What life skills should every teenager know before leaving home?

Essential skills include: cooking at least 5 basic meals, doing laundry independently, basic cleaning, managing a budget, grocery shopping, scheduling their own appointments, basic first aid, time management, and navigating public transportation. Start building these gradually rather than cramming them in before they leave. Give teens real responsibility now — managing their own schedule, handling a bank account, and solving problems without your intervention. Consult your pediatrician about developmental readiness for independence milestones.