One of the biggest changes in the life of any college student, or at least those who are moving from home, is finding that they suddenly have to take care of their own needs. Some might find themselves making trips back with their dirty laundry or borrowing some money, but in order to teach them independence, it’s a good idea to help them get to grips with some of the chores and skills that will help them get through adult life. Here are a few to focus on.
Cooking Meals
You don’t want your kids to go through college relying only on what they can shove in the microwave or the oven. Teach them basic recipes so that they can make easy meals like pasta, stir-fries, and scrambled eggs can take them far. Make sure they know their basic food safety, as well, from knife handling to how to stop food from spoiling or getting contaminated.
Laundry
You want to make sure that your kids stay presentable, so getting them used to doing their own laundry is vital. This includes teaching them how to sort through their clothes so that they wash well, as well as how to use the washing machine. Teaching them to dry and iron their clothes is important, as well, especially as poor drying can lead to moisture in the air, increasing the risk of mold spreading through their living space.
Basic Cleaning
Routine cleaning keeps a home hygienic. As such, your teen needs to get used to cleaning the bathroom, including the toilet, shower, and sink, no matter how the idea might initially disgust them. Cleaning the kitchen is just as important, especially learning what cycle to run your dishwasher on, to avoid any hygiene issues with the food they eat. Teaching them to clear up clutter is important, not just to keep their spaces presentable, but because it also reduces dust buildup, meaning that cleaning is a lot easier.
General Maintenance
There are likely to be minor repairs that need to be done in your teen’s new home. Teach them to handle minor repairs, such as fixing a leaky faucet, unclogging a drain, or changing a lightbulb. Show them how to use basic tools like a hammer, screwdriver, and pliers for simple DIY tasks. Explain the importance of regular maintenance tasks, such as changing air filters, checking smoke detectors, and maintaining appliances.
Taking Care Of Finances
A lot of kids go off to college with no money skills, making it much harder to live on the shoestring budget they often have. Help them create a basic budget, including tracking income, expenses, and savings goals. Teach them how to pay bills on time, whether online or through traditional methods, and explain the importance of maintaining good credit. Helping them find financial tools like expense tracks can make them much more aware of their finances in general, too.
Making those first steps toward independence isn’t always easy, and your kids may stumble, but you can always be there to show them how to do it right.
