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As parents, we know very well that it's our job to prepare our teenagers and teach them the ropes. There is a lot to learn, though, and some things that school simply won't teach them - without your help, they'll be off to college without knowing a thing about budgeting properly or even handling a car emergency on the road.
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Some of this is learned very quickly, in any way, and they will feel much more confident in terms of growing up and standing on their own two feet.
Here is a handful of things you'll be happy you taught your teenager so that they're able to manage things on their own. At least they won't call you in the middle of the night, crying about a car that's broken down.
#1 Essential budgeting skillsDid you know that most people start their money trouble as soon as they're off to college? With so many fun alternatives and happenings, it's difficult to live the way a student is supposed to live; if not exclusively on instant noodles, then at least within their means.
Too many students take the opportunity of getting a credit card and max it out by the end of their first term. While you can certainly start to teach them proper budgeting skills as early as possible, it's never too late - and even a grumpy teenager will be happy to know how they can save up for that holiday with their friends as soon as possible.
Teach them how to make a budget and stick to it, first of all, before moving on to the more complicated stuff. This is vital to staying financially healthy throughout college so make sure they understand how important it is.
#2 Taking care of their vehicleNo matter what kind of car your teenager is driving, if they're driving a car they need to know how to take care of it. Things like taking it in for a service once in a while, learn how to replace a car battery yourself, and even a flat tyre is stuff they'll be so grateful for if something should happen.
It gives their confidence an extra boost as well when they know that they're able to care for themselves - and that's the kind of stuff you want to see when they're off to college.
#3 Basic cooking skillsAfter you have taught them how to budget properly, it's no wonder if they start to live off bread and water - since they can't afford takeaway. Luckily, they have such a great parent as yourself to teach them how to cook basic meals and make sure that they're properly fed. Have a look at this site for some cheap and easy meals you can cook together before they're off to college, and consider yourself the #bestparentever.
If you're ready, you can start to prepare yourself for their departure by enjoying the silence and available bathrooms in your house. It might take a bit of practice, though, but you'll get there.