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From Our House to Yours:
Youth in Transition:
Helpful Hints for Success The transition for young people from being teenagers to
young adults is an exciting and scary time. Young people
begin to develop a sense of self and yearn for
independence. This quest for independence often leads a
young person to seek a living situation independent from
their loved ones.
As a parent or a guardian, how can you assist your young
adult in this transition to independence? The following
“helpful hints" can help you and your young adult find a starting point, and chisel away
at the anxiety that can come at this exciting and scary time.
Start with the basics. What kind of a budget do you have? To do this, figure out
the biggest expense first — rent! To do this, take your
monthly earnings (add up all of your income for 4 weeks) and
take 30% of that (multiply by .30, ex. $800 x .30 = $240
per month).
Consider finding a roommate; this will cut overall
expenses in half and reduce feeling lonely.
Location, location, location! Choose a place close
to family, school, work, bus line, grocery store,
laundromat, etc.
Assist your youth in opening a checking/savings
account & teach them how to use it (balancing a
checkbook, making deposits, etc.).
Go grocery shopping with your teen and teach him
or her how to buy
nutritious food on a budget.
Demonstrate how to do laundry and general
house cleaning (include a lesson on changing their bed
sheets regularly).
Make sure that they have all of the safety basics
including:
- fire extinguisher
- smoke/carbon monoxide detector
- cooking supplies (baking sheets, pots &
pans, measuring cups, cutting board, sharp
knives, silverware, dishes, glasses)
- cleaning supplies (multi-purpose cleaners
are great!)
- vacuum cleaner
- towels, sheets and blankets
Most importantly, keep supporting your young person
through this transition. Your patience and
encouragement makes a difference.
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