Wouldn’t it be nice if when we turned 18 and crossed that threshold from childhood to adulthood, someone handed us a handbook that included everything we needed to know? Unfortunately, there is no handbook for adulthood, but there are some life skills that every young adult should know.
Transitioning from Childhood to Adulthood
Becoming an adult doesn’t necessarily happen at midnight on your eighteenth birthday. The truth is, young adulthood is generally categorized as 18-22 (to 25). This is a time when many young adults are stepping out on their own for the first time. You may be moving away from home and heading to college. You may be starting your first job. You may be living by yourself for the first time in your life. There is so much to learn during this time period, and while a school education is beneficial, there are certain life skills that young adults need to know as well.
Life skills are any skills you need to manage the activities and challenges of everyday life effectively. Mastery and development of these skills can improve all areas of your life, from your work to your relationships. They allow you to handle almost everything better, from processing your emotions more effectively to interacting with others.
10 Life Skills to Learn
- Laundry: Laundry is a life skill that you can begin practicing as soon as you’re tall enough to load and unload the washing machine. Knowing when to separate your colored clothes from your whites and how to remove a stain is something every adult should know.
- Applying for a Job: Understanding how to create a resume and how to present yourself in an interview is crucial to adulthood. Being in a professional setting can be intimidating to young adults, but researching common interview questions and how to dress for the job you want can make the process more approachable.
- Creating (and Following) a Budget: Being able to create a budget will set you up for success throughout adulthood. Learning how to manage income and understanding how much of your money will go to bill, gas, utilities, etc. will help you plan for financial independence.
- Time Management: This is a big one for many young adults. Knowing how to make a schedule and routine is a skill needed for both college and the workforce.
- Communication: Effective communication is a skill that can be used to nail a job interview or make a new friend. Meeting new people after high school can be challenging for you adults, but effective communication can help create a deeper connection and lasting relationships.
- Self-Care: Self-care can range from knowing how often to schedule your doctor and dentist appointments to understand when you need to take a break for your mental health. Understanding both your physical and mental health is an important skill throughout adulthood.
- Resiliency: We know that there will be times when things don’t work out the way we hoped. There will be disappointments and setbacks. The important thing to learn is how to bounce back from these setbacks is crucial for forward momentum in your life.
- Home Cooking: If you’re used to dad or mom heading to the grocery store and preparing all your food, try tagging along next time they’re running errands. Young adults should know how to shop at a grocery store (ingredients needed, staying in the budget), and how to prepare healthy meals at home. Whether you’re interested in fixing something simple, or you find your passion in a three-course meal, being able to nourish yourself is something all young adults need to know.
- Paying Bills: This is another big one. Again, it ties to your budget, but understanding what bills are due, and when, can keep you from facing major financial issues in the future. Falling behind in payments can lead to bad credit which can severely limit your ability to buy a car or even a house someday.
- Vote: Becoming an adult means going from being a political onlooker to being an active participant. Learn how you can become a registered voter. Learn where and when to vote. Learn about the policies of both local and national politicians so you can vote and make your voice heard.
Foundations Asheville
Foundations empowers its clients to explore life and engage in new experiences designed to provide meaning and perspective. During their tenure at Foundations, it is not uncommon that clients become passionate about a new hobby or develop a long-term goal.
With therapeutic and academic support in place, some students find renewed interest in traditional education, and all students find goals they are excited to work toward as they become self-reliant. For more information please call (877) 318-7273.
The Foundations Team” profile “We work tirelessly to empower individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in their personal and professional lives. To contact our admissions team, call (877) 318-7273
