherwise they’ll make poor choices and succumb to the “freshman 15”.
Breanna Pollard says
July 1, 2016 at 10:26 pmHow to complete everyday life tasks and to be succesful.
Brigitte Bauman says
July 2, 2016 at 2:28 pmI think its important for a child to know how to make a budget and stick with it. This basic skill will allow you to manage all your day in and day out needs as well as prepare for your future.
Cheryl Everitt says
July 2, 2016 at 3:39 pmI think managinf their finances should be the most important lifeskill.
Tabathia B says
July 2, 2016 at 6:41 pmKnowing how to budget and manage their finances, how to clean, how to cook and how to wash clothes.
Jaclyne L. says
July 2, 2016 at 11:18 pmCooking & managing money!
Ellie Wright says
July 3, 2016 at 1:09 amHow to budget your money is the most important life school, I believe.
Peggy Johnson says
July 3, 2016 at 8:23 amThese are all great and important life skills everyone needs to know before being on their own. Both my girls were well versed in these before going to college, however, I was very surprised how many of their college room mates and friends didn’t know how to do laundry.
Nicole Ackerman says
July 3, 2016 at 6:33 pmI think it’s important to be able to ask for help – whether you get locked out, have trouble with a class, or get lost.
James Cooper says
July 4, 2016 at 1:26 amI feel that handling finances is the most important skill for them to learn.
Susan Christy says
July 4, 2016 at 7:36 pmManaging their money/balancing a checkbook.
Roy F. says
July 5, 2016 at 4:47 amI think Manage Their Finances would be the most important one. Got to be able to budget for food and all the other expenses.
cyndi br says
July 5, 2016 at 4:27 pmlife lesson would be how to budget your household and save money
Patricia Mingozzi says
July 5, 2016 at 4:36 pmI think #4 Managing their Finances is important because a lot of young people do not know how to budget.
Allison Swain says
July 5, 2016 at 6:29 pmKnowing how to cook and clean after yourself is very important! Thanks for the chance to win this 🙂
mycraftingworld says
July 6, 2016 at 8:01 amAll of these are good. I wish I had taught them more about budgets and prioritizing their purchases. I also taught them how to iron their clothes. They will need a nice shirt and pants for job interviews.
gina blades says
July 6, 2016 at 10:54 amKids should know how to write a check, balance a checkbook, pay bills online, etc. Home Ec still should be a requirement in school.
Beth Mason says
July 6, 2016 at 3:33 pmI would say managing their money is most important. Then if they are good at that, they can buy food and learn how to cook for themselves.
Nancy says
July 6, 2016 at 3:50 pmHard to pick just one life skill. I would say managing finances would probably be first on the list.
Angie W says
July 6, 2016 at 5:06 pmHow to be sociable, kind, and caring, but also how to stand up for what you believe in
James Robert says
July 6, 2016 at 7:31 pmI’d have to say managing their money is real important so they don’t fall but I can think of many others to go along with it.
Ashleigh Hack says
July 7, 2016 at 12:33 amMoney management
Mindy DeLisi says
July 7, 2016 at 8:46 pmI didn’t read any of the comments, I think being smart with their money and living within their means is really important.
Kathryn C says
July 7, 2016 at 10:01 pmdefinitely budgeting, managing money and not relying on credit cards so much!
Kathryn C
Robin says
July 8, 2016 at 8:52 amI think the most important life skill is the ability to live in a budget.
Alison Meltcher says
July 8, 2016 at 12:13 pmWe taught many of these skills to our kids once they hit “double digits” along w/ 1 more – how to manage their time! What with schoolwork & so many school activities, it falls to us (parents) to keep things running smoothly. But no one does that for you once you hit college (add in the new found FREEDOM) & suddenly your A student is on probation. Calendars for everyone!
Adrienne Gordon says
July 8, 2016 at 12:14 pmBeing fiscally responsible.
Stephanie Phelps says
July 8, 2016 at 3:15 pmI think respect and being able to cook are pretty important but my boys new how to do everything from sewing to cleaning!
Ashley C says
July 8, 2016 at 3:53 pmMoney management is sooo important! I still remember my college roommate got her first credit card and she told me that day “I can buy all this stuff and only pay $20 for it each month”…. I am so glad my parents taught me more about money management then that!
Susan Smith says
July 8, 2016 at 9:12 pmHow to manage money is very important.
Betty C says
July 9, 2016 at 12:29 amI agree with the list you posted. I think the most important thing is financial knowledge. Many kids head to college and are offered credit cards with no credit history and they max out the credit line in just months. Learning to leave within your means is critical.
Richard Hicks says
July 9, 2016 at 4:04 amThey certainly need to know how to manage money
Cynthia C says
July 9, 2016 at 8:55 amI think safety skills are the most important. Also budget and time management skills are important for success.
