Ever feel like you are running out of time to raise your teenager to be a responsible, intelligent, prepared, caring and thoughtful adult? It’s not too late.
With my daughters firmly in their teenage years, I think a lot about what little time I have left with them. There are all the things I still need to teach them before I let them loose on this world.
All the life skills they still need to learn.
Listen to our podcast episode called “Running out of Time with Your Teens?”
You can find it also at Joy in Chaos Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher
Running out of time? Teach them…
Career choices and academic options
What do you need to pay attention to in these years when it comes to their academic preparation? Is the path they are on going to be the best fit for their future ambitions?
Do they want to pursue a career track or an academic track?
What is offered where they study to prepare them for the future that best suits them?
Now is the time to have this discussion with your teenager.
Social skills and relationships
Yes, you really do need to go there.
What do you expect from your children as they are developing relationships. What boundaries are healthy for them at this age and as they mature. How should they navigate those decisions?
What does it look like to be a good person? Especially in this day and age.
How can they be a fine, kind, adult with integrity?
Life skills for independent living
SO MANY THINGS for teens to learn. Basic things, but often overlooked. But not your kid, because you are making the intentional choice to teach them:
How to sew and mend clothing
How to cook
How to grocery shop
How to change a tire
How to patch a wall
How to paint that wall
How to scrub a floor and so much more
It’s time moms and dads. It’s time.
Financial education
Do not let your child go off into this world without understanding how money works.
How income needs to be greater than expenses.
How to manage a checking account. How to save and spend wisely.
How to prepare for all the things that dealing with money in the future.
How to sign a lease for an apartment.
How to make deals and bargain when shopping.
How to travel well
How to pay a bill at a restaurant.
How to check if a hotel room is safe.
How to travel on an airplane. How to travel by train.
How to handle your documents safely.
How to pack light.
How to treat people when you travel in other places foreign to your own.
And so much more.
It’s not too late, but you want to be intentional with this. It’s time to put some focus on your oldest child and get them ready for what lies ahead.
When you do, you will have a confident, empowered and capable young adult you can be proud of.
This Joy in Chaos Podcast Episode called “Running out of Time with your Teen?” is kicking off a series I am writing called: ” Teach your Teen… Life Skills.”
Check out the first called:
It’s Time to Teach your Teen to Cook… Breakfast!
I know it will go well for you. Think back to all the lessons your parents and grandparents taught you over the years and pass those on to your children now.
With eduction comes confidence, with confidence comes boldness.
Cheers!
Chandra
P.S. Remember if you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe to the Joy in Chaos Podcast on iTunes or Stitcher so you don’t miss a thing.
Thank you for being a part of our community, and have a great, intentional week teaching your teen all the things. Good Luck!

Chandra is the chocolate-chip loving mother of 2 teenage girls who started over again with a baby boy in her 40’s! She is the author of The Mom’s Playbook to Conquering Softball Season. She gives other moms the tools they need to prepare their daughters for real life. Her content is centered on helping girls grow up to be well-rounded, equipped, expressive, confident, intelligent, capable, kind and independent.