Age Appropriate Life Skills

Sample Set of Life Skills Kids Must Acquire:  (all skill levels are dependent upon your child's maturity level, individual ability and safety measures)

ages 2-3

• help put toys away
• dress him/herself (with some help from you)
• put his/her clothes in the hamper when he/she undresses
• clear his/her plate after meals
• assist in setting the table
• brush his teeth and wash his face with assistance

ages 4-5

• know his/her full name, address, and phone number
• know how to make an emergency call
• perform simple cleaning chores such as dusting in easy to reach places and clearing the table after meals
• feed pets
• identify monetary denominations and understand the very basic concept of how many is used
• brush his/her teeth, comb his/her hair, and wash his/her face without assistance
• help with basic laundry chores, such as putting his/her clothes away and bringing his/her dirty clothes to laundry area
• choose his/her clothes to wear

ages 6-7

• mix, stir, and do basic cooking needs
• make a basic meal such as a sandwich
• help put groceries away
• wash the dishes
• straighten up the bathroom after using it
• make his/her bed
• became somewhat independent when he/she bathes (with supervision)

ages 8-9

• fold his/her clothes
• learn simple sewing (use caution, depending on your child's maturity level and needs)
• care for outdoor toys
• take care of personal hygiene without being told to do so
• use a broom and dustpan properly
• read a recipe and prepare a simple meal
• help create a grocery list
• count and make change
• take written phone messages
• help with simple lawn duties such as watering and weeding flower beds
• take out the trash

ages 10-13

• may stay home alone (depending on your child's needs)
• go to the store and be able to make purchases
• chase his/her own bedsheets
• use the washing machine and dryer
• plan and prepare a meal with several ingredients
• use the oven to broil or bake foods (use caution depending on your child's maturity level, he/she may need supervision)
• read labels
• iron his/her clothes (use caution depending on your child's maturity level)
• learn to use basic hand tools
• mow the lawn (dependent upon your child's maturity level and needs)
• look after younger siblings and neighbors

ages 14-18

• to be able to do more sophisticated cleaning chores such as changing the vacuum bag
• fill a care with gas, add air to a tire
• read and understand medicine labels and dosages
• interview for and get a job
• prepare and cook meals

Young Adults:

• make doctor and dentist appointments and other health related appointments
• have a basic understanding of finances and be able to manage his/her bank account, balance a checkbook, pay bill
• understand basic contracts such as an apartment or car lease
• schedule oil changes or car maintenance

Resources: How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims