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What should a child experience before leaving home?

I have two daughters ages 10 and almost 14. I have been thinking about what I want them to have/know before they leave home. What types of knowledge and skills should they have? What experiences should they have had?

I have a few things in mind, and I am interested in hearing what others have to add to my "to do list."

1. They should know how to swim.
2. They should automatically write thank you letters without being prodded.
3. They should have had a first aid and CPR course
4. They should know how to check the tire pressure, the oil and transmission fluids, and change a tire.
5. They should know how to cut the breaker to a circuit in the house, and how to change the HVAC filters.
6. How to read a map (a real one, not a GPS system)
7. How to tell time on a real clock and how to make change without a calculator.
8. How to manage a checking account and avoid unnecessary debt.
9. They should have their own basic tool kit to include a hammer, pliers, measuring tape, a flashlight and a screwdriver. A drill would be nice, too.
10. They should know how to cook a few basic meals that don't involve a microwave.
11. They should have a basic sewing kit with a few colors of thread, some needles and pins, and some scissors. They should know how to replace a button and extra bonus points for being able to hem a pair of pants.

There are a few movies I think my daughters should see, too:

The Color Purple
Schindler's List
On Golden Pond

What would you add?

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Alex94's picture

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PamH's picture
by PamH 1 yr. ago.

They should learn how hard it is to get something you have to work for. Don't expect mom and dad to take care of their needs the rest of their life. Understand the meaning of the dollar and how to spend it.

debweb's picture
by debweb 1 yr. ago.

Alex94 ~ that was a very thoughtful list. I would have simply written 'being responsible". When accepted to Cornell University, my son had to pass a demanding swim exam. This concept comes from the precept of being able to 'save a life.' The talmudic rabbis interpret the verse "You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor" (Leviticus 19:16) to mean that if a person is in danger of drowning, it is the duty of all who can swim to dive in to save him. .myjewishlearning.com/daily_life/TheBody/Health_Healing/Saving_a_Life.htm#

nataliegott's picture
by nataliegott 1 yr. ago.

That is a great list. I also think they should know their medical history, or have copies of their medical records. They should also know how to do laundry.

chance20's picture
by chance20 1 yr. ago.

I have two sons whom should know how to always respect people but especially females and treat the young ladies when dating as ladies.

stormryder22001's picture
by stormryder22001 1 yr. ago.

They should learn how to manage money and their finances.

divineconsignshow's picture
by divineconsignshow 1 yr. ago.

That is an amazing idea and list. I want my girls to also be able to do laundry and properly clean the house. I also want them to have a giving heart, and help others.
I love chance20 comment about how to treat ladies, especially since I have three!

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