The teenage years are a time of experimentation, growth, and discovery. It’s also a time when you’re trying to figure out who you are and what your interests are. The world is your oyster. But before you venture out into the big wide world, it’s essential to be prepared with some basic skills so that you can survive life as an independent adult. Here are five things every teenager should know how to do for their own safety and comfort:
Drive
Driving is a necessary skill that can open up fun, adventure, and even employment opportunities. While most states require you to be at least 16 years of age to drive legally and take driver’s education courses in high school, it’s important to know this life-saving skill by your teenage years, so you don’t have to rely on others for transportation.
Learning how to operate an automobile isn’t as easy as just turning the key and driving away, though. There are steps involved, such as buckling seat belts, adjusting mirrors and seats, checking tire pressure and oil levels, and changing lanes with ease without causing accidents or cutting off other drivers. To master the art of driving and understand traffic laws, a teenager must take a complete TLSAE online course and practice as much as possible with their parent’s supervision.
Parallel parking is one of those skills that sounds easy until you try it. Don’t leave this skill for last to learn; it’s crucial for anyone who needs to park their car in tight spaces, and it could save you from backup accidents caused by people who don’t know how to park their vehicles properly.
Cook
Cooking every meal isn’t always the easiest task, especially if you’re coming home from school or work famished with no time to stop for lunch before your shift or take-out on the way home from a night out. However, learning how to cook a few basic meals is a skill every teenager should have in their arsenal. It’s not only economical to cook your own food, but it’s also healthier than eating out or microwaving unhealthy processed food.
There are plenty of simple recipes online for beginners that can be whipped up in a hurry with minimal ingredients and tools required. And if you’re looking for some more challenging recipes, there are plenty of cooking shows on television these days that can teach you how to make everything from breakfast to dessert.
Stay Safe and Connected
Teenagers need to know how to stay safe online and protect their personal information when using the internet. There are many ways to stay safe and secure when browsing the web, from not clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files to creating strong passwords and using privacy settings on social media.
In addition, it’s also essential for teenagers to know how to contact emergency services in case of an emergency. Whether it’s a car accident, a fire, or someone is hurt or sick, learning how to call for help can be the difference between life and death.
Be Independent
One of the most important skills that every teenager needs to learn is being independent. This means being able to take care of themselves both physically and emotionally without relying on others for everything. It could be something as simple as doing their own laundry, grocery shop, or cooking meals without assistance.
And just as important, it means knowing when and how to ask for help if they need it. If a teenager is overwhelmed, they should learn that just because they don’t want to ask for assistance doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t. It’s okay to admit your limits and know when you’re in over your head.
Manage Money
It may seem obvious, but managing money can be one of the most challenging skills for most teenagers to learn. Many young adults struggle with this skill throughout their lives due to a lack of guidance or understanding from family members or friends, so all teenagers need to understand each step involved in creating and maintaining a personal budget:
- What does a monthly income look like: This includes not only your salary but also allowances, tips, and other income you may receive.
- How to track your expenses: This includes writing down each purchase or withdrawing cash and recording it in a note or spreadsheet.
- How to save money: This includes setting aside money each month for bills, emergencies, and future investments.
- How to budget for big purchases: This includes saving up for things like cars, houses, or college tuition.
Final Thoughts
Learning these skills as a teenager can help you avoid debt and bankruptcy later on in life. Cooking healthy meals, staying safe online, managing money, and being independent are essential skills that everyone should try to master before entering adulthood. Not only will this make your life easier now, but it also has the potential to save you from financial hardship down the line.
