Life is full of twists and turns where unexpected knowledge and skills can greatly change the outcomes of situations. In this blog, we delve into 12 essential skills that young adults should have to take on in today’s world and will be grateful you taught them.

1. Mastering Driving & The Road

Having a licence is the gateway to the world, create countless unforgettable opportunities and experiences which will define their adulthood. Over a lifetime one will spend tens of thousands of hours on the road and learning to drive properly could save your life.

While the idea of self-driving cars and AI can be tempting as a substitute for teaching young adults how to be good drivers, it would be a disservice to them and will bite them later in life. When teaching your young one how to drive be sure to go on long journeys to experience unique and challenging conditions, defensive driving techniques, how to tow a trailer, how to drive a manual (stick shift) and basic mechanics such as how to change a wheel.

2. Basic Electrical, Plumbing & Home Maintenance

Employing trades to fix issues can be incredibly expensive, with even routine items such as fixing a leaking tap costing hundreds of dollars to sort out.

Being able to use common hand tools and perform general maintenance is an invaluable skill to have which will save tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime, provide a practical understanding of the how many systems work which can be applied to many areas of life and be able to identify issues while they are still small.

3. Basic First Aid & Medical Knowledge

Knowing the basics of how to manage your own injuries and those around you is an essential skill to have in almost any situation. While there is certainly no expectation you’d teach your child how to be a surgeon, issues such as minor cuts & abrasions, minor burns, splinters and a blood nose should be second nature to treat.

A deeper but still basic understanding of subjects like proper wound care and how to protect yourself from infectious diseases can go a long way and even save their life!

Many agencies run free or subsidised first aid course which covers more complex issues such as bites & burns, electronic shocks, symptoms of common issues and how to perform lifesaving treatments such as CPR.

4. Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is crucial skill children to learn at an early age and to help steer them to make make informed decisions about money throughout their lives. Sadly this is information which is not taught in many schools, or is taught poorly.

Essential things every child and young adult should understand are:

• How to save money and how interest works
• Dangers of credit cards and debit
• How to budget and manage resources
• Key strategies of investing and diversifying wealth
• Exchanges rates
• How is money created and its economic impacts like inflation
• Taxation

5. Work As Part of A Team Work

Teamwork is a key skill for children because it teaches them how to collaborate, communicate, and work towards a common goal. When kids learn to work with others, they develop important abilities like listening, sharing ideas, and supporting teammates.

It also helps them understand compromise and problem-solving in a group setting. These experiences not only build confidence but also prepare them for success in both personal and professional life, where teamwork is often essential.

6. Basics Of Negotiation & Sales

Understanding the basics of negotiation and sales is another important skill for children to develop, as it empowers them to communicate their needs, find common ground, and advocate for themselves.

Negotiation teaches kids how to approach situations where interests may differ, helping them learn to balance assertiveness, respect for others’ viewpoints and how to compromise. This skill is useful not just in formal settings, but in everyday interactions, such as sharing toys with friends or deciding on group activities but also throughout later life.

Having foundational Sales skills is another important

Another complementary skill is knowing the basics of sales. There is incredible value in being able to present ideas persuasively and recognizing the benefits of what they offer. Whether it’s selling a concept in a school project or an pitch ideas.

7. Self Defence & Ability To Stand Up For Themselves

Teaching children self-defense and the ability to stand up for themselves is vital for their safety and self-confidence. Having been a victim of bullying in my early years of school, learning a martial art gave me the internal confidence to stand up for myself mentally as-well as the tools to protect myself physically.

Another aspect is it also teaches self-worth, personal boundaries and the need to respect them, how to calmly de-escalate potentially hostile situations. Learning how to protect yourself and those around you in a professionally taught manner is a very important skill to have.

8. Keeping Cool Under Pressure & Problem Solving

Teaching children to keep cool under pressure and develop strong problem-solving skills from an early age is essential for helping the navigate challenges they will encounter with confidence and resilience.

When children learn to stay calm in stressful situations and not panic or break-down, they are better equipped to think clearly and overcome obstacles by making sound decisions. Problem-solving skills go hand-in-hand with this, as they enable children to break down complex situations, identify possible solutions, and take action effectively.

These are invaluable skills that modern society rarely teaches and can lead to a bright future

9. Learn How To Swim

Growing up in Australia, I always assumed that everyone knew how to swim, but unfortunately, this isn’t the case. According to the United Nations, there are approximately 236,000 drowning deaths worldwide each year.

Teaching children to swim, even at a basic level, provides them with the opportunity to escape potential life-threatening situations, like falling into deep water. Beyond safety, swimming opens up being able to participate in activities like playing at the beach, swimming in pools, and water sports.

10. Learn How To Cook

Knowing how to cook is another one of these skills that you take for granted until you meet someone who cant!

Maybe my upbringing and time flatting was rough, but knowing how to make a delicious nutritious meal on a tight budget is skill that you will cherish. With prices of food skyrocketing it is essential your children know how to effectively use what ingredients are on hand and be able to be creative and minimise waste by using leftovers.

Additionally, knowing how to cook and give everyone food poisoning opens up being able to host social activities without the expense of dining out, fostering connections through shared meals while sticking to a budget.

11. Learn How To Navigate & Read A Map

As incredible as Google Maps is, learning how to navigate and read a map is still a crucial skill for exploring new places and understanding your surroundings.

At the minimum you need to know:

• How to orientate a map and locate where you are with the help of a compass
• Plan a route and estimate the time it will take to cover
• Use a map to plan identify alternative routes to a destination

12. Experience Travelling In A Foreign Country

Experiencing travel in a foreign country while growing up offers invaluable benefits that extend far beyond the trip itself.

Some of these include:

• Experiencing different customs and cultures
• Trying to communicate in a foreign language
• Being in unfamiliar environments and situations outside of your comfort zone
• Learning how different
• Seeing how different countries solve problems

What do you think are important skills Children must be exposed to? Discuss in the comments below