Dawn Carter, left, is getting ready to celebrate her daughter Ashley Carter’s graduation from Lawrence High School. She has taught Ashley how to cook, clean and do laundry to be ready for living on her own someday.

Ashley Carter, is preparing herself for life after high school.

Although the Lawrence High School senior is still uncertain about her long-term plans after she graduates in May, Carter doesn’t take lightly the responsibilities she will have when she leaves the comforts of her family home.

“A lot of things I need to know, my mom has taught me,” Carter says.

In addition to basics such as cooking, cleaning and laundry, Ashley’s mother, Dawn Carter, believes parents should help their children learn the life skills they will need to know to make it on their own.

“I think the most important thing for Ashley to know is how to manage her money,” Dawn says.

Money management

Students in their first year of college frequently get into trouble with debt, usually related to credit cards or student loans.

Bob Clifton, marriage and family therapist in the Topeka and Lawrence areas, agreed that money management is the No. 1 thing teenagers should know before they graduate from high school.

Clifton, has already begun to counsel his daughter on the ramifications of bouncing a check.

“It’s important for kids to learn these lessons while they’re still at home,” he says. “This way they can learn the consequences of their mistakes before they leave their parents’ house.”

Sam Summers, Johnson County Community College freshman, was taught how to manage her money before she graduated from LHS in 2009, yet she is struggling with the financial demands of a college student.

“Money is definitely tighter now,” she says. “I have to deal with my phone bills, car insurance and gas… It’s a lot.”

Getting a head start on savings and financial planning is the best way for high school seniors to deal with their upcoming financial independence.

Planning ahead

For those getting ready to leave their parents house, a certain amount of anxiety is normal.

Understanding what the future will be like and what experiences to expect can prepare students for this transition.

Clifton suggests getting to know more about the situation to ease stress associated with the unknown.

“The more we know about a situation before we get into it, the better we are going to feel about it,” he says.

To lessen uncertainties, Clifton recommends parents and their kids set up interviews with several college students. This will give high school students an opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of what to expect from college life.

Connecting to others within the community can also help ease the stress brought on by change.

Networking and getting involved in community groups are good ways to make new friends, pursue interests and familiarize yourself with a new social environment.

Basic domestic skills

Parents can help their kids prepare for life on their own by teaching them how to do basic domestic skills like cooking, cleaning, laundry and sewing.

Clifton recommends parents teach their kids these lessons while they’re still at home. Giving them household responsibilities will also increase their sense of belonging as a family member.

“Parents should continue to increase their kids responsibilities as they get older,” Clifton says. “Teach them basic skills of doing laundry and how to cook five to 10 different meals.”

Understanding the necessary functions of car maintenance like when and where to get a car’s oil changed, inspected and serviced are important facts for student drivers to know.

This knowledge could prevent them from getting tickets because of expired inspection stickers or burned-out brake lights, for example.

Time management

Lastly, high school seniors should learn stay on track in their lives by using a calendar or a schedule of some sort.

“Sometimes I kind of slack, but it’s usually easy for me to balance work and play.” Ashley Carter said. “I just need a schedule to keep me on track.”

Whether it’s a calendar hung on your wall or an application on your iPhone or Blackberry, keeping a schedule can help students stay on top of their school, work and social commitments.