Life skills, According to Mama

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One portion of my brain is always focused on my youngest son's  transition  to college in August.  A reoccurring, panicky thought I have is, has he acquired all the basic life skills he needs?  Can he survive without me telling him what to do?

When my kids were young I kept telling them, "You better learn this.  I'm not going to college with you, you know." (One of my sons told me recently that he was always confused by that because he didn't even know what college was.  As you can see, I was planning their academic careers well in advance.)   So even though I was aware my four chicks would leave the nest someday,  I started to worry that I forgot to teach my son something important.

I thought I'd better sit down and make a list of skills I think are essential for college survival and beyond.  Then make sure he has mastered them.

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  1. Laundry (how to do it)
  2. Laundry (actually doing it)
  3. Nutritious meals (these are not comprised of pizza and tacos)
  4. Keep track of spending and reconcile a bank statement (more must come in than goes out)
  5. Sleep (five hours a night are not enough)
  6. Pass a class  (includes more than just studying for the final)
  7. Communication (call your mother occasionally)
  8. Friends (Proverbs 2:12-15, Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.)
  9. Cleaning (find roommates who are neater than you)
  10. Balance (make a realistic schedule including classes, studying, work, activities and other commitments)
  11. Exercise (oh right, you'll be in the marching band playing a tuba, that probably covers it)
  12. Faith (find a good church and plug in, pray, read your Bible)

Somehow, this is all I can think of and I'm afraid I've left off some important skills.  But, he'll learn and figure things out on his own and he can always call Mama.


  1. These are all great skills that you have helped them learn.

    And I'm sure he won't hesitate to call for help when he needs your advice!

  2. I love these...all good tips! Especially the last one. If our kids stayed plugged into church, the college years would be much smoother for everyone, students and parents alike. :-)

    1. I think this is the real test regarding what they truly believe. Will they continue following the faith when no one is watching?

  3. I love your list of necessary life skills, especially the last one. I really enjoy your blog, Elizabeth, though I don't often comment since I read it in my email.

  4. Thanks Elaine. I enjoy reading your blog as well.

  5. My cousin is graduating from high school this June and I'm not sure he knows how to make a sandwich! I'm eying up a panini-maker for a graduation gift.

  6. EXCELLENT post and a wonderful list of life skills!! I'm very grateful you shared this!