Anonymous
10/04/2019 11:49
Subject: What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
At jobs.....sign up for 401k's, sign up for health insurance
A lot of young people are clueless about this and
don't understand the free money they get matched from
401ks.
A lot of young people are clueless about this and
don't understand the free money they get matched from
401ks.
Anonymous
10/04/2019 11:39
Subject: What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Importance of having oil changes for a car.
(I burned up a car engine as an 18 year old)
Basic car maintenance skills is hugely important. Just getting your car serviced, properly inflated tires and toping off fluids is something that is simple to learn and easy first steps to start with.
Bike maintenance, too!
Oh, please!
I won't be caught dead on a bicycle and neither will be my children. They don't need to know 'bike maintenance'. I'm glad you're getting your exercise through biking, but we're just fine using a stationary bike, thankyouverymuch.
Our nephew took his bike to college and he does cycle around the campus to go from one class to the next. I think it is a low cost transportation alternative, keeps kids active and it reduces the carbon footprint, so why not?
Perfect mode of transportation if you want to ensure your kid is a Virgin until graduation.
HA HA HA HA. My brother mainly used his bike for transportation in college - ~25 years ago. At what would be considered a pretty conservative university where car culture was alive and well. He never had any issues with having a girlfriend or with girls having an interest in him. What a bizarre attitude.
Agree, bike culture is the norm on large college campuses. I live in a college town with 70,000 Division I college students (best state college in the state)
and 35,000 community college students. Believe me bikes are heavily used on campus. Scooters are big too. You can pay for a pricey parking
pass on campus but believe me you won't be able to find a parking slot. Everyone uses bikes, scooters, skateboards and free college shuttle
buses to get around on campus. If you even own a car it just stays parked at your apartment. Cars are not required.
Knowledge of how to change a tire and bike maintenance would help.
Anonymous
10/04/2019 11:30
Subject: What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
Cooking
Checking acct management Inc how to open
Vehicle purchase procedures....with ins.lic procedures
When and how to use credit
How to find , lease, manage habitation
Job search skills, interview styles, how to dress appropriately
Social skills.
Checking acct management Inc how to open
Vehicle purchase procedures....with ins.lic procedures
When and how to use credit
How to find , lease, manage habitation
Job search skills, interview styles, how to dress appropriately
Social skills.
Anonymous
10/04/2019 11:10
Subject: What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
Credit cards, health insurance. My parents told me nothing. Had to learn on my own, with credit cards I learned the hard way.
Anonymous
10/03/2019 22:17
Subject: What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
Lots of lists out there about what teens need to adult in college. They pop up every fall. I like this one. Mostly because my kid did need to be told not to microwave metal. *sigh.
https://grownandflown.com/33-life-skills-college-kids-adult/
He’s a senior in high school and we are clicking through it. He now goes to his psychiatrist for ADHD med checkup (and we follow up by phone), goes to the dentist for cleanings and eye doctor for checkups, fills and picks up his own ADHD meds, does his own laundry. Can (now) use the microwave without blowing something up. But we haven’t gotten very far in teaching actual cooking. Puts gas in his car, checks fluid levels, knows how to check tire pressure, gets the oil changed (but doesn’t change it himself). Has a low limit credit card (mine, with a duplicate in his name) and responsibility for buying his own school and project supplies, his yearbook, dinner when he travels for band, etc. but not unlimited Starbucks. Has some responsibility for picking his sister up and running errands for me— like grabbing something from the grocery store. And he and I review the credit card charges and receipts each month. And last weekend, he... learned to iron a pair of khakis. I have a shirt that needs a button sewn on set aside for the next time we have a few minutes. He’s in the DMV, so he has public transit down.
Good times. But, I’m feeling increasingly confident that he will survive college. We definitely have things to teach him. But, for me the biggie is being able to work with a psychiatrist if he isn’t within a couple hours of home and be responsible for filling and taking ADHD meds. That’s a lot more serious than a wrinkled shirt. So, we have really emphasized insurance cards, medical appointments, filling prescriptions, responsibility for your health, etc.
https://grownandflown.com/33-life-skills-college-kids-adult/
He’s a senior in high school and we are clicking through it. He now goes to his psychiatrist for ADHD med checkup (and we follow up by phone), goes to the dentist for cleanings and eye doctor for checkups, fills and picks up his own ADHD meds, does his own laundry. Can (now) use the microwave without blowing something up. But we haven’t gotten very far in teaching actual cooking. Puts gas in his car, checks fluid levels, knows how to check tire pressure, gets the oil changed (but doesn’t change it himself). Has a low limit credit card (mine, with a duplicate in his name) and responsibility for buying his own school and project supplies, his yearbook, dinner when he travels for band, etc. but not unlimited Starbucks. Has some responsibility for picking his sister up and running errands for me— like grabbing something from the grocery store. And he and I review the credit card charges and receipts each month. And last weekend, he... learned to iron a pair of khakis. I have a shirt that needs a button sewn on set aside for the next time we have a few minutes. He’s in the DMV, so he has public transit down.
