<p>Don’t procrastinate on returning forms and attend to legal matters- such as name changes, address changes in a timely matter. Waiting to the very last minute is when your computer/car/phone will die and then you will be in a mess.</p>
<p>Know what’s under the hood of your car. Learn how the parts of the car work and how to change a tire.
Read all the labels on foods and clothes.</p>
<p>I discovered that although my son has had a checking account for years and has deposited checks, he’d never actually written one. “Mom, what do you do with that line on the bottom right of the check?” </p>
<p>The thing I most regretted not learning from my Dad was the basics of investing. </p>
<p>I think drivers should know how to change a tire and what noises are dangerous and that the “check engine” light shouldn’t be ignored.</p>
<p>CPR/First Aid </p>
<p>How to swim - and preferable take a life saving course. Haven’t had to save anyone yet, but it always made me feel good to know I could.</p>
<p>my2sunz - our elementary school had a rotary pay phone in the lobby until a year or two ago and it was the favorite “toy” of all the kids. I do wish they had kept it just for the novelty!</p>
<p>I think one of the most important things both my children have learned in the past year is that most people CAN be trusted. My daughter has been bicycling, on her own and carrying her own gear, from Portland (OR) to Virginia over this past summer. People have been unfailingly kind and generous to her, from putting her up for the night–one woman gave her the key to her sister’s house!–to feeding her meals. She has been seriously delighted to discover how many strangers are truly great people, even if they live in small-town Kentucky, in coal country, and are Republicans.</p>
<p>It is easier to do things right away rather than procrastinate. Also, being a responsible adult doesn’t mean you always have to do things by yourself. Sometimes the best solution is to ask for help.</p>
<p>If you feel like taking a gun to campus or jumping off a bridge…come home instead.</p>
<p>Chedva</p>
<p>Great comment, but dating??? Is anybody dating anymore? I think its gone the way of the ice cube tray.</p>
<p>Treat others how you want to be treated. Be polite and respectful and show gratitude. And act as if everyone you interact with you are going to know the rest of your life, and you might just need them one day. </p>
<p>Take actions and make decisions that you would not be ashamed of if they ended up on the front page of the newspaper. </p>
<p>Know that life is not always fair. Understand that most of the ‘big deal stuff’ this week you won’t even remember next year. Almost everything works out well eventually so relax. </p>
<p>Know how to hail a cab, how to make a long distance call even if you lose your cell phone, and how to resuscitate someone. </p>
<p>Learn to bike, hike, swim, skate, ski, and horseback ride. Learn to drive a car and a truck, standard and automatic. </p>
<p>Learning how to drink responsibly, recognize dangerous signs of drug/alcohol use, and what to do if a friend passes out. </p>
<p>Understand compound interest. Never carry debt on a credit card.</p>
<p>Know how to use basic power tools. Operate basic appliances. And know what to do in fundamental emergencies (e.g. earthquake, smell of gas, approaching bear). </p>
<p>Know how to find people who can help you. So for example, always carry an AAA card when you drive so you don’t have to change a tire :)</p>
<p>Be nice… That’s my best tip.</p>
<p>Great list, Starbright, but I’d substitute “learn how to change a tire” for the horseback riding!</p>
<p>“If you feel like taking a gun to campus or jumping off a bridge…come home instead.”</p>
<p>Amen to that!</p>
<p>How to have a polite telephone conversation.
How to make an introduction.
How to order a meal in a nice restaurant.</p>
<p>Since my husband isn’t very handy, my boys are lacking on basic fix it skills. I’d love to put them in a day class to teach them how to use a drill, install a light switch, find a wall stud, etc. I’m thinking of checking with a local community college; maybe I’ll take the class too!</p>
<p>How to end a conversation politely.
How to check the oil; how to add oil and which type to get.
Don’t open the car radiator cap when the engine’s hot.
Don’t use dishwashing liquid in the dishwasher.
For girls, some basics on how to protect yourself from a physical attack.
What kind of insurance is available and why it’s important.</p>
<p>There is no right way to do something that you know is wrong.</p>
<p>Always try to leave things better than you found them.</p>