I was inspired by the tv show American Housewife on ABC. https://abc.com/shows/american-housewife The parents, Katie and Greg give their oldest daughter, Taylor a list of things she needs to learn or do before she graduates high school. It got me thinking about my son who is a senior. With the help of crowdsourcing on Facebook, I compiled a list of things for him and any kid to know before they head to college or life on their own.
Here is our best advice for graduating seniors as they head out on their own.
Things every graduating senior should know how to do
- Iron a shirt
- Sew on a button
- Find a doctor, make an appointment, fill out necessary forms, handle insurance, fill a prescription or transfer a prescription
- Prepare to plan…have a plan to plan
- Time management, it’s everything
- How to do laundry
- How to call and set up utilities or transfer utilities (electricity, water, driver’s license, insurance, and cell phone)
- How to file taxes
- How to write a check (paper or electronic). How to pay a school bill for example.
- To get a credit card if they choose and use it responsibly. (Pay off the balance every month)
- How to mail a package
- Make a budget and stick to it
- Boil water, cook simple things.
- Change a tire
- Find a church
- How to make a bed
- How to fold a sheet
- Cook ramen on a hot plate
- Where to buy their favorites i.e shampoo, beverage, snacks, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
- Set an alarm
- Write a letter, buy a stamp
- Basic first aid
- Get themselves out of a predicament
- Know an emergency number by heart
- Advocate for themselves
- Turn off the water in case of emergency
- Basic car care: fill the gas tank, check the oil, put air in the tire, fill up the washer fluid tank, etc.
Advice for anyone leaving home for the first time
- Have a contact list with names, phone numbers, and emails
- Don’t eat yellow snow
- Find friends slightly older than you to be mentors
- Shower regularly
- Call your brothers
- Don’t get tricked into gimmicks such as credit cards
- Have fun-enjoy every minute
- If you fail at something, learn from it
- You can always come home
- Stay away from trouble
- Don’t give in to peer pressure
- Careful of what you post on social media
- Mom knows best, dad knows second best
- Always do the right thing and good things will come to you
- Call your dad, he may not say it but he misses you too especially when he needs someone to help him move something heavy.
- Call your mom, she’s trying to let you do what is best for you but she wishes she could keep you forever.
- Protect yourself, know when people are lying, your safety and well-being are important.
- Sleep! Sleep deprivation leads to mental fatigue and poor choices
- Learn to talk to your professor or boss. Ask for help when you need it. Let them know if something is going on that may affect your performance, grade, schedule, etc.
- Weed, alcohol, recreational drugs make people fat and lazy, and unpopular.
- Never drink something that came from someone else. Only drink unopened alcohol.
- The only reason you should be in the news is for doing something good.
- Watch out for your friends.
- Do things that scare you but first decide if it scares you because it is unknown or because it is dangerous.
- It’s okay to say no
Final words for my graduating senior
Just some final thoughts for my graduating senior and all the other seniors. Be safe, be smart, be kind. Remember all of these things and more. You’re going to do amazing things and we get a front-row seat!
From the song by Mark Hariss, ‘Find Your Wings’, remember these words:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I’m here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXofFc3BBpA to hear the song.
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