Good times. But, I’m feeling increasingly confident that he will survive college. We definitely have things to teach him. But, for me the biggie is being able to work with a psychiatrist if he isn’t within a couple hours of home and be responsible for filling and taking ADHD meds. That’s a lot more serious than a wrinkled shirt. So, we have really emphasized insurance cards, medical appointments, filling prescriptions, responsibility for your health, etc.
Anonymous
10/03/2019 14:58
Subject: What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
Anonymous wrote:Lots have been covered.
Budgeting
Taxes
Compound interest
How to use a simple spreadsheet
Living within ones means
Prioritizing
CPR
Knowing when to speak up and shut up
Getting a read or feel of an atmosphere/audience/room
Survival skills
Being kind and gracious
How to lose
This made me laugh because I often tell my 10-year old that this is one of the most valuable skills in life.
Anonymous
10/03/2019 14:49
Subject: Re:What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
Anonymous wrote:All the cleaning and 1950s home economic s lessons are things that people will pick up along the way. They will quickly find a youtube video on how to tie a tie. They will google the instructions for laundry not wear dirty clothes everyday.
How to do your taxes, register to vote, register your car, renew your driver's license, understand credit card offers and avoid predatory ones, navigate and understand health insurance, read a rental lease and understand what you are agreeing to in the lease, car maintenance (they don't have to do it themselves but they need to know not to drive on a flat tire and to change their oil).
I agree with this. It is amazing to me how many adults do not ever grasp health insurance, loan documents, proper saving. Much more important than learning how to cook eggs or tie a tie.
Anonymous
10/03/2019 14:40
Subject: Re:What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
All the cleaning and 1950s home economic s lessons are things that people will pick up along the way. They will quickly find a youtube video on how to tie a tie. They will google the instructions for laundry not wear dirty clothes everyday.
How to do your taxes, register to vote, register your car, renew your driver's license, understand credit card offers and avoid predatory ones, navigate and understand health insurance, read a rental lease and understand what you are agreeing to in the lease, car maintenance (they don't have to do it themselves but they need to know not to drive on a flat tire and to change their oil).
How to do your taxes, register to vote, register your car, renew your driver's license, understand credit card offers and avoid predatory ones, navigate and understand health insurance, read a rental lease and understand what you are agreeing to in the lease, car maintenance (they don't have to do it themselves but they need to know not to drive on a flat tire and to change their oil).
Anonymous
10/03/2019 14:38
Subject: Re:What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:If you are a foster mom, besides taking care of the kids, what would you teach them so that they are better equipped when they leave you?
God bless you foster Mom.
I like the grit and resiliance prior posted mentioned.
Work is honorable. All classes of work are honorable, i.e. the guy picking up the trash is supporting his family.
Be generous about helping others,i.e. shovel the snow of the senior citizen lady on the street.
A lot of life is about not giving up. Set your goals and work towards them.
Get an etiquette book in the library. The importance of looking people in the eyes when meeting new people. Hand shake skills when meeting new people.
Good posture for girls and boys. Boys opening doors for women. These skills go along way in getting jobs. Appropriate way to dress for entry level jobs, i.e girls should not wear hootchie skirts when applying for entry level jobs. You would be amazed at what I see with entry level job applicants. Boys should wear khaki pants and collard shirt when applying for minimum wage jobs. Girls should wear pants and blouse when applying for minimum wage jobs.
We live in a very image centric immediate gratification society. To get the job/career he/she wants generally takes time and effort.
Reinforce positive self worth. Reinforce hanging out with the right friends.
Does kid want to go to college? Have someone (at school or at religious organization) review kids essays before submitting college applications. Generally foster kids college applications are looked at very closely and tend not to be rejected.
Does kid want to go in the military?
Does kid want to work a trade?
We had a young lady work as a caregiver for my Mom. She was not a foster kid but she truly had a lot on her shoulders. She was 20 and about 100 pounds. She was very small and petite. Her Mom was in prison and getting out of long term prison and her Dad was getting ready to go to long term prison. For such a young person she had way too much thrust on her. Anyways, she was in the Army National Guard and you could tell she really got a lot out of it. She spent one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer on her Army National Guard duties. She had a lot of confidence and carried herself well. For any kid that does not have a big support network it is worth considering the Army National Guard.
Also, if kid has any interest in medical field looking at the military is not a bad way to go. Military pays for college and RN training etc and kid has several years of service afterwards.
Again, God Bless you poster and thank you for your question and being a foster Mom.
