As parents, it is important to teach our children as many life lessons as we can. Teaching your child how to be an independent person should start at a young age. As they learn how to perform life skills they will start feeling empowered and will develop a healthier self-esteem. Read on for a list of age-appropriate skills you can follow to help your child prepare for the time when they are an adult. It’s never too early to learn.
Ages 2 and 3
You can start teaching basic life skills at this age. By the time they are three, they should be comfortable:
- Helping to put toys away
- Getting dressed with minimal help
- Putting dirty clothes in a basket
- Assisting in table setting and clearing
- Brushing their teeth and washing their face and hands with assistance
Ages 4 and 5
Your child should know about some safety issues at this point in their life. They should know what their full name is, where they live, and a phone number to reach a parent. They should also know how to dial 9-1-1.
Your child should be able to:
- Help feed pets at this age
- Perform some simple chores, such as dusting and clearing the table
- Understand the basic concept of the way cash is used
- Brush their teeth and wash their face without help
Ages 6 and 7
Your child can learn basic cooking techniques at this age. They should be able to:
- Cut with a dull knife
- Mix and stir dishes
- Put together a simple meal, such as a sandwich
- Wash dishes
- Take a bath or shower unsupervised
- Make their bed
- Straighten up the bathroom after use
Ages 8 and 9
A child should start taking pride in personal belongings at this age. They should be able to:
- Fold clothes
- Care for toys outside
- Learn how to sew a button or stitch
- Bathe or shower without being told to
- Make change and count money
- Prepare an easy meal
- Use a broom properly
Ages 10 to 13
This is the age where your child can start performing skills independently. They should be able to:
- Stay at home alone for short periods of time
- Make purchases at the store themselves
- Use the washing machine and dryer
- Read and follow directions for recipes
- Iron and fold clothes
- Take care of younger siblings
Ages 14 to 18
By the age of 14, your child should be able to:
- Perform more complex tasks, such as cleaning the stove or plunging the toilet
- Understand medicine labels and dosage
- Fill a car with gas and add air to a tire
- Change a tire
- Interview for a job
- Create a calendar and stick to schedules
Young Adults
Once your child is a young adult they will need to know how to do the following:
- Make regular dentist and doctor appointments
- Schedule regular car maintenance and oil changes
- Understand how a credit card works
- Manage their own bank account
- Know how to pay bills
- Understand important contracts
