- Adulthood can be hard, yet most of us enter it completely unprepared.
- From college already, we realize there are some things we should have been taught in school.
- These are mostly practical skills that we are faced with daily, yet have no inkling how to do them.
Subjects like math, language, and science are essential but practical advice like using a credit card properly, filling in a tax return, or dealing with insurance are some of the more complex matters we are all faced with when we leave school. Here are some practical skills that should be taught in schools:
Politics and the power of our vote – All students need to understand how local and national politics work. They also need to know how powerful their vote is.
Taxes, how they work, and how to pay them – Every high school student should learn about taxes. These are unavoidable once they start working. Learning their significance, and how to prepare a tax declaration will make it easier for them to do it without needing professional help.
Bank accounts, interest, loans, and credit card – Generally, anything to do with finances and creating a budget is important. Whether it is learning how to write out a bank check, apply for a loan, and saving money, it will help them as they move from high school to college, and beyond. Young adults should also learn how interest works so that they can manage their money, loans, and credit cards better.
A good understanding of how credit cards can be used to build credit can be very useful. They should also be taught how to compare the services and charges of banks and credit unions.
Writing a resume and cover letter – The most important aspect of a job application is having a great resume and a cover letter. This is taught in some schools, but many students still leave school unprepared.
Preparing for a job interview – A job interview can be stressful for most people. Schools can play a vital role to help prepare young people. They should be taught the importance of dressing appropriately and how to answer questions. They also need to know how to prepare for the interview by researching the company and to ask important questions.
Buying important assets – The first important asset a young adult may have to buy is a car. Once they have started working, they may also decide to purchase a home. These are two important assets, and there is more to buying them than just getting a loan, mortgage, or handing over the cash. Young people need to be aware of any pitfalls they may encounter. Buying a home is a huge investment, and they can be taught how to pay it off to their advantage.
Insurance and deductibles – Educating young people about insurance helps them to grasp why it’s necessary. They need to know how to choose the best insurance plan, and how deductibles work.
Mental wellness – Mental wellness should be as important as physical fitness in schools. Teens need to be encouraged to speak about their concerns and feelings. Above all, they should learn how to manage stress, and to recognize the symptoms of addiction and depression.
Email and social media etiquette – Most correspondence is done digitally, and teens also conduct a great deal of their social life on social media. They need to understand that the etiquette of responding to an email or posting on social media is very important.
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