Before our teenagers leave for college, we hope they have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed on their own. We have worked hard to teach them and guide them. Now, get them out there knowing the important basics and get them on their way to success. Read on for tips on teaching teens how to do laundry, be organized, cook, have confidence, and how to become a smart money manager.
1. Laundry: I started my 15 year old out at a young age on this one. She has been in charge of her own laundry for about a year now and has helped sort and fold since she a little girl. I have taught her to not look at laundry as a chore, but as a something that makes you happy. It feels good to pull a fresh, clean t-shirt over your shoulders, and you smell good. People like that. I have taught her schedules such as washing sheets every week and blankets every month. We have talked about stain removal. I have taught her how to sort things into delicates, whites, towels, darks, jeans, etc. and what temperature to wash them in. She knows how to iron, fold the clothes, organize them, and put them away.
2. Organization: This is a biggie. It starts with keeping track of schedules, practices, homework, birthdays, etc. then moves into housework and your career. It really is a way of life, and being organized does make a difference. I like being able to relax at the end of the day knowing that things are in order, the dishes are done, and I know what is happening on tomorrow's agenda. Knowing what is going on keeps your mind from going crazy with information and what you might have forgotten. I have taught my teen that by being organized she will have more time and will feel more peaceful. If our teens learn how to start managing the things in their lives now, college will be a breeze.
3. Learn how to cook: We made this one easy. My daughter picked out a cute binder, some tabs, and clear protective sheets. Then, we went through my recipe books. We picked out our favorites, especially ones that she would enjoy making for her roommates at college. Then, she chooses one recipe a week to make for the family. She makes a grocery list, plans the menu, and cooks the meal. By the time she is 18 years old; she will have a good understanding of the basics and have a really good bunch of recipes to take with her when she flies the coop.
4.Confidence: My sister and I were talking about this the other day. We figured out that confidence is really the thing that makes people popular. Not that being popular is the most important thing in life, but it is an interesting observation. We all know people we love hanging around with. They are happy. They seem to know who they are. They care about people. They have the confidence it takes to express their opinions and seek out help. That is an important trait to have when you are on your own. When mom is not there to help you with those daily problems, you have to know how to take care of yourself. Confidence is also an attractive trait. One of the best ways to teach it is to be it.
5. Finances: If only our daughter could know what we now know about money! I think it is important to teach our kids how to avoid some of the mistakes we have made through the years when it comes to finances. We love Dave Ramsey, and have tried to teach his principles on being debt free and how bright your future can be when you are not tied down with debt. According the U.S. General Accounting Office, 6.9% of college students will file bankruptcy before graduating from college. Imagine having your credit destroyed at such a young age. Teach your teens about the dangers of credit cards and encourage them to save their money.
If we just think about some of these tips on helping our teenagers prepare for college, we will have a good jumping off point to get started. Time goes fast. They will be gone before we know it. Let's get them out there prepared for anything.
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