Denise S says
July 9, 2016 at 8:55 amI want them to know how to spot users and abusers in the world.
Naddez says
July 9, 2016 at 12:03 pmPreparing a simple meal walks hand in hand with managing their finance. Great list! 🙂
Debbi Wellenstein says
July 9, 2016 at 12:27 pmKnowing how to cook simple and tasty meals is a skill that will save them a lot of money, and their health!
heather s says
July 9, 2016 at 6:41 pmmaking a budget and sticking to it
Becca says
July 9, 2016 at 10:49 pmI think doing laundry is really important!
mary ballerin says
July 10, 2016 at 12:59 amDefinitely laundry but they should know how to sew on a button too.
Carolsue says
July 10, 2016 at 1:13 amHow to maintain a budget is very important
Rebecca Graham says
July 10, 2016 at 1:44 amManaging their finances, balancing a check book, saving money.
patricia skinner says
July 10, 2016 at 11:06 amI believe they should know how to manage their finances.
Kyl Neusch says
July 10, 2016 at 2:21 pmknowledge of finances is imp
Grace H says
July 10, 2016 at 4:11 pmCooking skills, work ethic and hygiene are the most important life skills in my opinion.
Theresa Clift says
July 10, 2016 at 6:28 pmManage Their Finances, As much as I tried to help she had to learn on her own, but she did the hard way
Ashley hudson says
July 10, 2016 at 8:06 pmCooking, even if its basic skills. How to change a tire and cleaning would be very important
Jessi says
July 10, 2016 at 8:37 pmThanks for the chance to win some groceries!
KV says
July 10, 2016 at 8:44 pmI think budgeting your money is an important skill.
Brittney House says
July 10, 2016 at 9:35 pmI think money management is a really good skill to have.
Jason Vaughn says
July 10, 2016 at 9:39 pmHow to network and meet people.
Kate Free says
July 10, 2016 at 9:54 pmGreat info and tips!!! Thanks for sharing!!
Karen M says
July 10, 2016 at 10:03 pmThe most important thing to learn is managing money. You can learn many of the others things one by one but if you can’t manage your finances you will run into all kinds of problems.
Erica B. says
July 10, 2016 at 10:10 pmThe life skill of making time for yourself!
Rajee Pandi says
July 11, 2016 at 4:19 amI love your life skill list and need to learn more
April says
July 11, 2016 at 10:46 amI think the proper way to handle money is the best!
Bridgett Wilbur says
July 11, 2016 at 1:00 pmHow to balance a book.
Julia Barnes says
July 11, 2016 at 4:36 pmI think being able to manage a budget is the most important life skill anyone can have.
Jessica Sage says
July 11, 2016 at 7:13 pmDefinitely how to prepare a meal. When I was in college so many people I knew had no clue how to make anything so they were always eating out causing them to spend money and eat unhealthy things
Seyma Shabbir says
July 11, 2016 at 11:41 pmHow to cook and wash their clothes. But also how to fish, clean and cook the fish is a good skill!
brittany doerfler says
July 12, 2016 at 12:58 amI think the life skill of managing your money wisely is the most important
Aubrey says
July 12, 2016 at 1:38 amI feel the most important life skill to have is knowing how to cook.
Cynthia Richardson says
July 12, 2016 at 7:19 pmI feel financial responsibility is most important for my child to know before leaving home
Theresa N says
July 12, 2016 at 8:04 pmI think be able to prepare a meal is a great one for them to know.
Melanie Montgomery says
July 13, 2016 at 12:06 pmI want to teach her to be responsible in all aspects of her life, whether it be personally or fianancially.
susan smoaks says
July 13, 2016 at 12:40 pmI think that kids need to know how to problem solve. once you show them how do think they will be able to do anything they put their minds to.
Austin Baroudi says
July 13, 2016 at 2:29 pmManage Their Finances and treating wound would be the big ones! Great list! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the chance!
Jennifer Cat says
July 13, 2016 at 5:03 pmI feel its most important for my children to learn how to respect their elders and treat other people the way they would want to be treated.
Lisa V. says
July 13, 2016 at 6:45 pmI think a feeling of independence, courage and self assurance are good to have.
Amanda says
July 13, 2016 at 8:57 pmI would probably say budgeting
Aaron Humphrey says
July 13, 2016 at 11:46 pmHow to do the laundry.
Rachel Beltz says
July 14, 2016 at 4:12 amHow to be gentle with yourself! That you will make mistakes!
Dana Rodriguez says
July 14, 2016 at 10:18 amWhat a great list! I think learning how to budget is a really important one.
TallulahJane says
July 14, 2016 at 12:51 pmI think that managing money is a sound advice for any child who is leaving home.
Carole Spring says
July 14, 2016 at 3:59 pmI like and agree with your great list of necessary life skills. To me the most important life skill is learning how to manage your money, balance your checkbook, and avoid excessive credit card debt.
