What Every Kid Should Be Able to Do by Age Sixteen

[Ego]

http://www.thecleanestline.com/2015/03/ ... rland.html

[vexed87]

Great list, I'm going to save this for when I have kids. I must admit, I didn't meet ALL of these by 16, but by 19 I had the vast majority. Kids these days are soft squibs.

Can't blame them though, it's the parents!

[henrik]

I wonder if *any* 16-year-old is even allowed to try to "be happy and comfortable alone for ten days, ten miles from the nearest other person" nowadays. Conversely, is there *any* 16yo today who doesn't know how to "operate a computer as needed"

[jennypenny]

I wonder how many 30 year-olds could check off everything on that list.

[GandK]

I wonder how many 30 year-olds could check off everything on that list.

Very few, I'd say. I can't do them all at 41.

I'm now appending "Know simple auto repair," "Know the local drug scene for yourself," and "Handle a sailboat competently" to my BEZ list (bucket, earthquakes and zombies).

[Laura Ingalls]

I am pretty sure the only things on the list my one 36 year old SIL can reliablily do are read, use the computer, and laundry . She also can drive, cook, and change diapers all poorly.

[jennypenny]

Two similar lists I like ...

http://www.codenameinsight.com/2015/05/ ... r-may.html

http://suburbansurvivalblog.com/100-ski ... ould-know/

[RealPerson]

Great list overall, although somewhat unrealistic. I can do almost everything on the list, except "know the local drug scene". Not sure why that would be an asset or a benefit. The one thing on the list I don't know how to do - and wish I did - is how to mend clothes with a sewing machine. Need to talk to my MIL.

[GandK]

@jennypenny

I like those lists, too. The first one, in particular. Anything else I can think of to add can be found under either "earn a merit badge" or "learn something of your choice."

I got a few ideas, too, for the next time the teenagers inform me that they're bored.

[Chad]

Interesting lists.

Lists like this shouldn't be hard and fast goals. They should be something you continually keep in mind as you move through life, raise a child, etc. Constantly and progressively gaining skills and knowledge should be the ultimate goal. Not just checking off boxes on a list. (This is not a negative on the lists, as they are great starting points and keep the ultimate goal in the forefront of your thoughts.)

[jennypenny]

I got a few ideas, too, for the next time the teenagers inform me that they're bored.

Haha ... mine earn points for learning this stuff, which they usually trade for extra screen time on the weekends.

Other things we've done that I don't recall seeing on the lists ...
how to extinguish different types of fires
how to contact emergency services without using 911
how to safely cook food (safe temps for meat, etc)
poison control
how to find their way home from school on foot (20 miles for one of mine)
how to hide in different places and situations
how to recognize different military personnel, emergency responders, and police
how to look something up without the internet
how to assess/anticipate the weather without official forecasts or radar


My list is much longer than that, but I'll spare you. I'm kind of a harpy about this stuff with my kids. College must seem like a breeze after spending 18 years at prepper university.

[7Wannabe5]

I've been teaching inner-city kindergarten for the last two weeks, so I'm more in touch with "What every 5 year old should be able to do."

1) Open small milk carton without spilling chocolate milk all over self, table and floor
2) Eat applesauce with spoon rather than straw
3) Tell somebody his/her name if dropped off without any identifying paperwork
4) Use bathroom without removing all clothing
5) Use bathroom with removing some clothing
6) Remain seated with legs crossed for more than 20 seconds
7) Not eat name tag
8) Hold a pencil

Super advanced skills

9) Be able to identify an object as a "flag" and/or know the name of the country, state or city in which you currently reside
10) Know the name of relevant adults as something other than "Mommy" or "Teacher."

[jacob]

Hahaha! Now I'm just waiting for the "what every adult ... at age 60"-list.

[Ego]

Hahaha! Now I'm just waiting for the "what every adult ... at age 60"-list.

My list for functional-seniors at Soylent Towers is nearly identical to 7W's kindergarten list.

[7Wannabe5]

LOL- Yeah, but I bet mine run faster when they try to escape.

"My arms at are my sides.
I'm standing straight and tall.
My eyes are looking forward.
I am ready for the hall. "