The GO's Column

Life Skills All Teenagers Should Know

Health, Safety & Household Daily Living Skills

One of the areas we think of most often for daily living skills are the primary skills related to health, safety, and running a household. While hundreds of behaviours fall into this category, a few key targets that teens should know are listed below:

Eat A Well-Balanced Diet

• Does your teen know what makes up a well-balanced diet? Will they eat foods from most or all of the essential food groups?
• Can your teen prepare a week or two of simple meals and recipes?
• How well does your teen do buying groceries and gathering ingredients to make a healthy meal?
• We know that not every adult learns this skill! But we still think it’s an essential component to teaching your teen to be independent.

Get 30 Minutes Of Physical Activity

• Does your teen regularly exercise outside of school physical education classes?
• What activities does your teen do for recreation that involve physical movement?
• Are there ways you can build this into your teen’s daily routine? (e.g., walking to the bus stop, biking to work, etc.)

Follow A Safety Plan

• In an emergency, does your teen know who to call and for what reason?
• Can your teen describe how to evacuate your home? Call for help?
• Does your teen know how and when to contact you if they’re in trouble or danger?

Use A Chore List

• Rather than focus on just one task, can your teen follow a daily or weekly chore list?
• Can your teen generate a list of all the tasks it takes to maintain a neat and orderly home?
• Does your teen contribute to your family’s home or your classroom using a list?

Take Medication Safely

• Does your teen know how to read a medication label? How to ask for help regarding medications?
• Does your teen know how to take over-the-counter medications safely?
• Does your teen adhere to taking prescription medications as directed?

Stay Safe Online

• Can your teen articulate online safety concerns?
• Does your teen recognize how to keep data secure?
• What about identity theft and fraud?
• How would your teen handle online bullying from a classmate or peer?

From ‘Life Skills Advocate’, 2023