Leanne Godfrey says
July 14, 2016 at 5:01 pmI feel managing money is the most important from the list. I also think social etiquette is a must as well. Have a super week!
Tari says
July 14, 2016 at 8:22 pmCooking – or else they will end up eating all the wrong, easy-to-get foods.
Elizabeth H. says
July 14, 2016 at 8:32 pmHow to do laundry and cooking!!
Peggy Rydzewski says
July 14, 2016 at 9:24 pmit is important to learn banking/savings and keeping good credit.
Corey Olomon says
July 14, 2016 at 11:51 pmHow to live a healthy lifestyle.
Bonnie Clyne says
July 15, 2016 at 12:35 amGreat list! Basic car maintenance would be another good skill, and some self-defense practice. There are some good classes that teach situational awareness and safety skills.
laurie murley says
July 15, 2016 at 1:39 amI like the learning to write a thank you note is very important, I think it is a lost art
Janine H says
July 15, 2016 at 3:31 amIt’ll be important for my kids to learn to change a flat tire before they go to college…however that’s a long time from now!
Frank P says
July 15, 2016 at 12:29 pmI think money management is very important.
Aaron says
July 15, 2016 at 8:21 pmA life skill the child should know is the value of money and managing finances.
Brian E. says
July 15, 2016 at 11:25 pmTeenagers should take a CPR-AED-First Aid class via the Red Cross !
Amy Deeter says
July 15, 2016 at 11:49 pmMake sure your child knows how to live within a budget, and understands the pitfalls of using credit irresponsibly.
Tori Shea says
July 16, 2016 at 5:38 pmI think home economics class should be taught in all schools.
Laura Bernard says
July 18, 2016 at 10:56 pmI feel like it’s very important for a child to be able to cook and pay bills when they leave the nest.
Jessica says
July 20, 2016 at 5:58 amI think it is important for kids to be able to manage their money before leaving home.
Heather S says
July 20, 2016 at 12:20 pmI want my kids to feel confident in their abilities and life skills 🙂
Tiffany Banks says
July 21, 2016 at 2:11 pmWhen my kids leave home I want to make sure they learn how to manage their money. They need to know what is important to spend their money on & what can wait.
Mindi Eden says
July 21, 2016 at 7:25 pmMONEY management- Hands down!
Carol says
July 22, 2016 at 11:05 amIt’s important to have good manners.
violet taylor says
July 22, 2016 at 12:13 pmbasic budgeting in cluding how interest and banking works!
shelleyb says
July 22, 2016 at 4:28 pmI think Laundry is a big life skill to know. Starting my son who is 11.
Leigh Anne Borders says
July 23, 2016 at 8:19 pmI think the most important thing I can teach them is to show kindness to others.
Alison Michaud says
July 24, 2016 at 12:49 pmManaging Finances would be my top pick – they have to know how to manage their money to live well.
Sara Floyd says
July 24, 2016 at 5:54 pmI think they need to know how to take care of themselves before leaving home
laura says
July 25, 2016 at 8:52 pmBe careful and watch your surroundings
melody hodge says
July 26, 2016 at 11:21 pmEvery young adult should learn to cook and prepare their own food before leaving home.
Gabrielle W. says
July 27, 2016 at 12:00 pmBudgeting is extremely important but also knowing how to enjoy the little things and not always want for more.
hannah k says
July 27, 2016 at 3:20 pmThe most important life skill is personal responsibility. This means that a teen should already have the personal maturity to be responsible for their own choices and actions. They will show up at work on time, because they choose to be a mature adult. They will not drink and drive, or do drugs, because they choose the responsible way.
Personal responsibility is the thing most lacking in children today, because their parents do not teach and enforce it every single day.
megan tilley says
July 28, 2016 at 1:02 amBudgeting, sewing, shampooing carpets, cleaning the washer and dryer, I got married and left my house and move in and had no skills, no one taught me anything. I later got divorced…
Faye Gates says
July 29, 2016 at 5:39 pmThat nothing good happens after midnight.
Christina A. says
July 30, 2016 at 1:31 amThese are all great skills to have–we definitely have reinforced the importance of financial responsibility to our 18 year old son as ruining your finances or not spending within your means makes so many other facets of life quite difficult!
Linda says
July 30, 2016 at 1:01 pmI think knowing how to write checks, balance a checkbook and stick to a budget.
Sara Weekley says
July 30, 2016 at 5:27 pmI believe understanding how to be financially responsible and living on what you can afford
Amber Stewart says
July 30, 2016 at 5:50 pmLearning how to budget money and how to do laundry lol
Elizabeth J. says
July 31, 2016 at 7:30 pmMoney management and knowing how to cook!
Peggy Nunn says
November 16, 2018 at 9:34 amI have forgotten about Tiny Toast. I will have to check it out. Thank you for the reminder.