Life Skills for 10 to 12 year olds are many.  By this time, these young people are quite capable.  Training is the issue.  It can be a very satisfying experience to teach and prepare your child to perform these skills.  While there are lists declaring appropriate ages to let children stay home alone, you know your child best.  Your judgment as a parent is certainly the determining factor in judging your child’s maturity and safety.

Life Skills for 10 to 12 year olds:

• Use the clothes dryer and washer
• Iron clothes
• Change sheets on the bed
• Plan and prepare a meal with a few ingredients
• Read labels on foods, cleaners, medications (with some help)
• Use basic hand tools
• Mow the lawn
• Stay home alone

Life Skills for 13 to 15 year olds:

• Plan and prepare a meal with several ingredients
• Use the oven to broil or bake foods
• Complete more sophisticated cleaning and maintenance tasks (change light bulbs, clean oven)
• Look after younger siblings or neighbors
• Perform CPR and basic first aid
• Make purchases at the store
• Compare prices
• Tip appropriately
• Understand banking concepts (difference in savings account and checking account, how interest works)
• Use a planner for time management
• Set goals and develop a plan for achieving them