After spending 18 years under your wing, your children have probably absorbed a lot of wisdom to help them make their way into adulthood. What they may not have learned are some basic skills to get them on their feet once they’re out on their own. Here are some important skills to equip your kids with before they fly the coop.
How To Budget
Until kids begin earning significant money on their own, cash can be a mystical thing that always seems to be there when they need it. Unfortunately, many don’t learn the importance of careful budgeting until it’s too late and they’ve saddled themselves with debt.
Teaching your kids to strictly track and manage their spending will set them up for success once they’re supporting themselves. By following a budget, they’ll find it’s much easier to eliminate bad spending habits and identify opportunities to save for the future. To simplify the process and keep costs down, encourage your children to look into online banks that offer reduced fees and flexible accounts that can take some of the work out of money management.
How To Do Laundry
If your kids are used to dirty laundry being whisked away only to magically be replaced by fresh, folded clothes a few hours later, be sure to enlighten them about proper clothes washing before they leave the house. Rather than learning the hard way that whites and darks shouldn’t be washed together and that delicates are better off drip-dried, your kids will benefit from being taught the laundry tricks you’ve picked up over the years.
How To Do Basic Home Repairs
Okay, maybe the skillset to perform major construction work doesn’t need to be passed along, but make sure your kids know some of the basics. Teaching them how to change lightbulbs and HVAC filters is a must, along with how to test smoke detectors and turn off water, gas, and electricity supplies. Tips on plunging a toilet and unclogging a drain will also be appreciated when the need for these skills inevitably arises. Giving a few lessons now will reduce the number of panicked phone calls you receive later!
Being a good parent means fully preparing your children for life after they leave the nest. Teaching your kids important skills like how to create and follow a budget, do their own laundry, and take care of general household maintenance will ensure they’re successful and happy once they’re on their own.