Adulting 101: Prepare teens for the transition to adulthood

When you're a parent, the years seem to fly by. One day, your kid is starting preschool, and just like that, they're seniors in high school preparing for life as an adult. The change comes quickly, but readying yourself (and your teen) for the future can ease the transition. 

Even if you don't expect your teen to move out and take a job once they turn 18, they'll still be adults who can make their own decisions. Teaching them valuable life skills for young adults is crucial to getting them started on the right foot.

How to prepare your teen for adulthood

Here are a few Adulthood 101 tips to instill in your kids throughout their teenage years (or even sooner).

1. Introduce them to the world of work

You might be able to buy your kids the latest toy or pair of stylish sneakers. However, if you provide them with ways to earn money for something they want, they’ll learn that working has financial rewards. For instance, you can offer them an allowance in exchange for doing chores around the house. You can also teach them to earn money in other ways, like starting a side hustle or investing.

Greenlight tip: Use the Greenlight app to automate allowance for chores — making it an easy and fun way to introduce them to the world of work (and money)!

2. Develop their cooking skills

Once teens move out, they won't have you to prepare them home-cooked meals every night. Instead, they'll need to cook their own. Involve them in daily meal prep so they understand how to read a recipe and make their own dishes.

3. Manage deadlines

Your kids have a few deadlines they're responsible for meeting, such as turning in homework. Show them how to prioritize critical tasks using a calendar or planner. For example, you might hang up a calendar in the kitchen and ask them to note down their upcoming exams. You can help them pencil in study time so they learn how to prepare for test day. 

4. Discuss online safety

Your kids probably use social media or text messaging to stay in touch with friends. However, their personal information can fall into the wrong hands if they aren't careful. Talk to them about internet safety and being mindful of unwanted texts, calls, and messages.

5. Teach them how to say no

Your kids will face future situations where they're asked to do something they don't want to. Help them understand that it's okay to say no and advocate for themselves.

6. Show them how to handle an emergency

If something happens to you, a family member, or a friend, they may need to take swift action. Teach them the basics of first aid and CPR. Some community centers may have free first aid classes you can enroll them in, which will teach them essential first responder skills for many different situations. You can also sign up for Greenlight’s Infinity plan, which includes special safety features like crash detection, SOS alerts, and identity theft protection. 

7. Embrace study skills

Studying is an art — especially for kids with limited time. Show them how to maximize their study productivity with self-tests and quizzes. They'll need those skills throughout high school, college, and any time they want to learn something new.

8. Emphasize cleanliness

Kids who grow up knowing the importance of chores will carry those skills throughout life. Make cleaning a regular weekly routine, including scrubbing the bathrooms, changing linens, and vacuuming. 

9. Talk to them about savings

Some big financial goals, such as buying a home or a car, don’t happen overnight. Your teen will need to save toward obtaining them. Help them set up a savings fund and direct part of each paycheck toward it. Also, encourage them to build an emergency savings fund they can turn to for unexpected expenses.

10. Encourage networking

Maintaining relationships with one or two close friends is easy, but expanding their network broadens their social circle. Urge them to try different activities that allow them to meet people from different walks of life.

11. Talk to them about higher education

Once your kids finish high school, they may attend college or trade school, or enter the workforce. Discuss their plans and help them get a head start on their applications. Talk about the cost of post-secondary education and how to apply for financial aid and scholarships. 

How to help your older teen begin the transition to living on their own

Think back to your own experiences in your late teens and 20s. You might remember a few blunders that you can help your kids avoid. Provide them with advice for adulthood to take them through the next few years.

1. Give them the tools they need to succeed on their own

Once your teen graduates high school, they may need additional education before they can become self-sufficient. Support them in their career decisions and ensure they know what steps to take to begin earning a living for themselves and their future families. Teens who use Greenlight’s money and safety app can learn to invest, save, and budget — all while staying safe.

2. Build a strong support system

Your kids will rely on you to guide them during their transition to adulthood. Be available to provide them with a listening ear and offer your advice when they need it. Knowing they have your support can put their minds at ease when they encounter a problem they need help with.

3. Develop a monthly budget

Once your teen moves into their own place, they'll be responsible for paying rent on time, buying groceries, and managing their other expenses. Assist them through the process by creating a monthly budget. Outline their income and expenses and help them set up automatic payments to avoid missing critical bill deadlines.

4. Establish a career plan

When your teen (or young adult) starts their first job, it will probably be entry-level. Talk to them about the steps they need to take to earn a future promotion. Earning an advanced degree or certification helps. They can also work on networking and relationship skills, such as public speaking and leadership training.

5. Help them understand their employer's benefit options

Employers often provide new employees with benefit options, such as medical insurance and retirement plans. It may be your child's first introduction to employer benefits, so walk through what each one is so they understand how they work. You might explain the various investment options in their 401(k) and help them learn how to use their new health plan.

Greenlight can help your kids and teens learn valuable lessons for adulthood

The transition from teen to adult can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn't have to be! Start teaching them essential life lessons while they’re young. With Greenlight, you can empower your teens to become savvy adults by teaching them about smart spending, saving, and investing. All from their app. Sign up today and explore all the features that Greenlight parents love.

*Greenlight Core and Greenlight + Invest families can earn monthly rewards of 1% per annum, Greenlight Max families can earn 2% per annum, and Greenlight Infinity families can earn 5% per annum on an average daily savings balance of up to $5,000 per family. Only Greenlight Max and Infinity families can earn 1% cash back on spending monthly. To qualify, the Primary Account must be in Good Standing and have a verified ACH funding account. See Greenlight Terms of Service for details. Subject to change at any time.