Growing into adulthood has many challenges for young adults. Central to this is learning essential life skills. They are key to becoming more self-confident and independent. By learning these skills, young adults can take control of their lives as they prepare to handle adult responsibilities[1].
Self-Care and Personal Management
- Basic Hygiene: Maintain regular bathing, teeth brushing, and grooming habits.
- Health Care: Arrange and attend medical and dental appointments, understand basic first aid, and access therapy resources when needed.
- Physical Activity: Do regular exercise, e.g. organized sports, gym workouts, or daily walks.
Nutrition/Household Management
- Cooking and Meal Preparation: Plan basic meals, shop for groceries on a budget, and prepare simple, nutritious meals.
- Cleaning and Organization: Clean the kitchen and home, and organize personal belongings.
- Basic Home Maintenance: Understand how to use common household tools, perform minor repairs, and maintain outdoor space.
Laundry Skills
- Laundry Cycle: Be able to use the laundry cycle from beginning to end.
- Machine Use: Know how to use a washer and dryer and properly care for them.
- Ironing: Learn to use an iron.
- Clothes Organization: Understand how important it is to stay organized, including folding clothes and putting them away.
Financial Responsibility
- Budget and Manage Money: Make a budget and stick to it, save money, and focus on needs over wants.
- Bill Payment: Pay bills on time and manage financial obligations.
Sexual Health Skills
- Basic physiology: Know the body parts for sexual health and reproduction.
- Birth Control: Know the why and how of various forms of birth control.
- Consent: Understand what personal consent means and how to observe it.
- Privacy: Understand private versus public behavior.
Career and Education Readiness
- Time Management: Maintain daily schedules, meet deadlines, and balance work or school with personal life.
- Job Skills: Acquire skills relevant to a chosen career path, including how to search for jobs and prepare for interviews.
Interpersonal, Social and Emotional Skills
- Communication: Practice speaking clearly, listening actively, and maintain healthy relationships.
- Emotional Regulation: Manage stress, practice self-care, and cope with life’s challenges.
Transportation and Navigation
- Getting Around: Know how to use public transportation and ride-sharing services, to be able to travel independently. Learn to drive if appropriate.
Emergency/Safety Skills
- Fire: Knows when and how to call 911. Can use a fire blanket and fire extinguisher.
- First Aid: Can perform basic first aid such as CPR or the Heimlich maneuver.
- Plumbing: Can unplug a blocked toilet.
- Door Locks: Can use locks. Knows if and when to answer the door or let someone in.
- Trusted adults: Knows who and when to ask for help.
Supporting Young Adults In Their Journey to Independence
Engage Young Adult Transitions is a transitional living program and therapeutic community that assists young adults on their path to independence. Using attachment theory, we provide a foundation for forming connections, getting involved with the community, managing mental health, and building life skills for long-term success.
Located just steps from Southern Utah University in Cedar City, we offer access to services seven days a week, including academic support, vocational training and career guidance, life skill coaching, mental health therapies, and recreational activities.
Our community offers high levels of therapeutic support that honors autonomy and independence while guiding young adults to a life of freedom, emotional wellness, and success. Get involved with the Engage Transitions community today!
Sources
[1] PEATC. PEATC Life Skills Checklist. Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center.