18 and Know it All?! Lessons EVERY 18 Year Old Should Learn Before Entering Adulthood
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18 is that magic number where every teenager feels like they can make it independently without their parent’s help.
They suddenly think they can take on this big world and deal with whatever it throws their way. But, in reality, many are far from prepared.
Many do not have the life skills to make it a few hours without their parent’s help. Recently, on Reddit, a user asked, “What should all kids know by the time they are 18?” Here are some of the most common answers.
Decision-Making Skills
Making mistakes is ok, and it’s important to know how to make important decisions.
One Redditor said, “Decision making and how to forgive themselves if they make the wrong decisions.”
A second Redditor added, “At the height of my poor decision making (21 yo), I made 10,000 bad decisions in life. It’s served me well (I don’t keep count and just figure I have plenty).”
Forgiving Oneself
Forgive yourself, and don’t be too hard on yourself.
A user commented, “I’m in my 50s and just starting to learn how to forgive myself. Maybe I’ll be able to forgive the big failures before I die.”
Another replied, “The sad truth is life is the thing that’s extremely unforgiving, not ourselves. Fail your exams? Get into an accident? Miss a payment? Screw up at work? Hurt a friend/family member? Those things all have consequences, and unfortunately, when you turn 18/become an adult, the reality of “actions have consequences” typically starts to hit very hard. Can’t even blame people for being on edge stressing about never making mistakes.”
Proper Grammar
Grammar errors were a common trend in this thread.
A Redditor commented, “There, their and they’re.”
A second Redditor replied, “And spelling too!”
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Basic Skills
Learning basic skills like cooking, cleaning, laundry, taxes are all very handy to know before you venture out on your own.
A Redditor commented, “How to make basic meals for themselves, laundry, basics of cleaning, hygiene, basics of taxes (would have helped me a whole lot), how to change a tire in an emergency, basic first aid.”
Another added, “Remove the damn lint from the dryer’s filter after every cycle.”
Taxes
One Redditor replied, “The basics of taxes are simple arithmetic and reading. Heck, with tax software, you don’t even really need the math part; just read the instructions.”
A second Redditor added, “It’s hard to say “taxes” when they change so much as you get older and have more to claim, write off, etc. Taxes at 18 are easy. Taxes at 35 is a different story.”
Kindness and Empathy
An insightful Redditor commented, “Kindness and empathy. A desire to learn and grow.”
Another Redditor replied, “With social media being so prevalent, I wonder how adversely kindness and empathy are being affected.”
Budgeting
A money-savvy user said, “Basics of budgeting and managing their own finances.”
A second Redditor added, “ Budgeting. My wife was horrified when she realized how little was taught in (Canadian) schools.”
You’re Not Grown Up
A user simply commented, “ You aren’t grown up yet.”
A person turning 18 soon replied, “Thank you for finally saying that I’m not 18 yet, but damn, I haven’t heard anyone say that in a long f***in time, man, and that says a lot.”
Pay Rent On Time
One Redditor commented, “Rent is due when it’s due and takes precedent over cell phone and other non-essentials.”
A second Redditor added, “A lot of people don’t seem to know this. If you default on your cell phone bill, you’ll still be able to get a cell phone. If you get evicted, you are going to have a very hard time finding a place to live, and if you do, you will pay a lot more.”
Don’t Loan Money
One user replied, “Don’t loan money to relatives. They will never pay it back.”
A second user added, “Hell, don’t loan money to ANYONE.”
Hygiene
Hygiene is definitely something you want to be sure you have under control.
One Redditor said, “The sheer number of posts about people (usually men) who don’t clean themselves appropriately makes me weep for humanity.”
Another added, “Basic hygiene.”
Mental Health is Important
Mental health is something that we all need to be aware of and know that it is a priority in staying happy and healthy.
A user commented, “How important mental health is”
A second user replied to the first with, “Very, very important…that there’s no stigma, that it doesn’t make you less of a person, s**t…that it’s ok…its OK to be a bit messed up in the head…but also that you can and should do something about it, both for your sake and the people whom you love and care for’s sake.”
Critical Thinking Skills
Critical thinking. If you have a question ask it. Follow your gut. Ask questions.
One Redditor said, “Critical thinking is essential, and at least one highly payable trade job ( welder or something like that). You can always pursue a career in any given profession, but in case you need a backup solution, you can always fall back on something.”
Another said, “Critical thinking skills and basic debate.”
Basic Manners
One comment read, “Basic manners. I live in a dorm, we are all freshman, and there are people who will jump on the elevator before everyone has gotten off. Like bruh”
A second comment said, “Saying good morning, good evening, etc., to people when you walk into a room. Or at least say HI!”
Life Isn’t Fair
A Redditor replied, “Life isn’t fair, so suck it up and make your own way.”
A second one said, “You may not get a participation trophy every time. “
Job Basics
One user commented, “The basics of having a job. Jesus. I shouldn’t have to tell a 22-year-old how to prioritize her daily tasks.”
Another added, “Basic job interviewing skills and proper attire.”
The Birds and the Bees
One popular comment read, “The functions of both male and female reproductive tracts. If you’re going to be s**ually active, you better understand what the f*** bodies are doing.”
Another Redditor replied, “Hopefully well before this, but I should hope they know how s*x, reproduction, and STD risk work.”
Be Honest and Trustworthy
A user commented, “Be honest and trustworthy and learn everything you can because you’ll never know when you might need it in life.”
Another user added, ”If you become known as the person who is always lying, no one will ever believe you again.”
Basic Vehicle Maintenance
A very common comment was, “how to change a tire.”
Another comment read, “Simple things like changing a tire, checking tire pressure and changing oil. These few things can save you money in the long run.”
Nothing is for Free
One Redditor commented, “Nothing is free. Learn to struggle through tough times early and persevere, and you will come up on the good side of life.”
A second Redditor added, “They need to get a job and support themselves.”
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