Earlier in the summer we published a list of things every teenage boy should know. It was so popular that I have found a broader list for both girls and boys about things they should know how to do before they leave home. It was compiled a couple of decades ago so I have updated it a bit, by Greg Banner, a father of six and retired US Army officer.
And here it is!
Domestic Skills
- Cook a traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Wash and iron clothes without ruining them
- Replace a button and turn up a fallen hem
- Basic house cleaning
Physical Skills
- Throw and catch a ball of all sizes
- Swim half a mile
- Tread water for half an hour
- Ride a bike with confidence
Handyman skills
- Hang a picture straight without making extra holes in the wall
- Paint neatly, including clearing up the mess
- Know which tools perform which functions and how to use them around the house
- Know what a fuse box looks like and how to reset it if a fuse blows in your home
- Know how to turn the gas or water off in your home
Outdoor skills
- Hike with friends without getting lost, bitten, sun burned or covered with a rash
- Make and light a fire and be able to put it out too
Practical skills
- Type well with both hands in the proper manner
- Set up your own computer system without help from anyone
- Drive a car and know how to maintain it
- Learn to parallel park
Organisational skills
- Create a budget noting that it takes longer to earn money than to spend it
- Balance your bank account
- Maintain an address book and appointments calendar, in a book or digitally
- Set up a filing system
Social skills
- Start and carry on a conversation for at least 15 minutes with a person you don’t know
- Speak before a small group
- Draw an illustration at least as well enough to get your point across
- Have enough confidence to sing out loud even when everyone can hear you
Human Skills
- Care for a pet even when it is sick
- Baby sit for children aged from 6 months to 6 years
- Aid elderly or handicapped people without the help of a professional carer
- Volunteer
Orientation skills
- Get around town on public transport even if you usually walk, drive or are driven
- Read a map, including road maps, instead of relying on satellite navigation system
- Know what to do if you find yourself in a bad neighbourhood
- Know which direction north, south, east and west are without a compass
Recreation skills
- Play a team sport instead of watching
- Maintain a fitness regime
- Learn a game like bridge or chess that you can play with your friends for life
Survival skills
- Know basic first aid and maintain a first aid kit
- Know what to do if you get sick, especially if you are alone
- Know when to defend yourself and then know how to be effective
- Know CPR
Are there any more up to date skills you think should be added to the list? Let us know [email protected] and we will publish the best!
