I have been working on a list of life skills for parents who seem confused when I say that I believe 'Life Skills' are as important as reading and writing. I tell them to make a list of all the skill they would want their child to have before moving out then start looking for opportunities to introduce them. As a matter of fact I, tell them, I schedule no academic work on Tuesdays and Thursdays because not only does it give the students time to try new things, work, run their own businesses, develop talents, pursue their own interests, but it also give you time to teach life skills as part of their 'education.' In the kids I see here, those with strong life skills seem to have more self-confidence and natural leadership abilities.

Here is my list so far in no particular order:
setting goals and meeting deadlines
laundry
balancing a checkbook and understanding basic finances
budgeting
grocery shopping
importance of good nutrition and exercise
cooking and food sanitation
how to clean a house (even if they don't keep it that way )
how to talk to people they might have to hire or get a good deal from-- clerks, bankers, plumbers, etc...
driving
conflict resolution skills
skills for dealing with stress
simple sewing (buttons, hems, patches, small tears)

So my question are:

Do you teach life skills?

What do you teach as life skills?

What do you wish you were taught before living on your own?

Do you think having life skills help young people make decisions about their future?