Recently Ive been thinking about what my daughters should know before they move out. I have a soon to be 16 year old who will be off to college in a few years and could really use some great skills to take with her. I asked you what skills one should know when leaving your parents house and you came through with flying colors. Thank you for that! But of course I added my own slight twist to it.
Enjoy this list of tips and skills you should know how to do before moving out of your parents home.
1. KNOW HOW TO COOK
You should know how to cook a few things from scratch. Nothing complicated just some simple things like making gravy, taco seasoning or even just soup. You should know how to use measuring cups and spoons along with how to read a recipe. Also learn how to put a grease fire out safely.
2. PRESERVE FOOD
From freezing, canning and drying. There is a way to preserve food no matter what you have or don't have. Learn how to keep food fresh and you will have fresh food always. Watching a family member or friend do it and get lots of tips you won't find in books.
3. LEARN HOW TO BAKE
Learning to bake food and you will always have something to eat. I'm not perfect at it and in fact I'm still learning how to do it. It takes a little bit of ingredients and some time but its worth it. The end results taste so much better.
4. DOING LAUNDRY
From making your own powdered or liquid laundry soap, how to use a washing machine or dryer and even how to iron your clothes. You must know how to do these things because you can't afford to pay someone else to do it. Invest in a wooden clothes rack and save money on energy.
5. SEASONAL PREPAREDNESS
Protecting your living space is most important no matter what season it is. Spring time is a great time to clean your carpets. Rent a carpet cleaner from somewhere or borrow a friends. Try dusting every inch of your living space. Open up your windows & clean the tracks out. Try your hand at conserving water and energy all year long. Winterize your home tips will save you lots of money on repairs. This will save you a ton of money over the year. Energy and water cost can easily go down with simple tips and tricks.
6. LEARN HOW TO CLEAN
It doesn't take much effort if you do it as you go. Seriously quit being a slop! Pick up your laundry, clean the counters with soap, take the trash out often, vacuum the carpet or sweep the floors and clean your toilets. Keep your home clean and you will get sick less and your home will smell fresh and clean. And not to get into much detail but since you will probably be in college its a good idea to learn how to unclog a toilet. Who knows why people put things in there but they do. Remember to not use toxic cleaners! Go DIY some simple green cleaners and get on with your bad self. You know you want to.
7. HOW TO KEEP A BUDGET
Learn how to make a budget and keep on track with your budget. Remember its not only about having a budget but keeping within your budget. Everything else goes into savings and stays there. This is a hard lesson to learn when you are young but later on in time you will need that savings for one reason or another. Its all about being prepared now and down the road. Learn this simple tip and you will be good for a long time.
8. HOW TO GROCERY SHOP
Make a list of what you need not what you want. Keep your list with you and shop at stores you know have good prices. In fact keep a log what you buy on a regular basis and keep track of where the prices are low at certain stores. Keep in mind how far each store is and it its worth it even after you waste gas to drive there.
Remember to always buy in bulk! Less packaging and better prices! Stick to the basics. Pasta, grains, beans and root vegetables are always good to have on hand because they keep for a really long time.
Stick to the outer aisles of the stores because that's where the fresh food is. Shop in the early afternoon weekdays because this is when stores mark down their products to make way for fresher items. You can always freeze things (even dairy!).
READ LABELS!!! If it has lots of ingredients then its probably not good for you. Example-tomatoes should just have tomatoes not all kinds of preservatives. Keep an eye on how much your getting. Most packages come with less than a pound now but still charge for a full pound. Compare with other products. You ca also learn by following my blog here or on Facebook.
9. LEARN HOW TO SEW
If you learn how to sew you can fix pretty much anything and stretch your dollar even further. Why spend more money on something that could easily be fixed? Want verses need! Or go on Pinterest.....
10. HOW TO BALANCE A CHECKBOOK
Once you do learn how to balance a checkbook you can see what money you do have or don't have. Also keep track on your banks website and compare with your checkbook. Sometimes a little mistake can mean big impacts. Which usually mean charges to your account. These little charges add up to a big amount when you keep doing it.
11. HOW TO BUILD A FIRE
This could come in handy for years to come. You could one day have a fireplace or get lost in the woods. It could mean life or death for you. I would learn how to build a fire and be safe either way. Be smart! Learn how to build a fire.
12. PERSONAL HYGIENE
No one wants to smell you even though you left the room five minutes ago. When someone doesn't want to share a hat with you then maybe there is a problem. When your clothes stick to the walls you might have a problem. Lets fix that problem. Go get yourself some good hygiene habits!
13. LEARN SELF RESPECT
You deserve to love and respect for yourself!
14. SAFE SEX EDUCATION
In this day and age its very important to talk about this with your son or daughter. When its appropriate, how to say no, what options you have, how to be safe and so on. Its all very important because one wild night could change their life forever. Its good to know and have the facts. Keep a good open line of communication so your son or daughter can come to you anytime they have a question about anything. Safe and healthy sex is a bit touchy and embarrassing but it must be talked about for you and them. Besides by the time they leave the home they should of had a few classes about the birds and the bees at school. I'm sure you are more embarrassed than then.
15. SAY NO TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
These two things don't mix when you are putting yourself through college. They impact how you think and act and could have disastrous affects on your life. Learning how to say no to drugs and alcohol can help your child make good choices. Talk with them and again keep a open line of talk with them about it. Knowing they can call you anytime can help avoid situations, accidents and even death.
16. PROPER ETIQUETTE
This can be used in any part of your son or daughters life. From proper talking etiquette to phone etiquette. Its all important! Word of the day is ETIQUETTE! Remember to make eye contact and let that person know you have their full undivided attention.
17. GROW A GARDEN
Learn how to grow a garden in small places, how to save seeds, how to compost and even learn how to grow herbs indoors.
18. CAR MAINTENANCE
There are few things you can do to save yourself money in the long run. Could be as simple as learning how to change a tire or a little more work by learning how to change your oil. These things cost money and add up quickly. Save money on the simple things so you can pay for the difficult things later. Or you could just be friends with someone who knows how to do any car work. Barter for car work! Thank goodness I have a handy husband. Phew!
last but not least....
19.. HOW TO SURVIVE A APOCALYPSE OR ZOMBIE ATTACK
Assuming you have power and Internet still you can learn to survive a apocalypse with no problems at all. Once you have learned this you can defend yourself against any zombie. You go prepper!
Comment below if you have a tip to add to this list!
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