How to Raise an Adult: 8 Life Skills All 18-Year-Olds Should Have by Ann Marie Patitucci


How to Raise an Adult: 8 Life Skills All 18-Year-Olds Should Have

Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of New York Times bestseller How to Raise an Adult and former Stanford dean, has some important advice for young adults and their parents. Lythcott-Haims recommends that every 18-year-old must be able to:

  • Talk to strangers (i.e. professors, academic advisers, deans, landlords, employers, health-care providers, etc.).
  • Find her way around.
  • Manage his assignments, workload and deadlines.
  • Contribute to the running of a household.
  • Handle interpersonal problems.
  • Cope with ups and downs.
  • Earn and manage money.
  • Take risks.

We parents often act as a crutch for our kids – accompanying them everywhere, reminding them of deadlines, solving their problems, giving them money, smoothing the way for them, never giving them the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them. But we’re doing our children a disservice. Surely helicopter parents and lawnmower parents mean well, but we must adjust our thinking and our goals. 

Rather than focusing on how to help our kids today, we should think about our long-term goal – helping them develop resilience and the skills needed to become independent and successful young adults. They won’t need us as much (sniff), but isn’t that the idea?

Read more about life skills 18-year-olds need via Quartz.

Note: 30Seconds is a participant in the Amazon affiliate advertising program and this post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission or fees if you make a purchase via those links. 

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get inspiration in your newsfeed daily. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Lawnmower Parents: How You Can Avoid Being One (& Why You Should)

Helicopter Parenting May Cause Problems for Kids (a Must Read)!

Are You a Helicopter Parent? Why You May Want to Rethink That Parenting Style!

Millennial (Half) Minute: Parents, Know Your Boundaries During Your Kid's Job Search

Elisa Schmitz
Such important info to share, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead . As we prepare to send our three 18-year-olds off to college, this really resonates with me, thank you! Dieter Schmitz
Ann Marie Patitucci
I'm sure this one hits home for you, Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds ! I have to file some of this information away for when my kids are a little older, but I can work on some of it now!
Candy Stephens
My teens get so frustrated with me that I push them out of their comfort zone with things like scheduling their own orthodontist appointments, addressing restaurant staff to correct an order error, or having them read signs on the freeway as I follow their navigation.

My oldest just finished her first year of college and actually thanked me for all that torture ;) She couldn't believe how many of the other students seemed so "helpless".

#momwin
Ann Marie Patitucci
Good for you, Candy Stephens ! #Momwin for sure... and your daughter is reaping the benefits. Unfortunately, I know exactly what she means about students being "helpless" when they get to college, if they're used to their parents doing everything for them. That's what we want to avoid!!
Katie Sloan
This is spot on. Lots to do in the next 2 years. We're still working on brushing teeth daily and not throwing away dishes/ silverware.
Ann Marie Patitucci
I love you, Katie Sloan !! You've got this. Your stepsons are so lucky to have you.
Kelli Porcaro
I'll add sew a button!! Just received a request from that from one of my adult kids. really? hahah Great post Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead
Mike Prochaska
Yeah this got to be so
True remember being 18 so didn’t havd my shit together lol
Dieter Schmitz
This is solid practical advice. Great tips and strategies. Thanks Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Happy International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women's Achievement & Driving Gender Equality

Volunteering: Gain Marketable Jobs Skills Through Helping Others!