Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of teaching a freshman experience course at our local university. In the first few weeks of the semester, I love to start class by asking students to share a good, bad, or confusing thing that they have encountered over the past few days.
As students progress through their college career they often swing by my office. “You’re a real adult, can you help me?” They have questions about scheduling medical appointments, how to read the benefits package offered by a potential employer, how to prepare for interviews, where to buy good quality shoes, how to meal plan.
They are struggling, but you can help!
Investing the time to teach your high school students these skills will give them a leg up as they leave the nest. They do not need to be an expert chef, with a fully balanced budget, and the first aid knowledge of an EMT, but they do need to know the basics. Having your student work alongside you is a great way to impart many of these skills. Bring them into the kitchen, out to the garage, and into the community with you. Ask them to assume responsibility for their own care while they are still under your roof. Have them schedule appointments, grocery shop, prepare meals, wash their own laundry. Keep in mind that many of these skills can be taught well before the teen years!
Stress management