TEEN GUIDE TO LIFE SKILLS

A basic, readable, and useful introduction to “adulting.”

Currie-McGhee targets the major skill areas of work, money, housing, transportation, and health. Some teens will have a grasp of the essentials through experience in their families, jobs, or schools, but many others will benefit from the sensible overview she provides. Tips for finding, landing, and starting a job make up the first chapter. Managing money as a key to independence and security is the next focus. In this chapter, the author cites “utilities” as an expense but only clearly defines and breaks them down toward the end of the section on housing. The discussion of “needs” vs. “wants” distinguishes between teens whose parents still cover many daily expenses and those who need to be self-sufficient. The guidance around timing a rental search and obtaining renters’ insurance is useful. The health chapter includes advice on cooking, exercise, health insurance, friendships and romantic relationships (including unhealthy ones), and mental health. Text boxes cover supplemental information, such as the importance of sleep. Photos showing a racially diverse range of young people enliven the text. Frequent brief accounts of young people applying specific skills provide real-life models and encouragement. Many of these exemplars are social media content creators, however, which may pique readers’ interest but perhaps bolster unrealistic ideas about how feasible such career options are.

A solid starting point for young adults navigating independence.