Chores and tasks are part of the everyday life of an adult. We pay the bills, we do the laundry, we put gas in the car. But do you remember when you learned how to do these things, the tasks we do without even thinking. For a teen who has never been asked how to do these things when they lived at home, the first time can be frightening and frustrating. Here is a list of the tasks and chores a teen should know how to do before they leave home. Can you think of more to add to the list? Your comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Around the House
When the toilet overflows does your teen scream for help? Teach them where the water turn off valve is on the toilet, and what to do if your toilet is about to overflow. Do they know what to do in case of fire in the kitchen? Talk to them about what utensils are safe to use in the microwave. Does your child know how all your appliances work? We know they are experts at the computer, but what about the vacuum? Do they know how to make their bed, fresh linens and all? Do they know what to apply to a cut, or what medicine and dosage they need to take for a headache?
Basic Laundry Skills
The first time they do the laundry without you will be a challenge. Make sure your teen knows how to use the laundry machine, including adding detergent and softener. How to treat simple stains, how to wash clothing by hand, and follow label instructions. A follow up to this would be how to fold the laundry and properly put it away, and how to pack a suitcase. Teach teens how to sew on a button, and include a simple sewing kit for them to have on hand.
Have you ever let your teen pump the gas? That is a lesson they should know before they learn how to drive. Plus they will be the ones getting wet while you sit in the car. Teach them how to fill the washer fluid. Especially important in our Syracuse winters, with all the dirt we get on the windshield. Teach them how to change a tire it’s not always possible to wait for AAA. You’ll want to teach them how to add air to the tires and know what tire pressure is. If they are stopped by the police will they know where the insurance cards are, and what to give the officer while they panic? Go over all these little details.
Preparing and Shopping for Food
Has your teen ever seen you write a shopping list? Teach them how to go to the store and shop. Teach your teen the basics. How to cook an egg, soup, make a sandwiches and even boil water for pasta. Talk to them about how to stack the dishes so everything fits and won’t fall out, and how to use kitchen utensils and appliances for a specific job. Teach them how to wash the dishes by hand, and soak stubborn stuck on messes.
Money, Money, Money
Our teens know how to ask for it very well, but that won’t prepare them for banking or saving. Once your teen is out of the house a few simple things we take for granted will come into play. Do they know how to use an ATM? Show them how to open a checking account and balance a checkbook. Let your child see you pay your monthly bills. Show them how to apply for a credit card, but talk to them about the repercussions of spending too much. Talk to them about how to save up for a big purchase, and budgeting their paycheck or allowance. Most importantly set the ground rules for what you expect, and what you will and will not do to bail them out of financial trouble.