When my friend’s oldest son finished sixth grade, he did some quick math and figured out he had six years (72 months) left with his son before he left their house for college. He realized the need to teach his kids basic life skills and the fact that he had limited time before they leave home. So he emailed about 40 friends and asked for their ideas on topics he should cover with his son over the 72 months. Each month he covers a basic life skill or a series of conversations.
My friend is a Christian so many items on the list are faith-centered and he only has boys, so most are geared towards sons. However, you can adapt the list to meet the needs of any of your children. As you read it, think about what you would have on your list. Here is my friend’s 72 Launch list of life skills.
72 Launch:
- Passport to Purity book study
- How to read and apply the Bible.
- How to study and apply biblical parables.
- How to play golf.
- How to play tennis.
- Know your family history. Involve both sets of grandparents.
- Go on a date night with mom. She shows him the basics of treating a girl on a date.
- How to tie a tie and bow tie.
- How to keep score for a baseball game.
- Why and how should we save money?
- Why is baptism a big deal?
- The 5 S’s of Manhood/Womanhood – (Step up, Speak out, Stand strong, Stay humble, Serve the King)
- How to use power tools (examples: lawnmower, saw, drill)
- Gun safety, operation, and maintenance
- How to set and reach goals.
- How to be a Godly brother.
- Cults and false religions of the world
- Why and how do you write a thank you note?
- Importance of connection to other believers in small group and corporate church
- Confronting the lure of pornography.
- How to shoot a bow and arrow.
- Basic home plumbing
- How to kayak.
- Basic principles of investing in financial markets
- White water rafting
- Interior home demolition/construction
- The importance of abiding with God daily (John 15)
- How to drive a car.
- How to shave.
- Importance of looking back and remembering
- How to develop a prayer life.
- How to disagree with friends, authorities, and relatives.
- What can I do to make this the best year of my life?
- What to look for at a college visitation
- Deep sea fishing
- Identifying idols
- What do I say to my friend who keeps on sinning?
- Is it ok for a teenager to date?
- Importance of accountability
- Preparing and living on a budget
- How to respond to foolish person?
- What does a true friend look like?
- What does courageous leadership look like? (Look for local/current examples)
- How should people who love God set their priorities?
- How should I choose a college?
- 5 movies to see
- Dating well
- What to do in a wreck/changing tire/basic car stuff
- Voting. Why is voting a privilege and how do I decide who I will vote for?
- What does generosity with time and money look like?
- How do you share and talk about your faith?
- What does it mean to “turn the other cheek?”
- What does Sabbath or rest look like?
- How and why do we pray?
- What does it look like to apologize and ask for forgiveness?
- How to make a great steak and burger on the grill.
- How do I go food shopping?
- How to resolve conflict biblically.
- How to play poker/Black Jack/Texas Hold’Em.
- How to play chess.
- How to create a resume.
- How to interview for a job.
- How do I understand and use my gifts and passions?
- How to camp and hike.
- How do I know what to study in the Bible?
- How to take care of clothes – laundry, ironing, etc.
- How to paint a room.
- How to hang pictures on a wall and do basic house repairs.
- How to choose a good book to read.
- How to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- How do I book travel and navigate an airport?
- Last but certainly not least… how to brew a good pot of coffee!
Tell us! What would you include on your list that isn’t on here?
