I don’t know about you, but at times it feels as though school teaches everything aside from how one manages daily life. Algebra? Absolutely. Planning one’s GP consultation? Barely.
When your teenagers grow up and move into adulthood, there will come a point when you can’t help but wonder how they’ll manage daily responsibilities without your constant reminders. Whether they’re heading to university, an apprenticeship, or Sixth Form College, a little life admin know-how can go a long way in helping them feel independent and not relying on you for absolutely everything. So, in reality, what do they need to know before the school gates shut behind them?
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brunette-girl-writing-in-notepad-on-desk-4144827/
1. How To Pick Up The Phone And Book An Appointment
How ironic is it that something as simple as scheduling a dental check-up, haircut, or calling a teacher about an issue can send so many teens into a panic? The best way to help? Let them do it while you’re nearby. Give them the number, suggest what they might say, and then step aside. It will be awkward at first, but it’s the only way they’ll ever learn how to get through it.
2. Reading A Payslip Without Feeling Like They Need A Translator
Teens just starting a summer or weekend job often look at their first payslip as though it’s written in code. Tax codes, National Insurance, deductions, it can all feel like a bit much. Sit down with them and work through it line by line. Explain what each part means and why it’s deducted. The earlier they understand how their money works, the better they’ll be at making smart choices.
3. Emailing Professionals And Teachers Without Sounding Like They’re Texting A Mate
There’s definitely a skill in writing an email that’s polite but not stiff, clear but not blunt. And when you’re 16 and used to WhatsApp, it’s not always easy. Teach them to begin with “Dear” instead of “Hey,” to double-check spelling, and to sign off properly. These little habits save them from embarrassing mistakes later. Better to learn the difference between a professional email and a group chat now than during their first job.
4. Managing Their Own Calendar (Yes, Even The Boring Stuff)
If your teen still relies on you to remind them about every appointment, deadline, or library book return, then it’s probably time for a shift. Encourage them to use a digital calendar or even a basic paper planner. Help them plug in school deadlines, family events, and anything that affects their day. It’s not about being busy, it’s about being in control of their own time.
5. Knowing When (And How) To Ask For Help
This one’s harder to teach, but just as important. Teens need to know it’s okay not to have all the answers. What matters is knowing how to ask. That might be emailing a teacher for clarification, or calling the GP’s office to confirm a detail. Confidence doesn’t come from always knowing; it comes from knowing where to turn.
No, they don’t have to master every part of adult life straight away. But teaching them how to handle the basics? That’s something they’ll value far more than a packed lunch or a neatly ironed uniform. Because when they step into the world, whether that’s work, uni, or College, they’ll have just enough practice to stand that little bit taller.
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