This article was co-authored by Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Michelle Shahbazyan is a Life Coach, Author, and Speaker based in Los Angeles, California. She is the Founder of The LA Life Coach, a concierge life, family, and career coaching service. She has over 15 years of experience with life coaching, consulting, motivational speaking, and matchmaking. Michelle has helped thousands of clients achieve peace, fulfillment, and a healthier mindset. Her ultimate goal is to provide her clients with the tools, perspectives, and resources needed to create the life they desire. Michelle specializes in supporting individuals and couples with a wide array of concerns, including depression, anxiety, love and relationship issues, ADHD, grief, stress, anger management, and career planning. Her approach is informed by neuroscience, anthropology, sociology, and behavioral biology, ensuring that the strategies she develops with clients are both effective and enduring. She has a BA in Applied Psychology and an MS in Building Construction and Technology Management from Georgia Tech University, and a MA in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University.
There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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If you're a teenager, the concept of "adulting" probably seems pretty intimidating. Being concerned and wanting to prepare is a good thing, but it's certainly not something you need to stress yourself out over. Your teenage years are the best time to start forming good habits that will make adulthood easier. Don't worry if you can't get everything at once. You have plenty of time and making mistakes is part of the process. Read on to discover the best things you can do to make sure that you're ready to start life as an adult and avoid many of the common pitfalls that tend to trip a lot of people up.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
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If you don't know or don't understand something, just ask! Remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question. Even if you feel silly asking, most of the time somebody will be glad that you asked and more than happy to help you.Thanks
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Get in the habit of writing down life skills you learn, such as the steps for changing a tire. You'll internalize these things easier if you write them in your own words. Carry a small notebook around with you for this purpose or just use the notes app on your phone.Thanks
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Being prepared for whatever might happen is a huge part of adulthood. Try to always have a little emergency cash on hand just in case—$20-50 is usually fine. Keep it somewhere other than in your wallet, so you'll still have it if your wallet gets lost or stolen.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_help_young_people_transition_into_adulthood
- ↑ https://www.nhs.us/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Futuready_Time_Managment.pdf
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2015/05/what-parents-should-tell-their-kids-about-finding-a-career
- ↑ https://fndusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/SampleBudgetforTeens.pdf
- ↑ https://www.finra.org/investors/learn-to-invest/types-investments/retirement/401k-investing/401k-basics
- ↑ https://www.gfoa.org/materials/using-safekeeping-and-third-party-custodian-services
- ↑ https://www.consumerfinance.gov/an-essential-guide-to-building-an-emergency-fund/
- ↑ https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/money-as-you-grow/teen-young-adult/explore-borrowing/
- ↑ https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/effective-communication-improving-your-social-skills
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6086120/
- ↑ https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/family-life/routines-rituals/chores-for-children
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/social-media/colleges-check-applicants-social-media-posts/
- ↑ https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/entertainment-technology/free-time-activities/extracurricular-activities-for-teens
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm
- ↑ https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Helping-Teenagers-With-Stress-066.aspx
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/a-20-minute-nature-break-relieves-stress
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/stress-and-heart-health
- ↑ https://centerforparentingeducation.org/library-of-articles/focus-parents/role-model-promise-peril/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/making-good-friends.htm
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/for-educators/what-sex-education