An inherent part of motherhood and fatherhood is the time when children leave home. Either because they have decided to become independent to start working, or because they are going to study in another city or even another country. Now, although the age of 18 marks the age of majority and is associated with a certain maturity, the truth is that we must prepare young people for what adult life really entails.
Even if the parents have been disciplined and have fostered their independence, living under the same roof as their parents provides them with certain comforts that they will not enjoy once they fly from the nest. They will no longer be so watched or protected, they will not have any reference figure to help them with basic issues.
No more coming home and finding a hot plate on the table, having your clothes magically appear clean, ironed and folded in your closet, having your parents take you and bring you wherever you need like private taxi drivers… Now, It’s up to them to pull the chestnuts out of the fire by themselves. To make sure they’re ready to live away from home, there are a number of basic lessons you need to teach them.
It is important that you have a detailed talk with your children about how to manage their money. Write down on a piece of paper his fixed monthly income –either a salary if he has it, or the pay that you are going to assign him–, as well as his expenses: if he pays rent, mobile phone service, books, food, public transportation, streaming, etc.
Calculate how much money you will need to save and how much you can spend on expenses like going out for a drink with friends or buying clothes. There are many applications or methods to promote money management and savings, so they can be a very helpful resource.
Of course, you will need to give them a master class on how to do housework. Surely, no matter how much they help at home, there are many chores that escape them. Putting on washing machines, ironing and cleaning the house are essential notions if they want to live in favorable hygienic conditions.
It will also be necessary to teach them how to shop, plan their menus in a balanced way and cook themselves. Otherwise, they are likely to return from their first visit to the supermarket laden with knick-knacks and junk food. They don’t have to become avid chefs overnight, but they do need to learn a few simple dishes to follow a healthy diet.
Finally, make them understand that they must comply with their obligations without you going to be on top of them to remind them. Being punctual to go to class or work, taking care of your sleep schedules, doing homework and studying are some of them.