Anonymous
10/03/2019 14:36
Subject: Re:What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
If you are a foster mom, besides taking care of the kids, what would you teach them so that they are better equipped when they leave you?
Foster kids do not have safety nets. They can not call mom or dad for help. They can not move back in when they lose their job. They are alone. They often fall victim to bad relationships and people who take advantage of them because they are seeking not to be alone.
1. How to save for a rainy day
2. Volunteer -volunteer organizations often have caring people who are less likely to take advantage of someone and more willing to help. It can also help a lonely young adult find a community.
3. How to defend themselves and how to avoid bad relationships.
4. How to navigate social services for adults if they find they need them
5. How to find medical and dental care and get insurance
Anonymous
10/03/2019 14:34
Subject: Re:What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
How to tie a tie.
How to polish your shoes.
How to sew a button or mend a rip or hem.
How to do laundry and iron clothes.
Personal hygiene.
Drive a car, basic maintainence.
Time management.
Make a bed.
Swim, bike, give CPR.
Wear helmet.
Home protection - gas leak, water leak, smoke alarm, CO alarm etc.
Online safety
Sex education
How to polish your shoes.
How to sew a button or mend a rip or hem.
How to do laundry and iron clothes.
Personal hygiene.
Drive a car, basic maintainence.
Time management.
Make a bed.
Swim, bike, give CPR.
Wear helmet.
Home protection - gas leak, water leak, smoke alarm, CO alarm etc.
Online safety
Sex education
Anonymous
10/03/2019 14:28
Subject: What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:More than that it is about
-time management
-decision making
-critical thinking
-coping with negative emotions
-grit and resilience
-managing boredom and loneliness in healthy ways
-strong foundation in sense of self and identity
-assertiveness
-setting boundaries for self and others
-treating others with respect and expecting respect from others
-help seeking skills
etc
Yes! Drives me nuts when someone asks the question (usually in relation to sending a kid to college) and the inevitable answers are "how to do laundry", or "how to cook". Paleeze. THIS list are the skills really needed.
These are very vague and generalized answers and are not actionable items for most people. What is grit and resilience?
For a kid above 12 and below 18 years of age, and in context of both foster kids or kids that are going to college - laundry, personal hygiene, how to make nutritious meals in a tight budget, swimming, giving CPR, car maintainence, time managment, how to write professional emails , making a budget, asking for help, making appointments etc - these are all valuable skills. If you are lucky, your parents teach you some of it and make you capable of finding answers. If you are alone in the world, you need the foster system and the schools to teach you this.
Anonymous
10/03/2019 13:26
Subject: What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
Lots have been covered.
Budgeting
Taxes
Compound interest
How to use a simple spreadsheet
Living within ones means
Prioritizing
CPR
Knowing when to speak up and shut up
Getting a read or feel of an atmosphere/audience/room
Survival skills
Being kind and gracious
How to lose
Budgeting
Taxes
Compound interest
How to use a simple spreadsheet
Living within ones means
Prioritizing
CPR
Knowing when to speak up and shut up
Getting a read or feel of an atmosphere/audience/room
Survival skills
Being kind and gracious
How to lose
Anonymous
10/03/2019 13:08
Subject: What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
Anonymous wrote:More than that it is about
-time management
-decision making
-critical thinking
-coping with negative emotions
-grit and resilience
-managing boredom and loneliness in healthy ways
-strong foundation in sense of self and identity
-assertiveness
-setting boundaries for self and others
-treating others with respect and expecting respect from others
-help seeking skills
etc
Yes! Drives me nuts when someone asks the question (usually in relation to sending a kid to college) and the inevitable answers are "how to do laundry", or "how to cook". Paleeze. THIS list are the skills really needed.
Anonymous
10/03/2019 12:16
Subject: What life skills to teach kids so that they can be independent at 18?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Importance of having oil changes for a car.
(I burned up a car engine as an 18 year old)
Basic car maintenance skills is hugely important. Just getting your car serviced, properly inflated tires and toping off fluids is something that is simple to learn and easy first steps to start with.
Bike maintenance, too!
Oh, please!
I won't be caught dead on a bicycle and neither will be my children. They don't need to know 'bike maintenance'. I'm glad you're getting your exercise through biking, but we're just fine using a stationary bike, thankyouverymuch.
Our nephew took his bike to college and he does cycle around the campus to go from one class to the next. I think it is a low cost transportation alternative, keeps kids active and it reduces the carbon footprint, so why not?
Perfect mode of transportation if you want to ensure your kid is a Virgin until graduation.
HA HA HA HA. My brother mainly used his bike for transportation in college - ~25 years ago. At what would be considered a pretty conservative university where car culture was alive and well. He never had any issues with having a girlfriend or with girls having an interest in him. What a bizarre attitude.