Lets face it, a lot of people out there just aren't prepared for facing the big bad world on their own. Sometimes it's as bad as not knowing how to do the dishes. Here's my challenge to all of those who are still living at home, learn:
How to Clean... Properly - it's sad how many people clean a bathroom by simply wetting a cloth and going over the counter, use cleaning products, use a rag for counter, and a scrubbie for anything that won't come up with a simple wipe. And no, not all cleaning products are universal, make sure you read the label so you don't ruin anything.
How to Cook - doesn't sound hard does it? I'm still trying to get used to it. My tip... learn how to cook 2 things for every meal, and possibly 2 desserts of some kind, then build on that. It's so much more impressive to guests if you can cook them something when they're over, or have a plate of cookies on the counter.
How to Do Dishes - it ties in the cleaning, but dishes is a biggie... so many people will let them pile up for so long, then wonder why it's so hard to get the food off of them. When cooking, clean up as you go, you won't have a pile to do when you're done. Fill each side of your sink, one side with very warm soapy water, and the other with very warm water. Why warm (or hot)? Because if you set cold dishes out to dry, it'll take longer. Scrub the dishes with a rag (or scrub pad) in the soapy water until it's clean, rinse in the other water and leave to dry (or dry with a towel). Anything that has stuck on food, let sit in very hot soapy water to loosen the food.
How to Do Laundry - in my cooking classes we have to wash our uniforms, you have no idea how many times I've heard some kid say "do.... laundry? I don't know how" ask someone at home to show you how to do laundry and then do your own as often as you need to. There's nothing sadder than going to college and not knowing how to do your own laundry.
How to Create a Budget - this is essential to anyone who's going to school, or living on their own or even has a job for that matter. Budgets can be created for the week, for bi-weekly or monthly, mine are bi-weekly. Take your overall income and then write down all of your fixed expenses (all of the things you can't get away with NOT paying, and are always the same) Subtract all of your fixed expenses from your income. Then with whats left subtract anything else you usually need to buy (stuff like groceries, phone cards for a cell phone, tampons... things are necessities) and whatever your going to put towards savings. What's left from all of that is your expendable cash. Try to stick to it.
How to Shop Smart - this ties in with creating a budget. If you are tight on cash most of the time, spending the least amount of money is really important. When you go shopping make a list, and stick to it. When you're taking the products off the shelves check and see if there's something similar (or even the exact same) that's on sale, or less money.
How to Pay Bills - obviously this is important, and instructions come with your bills when you get them.
How to Sew - this is important to know if you need to put a button back on a jacket or something, that way you don't have to pay money to get it fixed, always have a small sewing kit in your house somewhere.
How to Fix Things - this can go for anything, if there's a problem at least know how to figure out if you can fix it yourself or if you have to call a professional. Take some courses on different things if they're available and you can afford it.
How to say NO - so many people get stuck in terrible situations because they can't say no. Learning to say no when someone asks you to do something can help you save money and keep your life stress free by keeping your workload light.
Proper Inverview Etiquette - this is important when applying for a job, there are things that are just plain polite when you go for an interview that you wouldn't think of when your anyplace else.
Learn about your Car - if you have one, you should get to know it, where things are under the hood, what weird sounds or problems would be caused by, who knows you might be able to save yourself a lot of money by fixing it yourself.
Self Defense - I can not stress this enough, especially for women, if there's one offered near you, take a self-defense course and go through the practice fight, you won't realize how real a situation could be unless you go through the practice fight.
How to Decorate a Home - I don't mean colours and materials and stuff, but where furniture would look good, what kind of furniture you need in a home, make sure your house looks presentable, and always try to make it look as great as it can.
How to Accept Kindness - if someone tries to help you, and you didn't want their help, at least tell them politely. Don't get snappy, you'll only make them feel bad for doing something nice.
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