10 Areas of Essential Life Skills for Teens

Most parents decide on various options for teaching their children essential life skills, saving money, and financial literacy. 

One of the best tools is a debit card for teenagers that offers many options like saving, spending, earning, and donating money. 

Only certain ones offer the possibility of investing in stocks for kids, something similar to the adult world, where children have the option to invest in stocks such as Apple and Netflix.

1. Independent cooking and preparation of all types of food

Teach them the basics of cooking, and how to prepare basic foods. 

Don't worry when they learn the basics of food preparation they will later experiment themselves and look at various recipes on the Internet.

2. Money management and investing

Money management and investing are facilitated by the debit card and the app that comes with it. 

Only certain companies have the option of investing within their offer, where teens invest in real shares of companies such as Netflix. 

Children, under parental supervision, can invest in various stocks, donate money to charity, and save it. Some offers allow payment by a third party to the account via a QR code.

3. Carrying out household chores

As teenagers get older, they have more responsibilities and chores than younger children. 

Teenagers are usually responsible when their parents are not at home, they do heavy work such as cleaning the bathroom and toilet, cooking and cleaning the house. 

They also take out garbage regularly, as well helping neighbors with mowing the lawn or taking care of their pets.

4. Learning to drive and passing the driver's license

Teenagers must know the basic rules, that you can't drive and talk on the phone, consume alcohol, or drive fast. 

They must know that when they are in the car, they are responsible for their lives, their fellow passengers as well as people coming from the opposite direction.

5. Social and communication skills

These two skills are crucial for teenagers to express themselves, and feel safe but also vulnerable when necessary. 

Social skills such as sharing, cooperation, listening, basics of etiquette, politeness, respect for personal space, and eye contact are some of the more important social skills.

6. Education

Education is necessary for teenagers to have a comfortable life, everything else is a shortcut or a lucky shot. 

First of all, children must be literate, speak their mother tongue, and an additional one if desired, know how to use all kinds of technology. 

Encourage the habit of reading books, writing letters, compositions, and poems as well as various notes.

7. Making a grocery list and going shopping independently

One of the most important things is to teach your teenager to independently make a grocery list for the coming week. 

In this way, you teach them to cook and prepare food independently, and this will make their future easier for sure. 

Many of today's children don't even know how to make eggs, let alone a slightly more complicated dish, encouraging them to cook and experiment with ingredients and spices themselves.

8. Social sensitivity

Teenagers need to understand that not everyone is as lucky as they are and that they need to be considerate of those who don't have money. 

And to donate money when they can to those who need help the most. You can take them to volunteer at charities.

9. Job search

Encourage teens to look for part-time work, whether it's babysitting, mowing lawns and hedges, dog walking, or something else. 

They must have their own money to spend on personal needs. Help them write their CVs, look for references, and look for a job.

10. Knowing how to prioritize certain things

First of all, teach your children how to identify their skills, talents, and abilities so that they can develop in business. 

Every year, help them write at least 3 goals for the following year that they must fulfill within 365 days. 

The goals must be realistic and achievable, so they don't get disappointed if they are not able to fulfill them. 

Advise them to commit to building and creating the best version of themselves. Always be there as a parent if they need advice, support, or help.

Conclusion

We have selected the 10 most important life skills that you must teach your younger children and teenagers. 

Thanks to these skill sets, their future will be safer, healthier and much better overall.