- Home maintenace and safety tasks such as how to clean out a garbage disposal and how to use a fire extinguisher are commonly overlooked learning opportunities for kids. However, these are skills that they will need to know once they move out on their own.
- A list of basic household tools and safety items like screwdrivers and fire alarms should be gone over while your child is still a teen, before they leave the nest.
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As we teach our kids different skills and subject matters that help prepare them for the future, one thing that is commonly overlooked is how to take care of a home. Whether you live in a rental or are a homeowner, there are certain home maintenance tasks that you must do. Most of these maintenances are done only once or twice a year. That is why we generally do not think about teaching our children these concepts. I am referring mainly to home maintenance tasks like how to change air filters or that they will need to have basic household tools such as screwdrivers. While these are things that we all have or do, because they are not everyday activities or necessities, we often overlook them when giving life lessons to our kids.
Home Maintenance
Home maintenance covers every task, large or small, that needs to be done inside or outside of the home for its upkeep and to implement preventative measures. Most of these tasks are annual or need to be done only every couple of months. However, many grown kids leave the nest without ever learning of these things and are caught off guard when they realize that they need to be done. Let them know that some of the tasks, such as HVAC maintenance and chimney inspections, will need to be performed by a professional and that they may need to set check-up appointments annually. To save yourself many phone calls from your frantic grown child, and to save them some stress, here are some topics that you may want to cover:
Inside Tasks:
- How to and how often to change air filters and clean the air vents.
- How to clean out the dryer vent
- How to clean the oven vent
- How to clean ac/heater vents
- How to clean the garbage disposal
- Know where the breaker box is, how it works, and how to safely use it
- Know how to turn off the main water line, or at least the bathroom water line
- How to use a fire extinguisher
- How often to check fire alarms and how to replace the batteries
- How to clear a drain when clogged
- How to properly open and clean windows and window screens
- How to check the fireplace for damage
- How to clean the bathroom exhaust fan grill
Outside Tasks:
- How to clean the gutters
- How often to have the HVAC system checked
- Inspect roof, siding, and around the exterior for damage or cracks
- How to check the sprinkler system
- How to safely spray for bugs/pests around the home
- How to power wash siding, wall, fences, porches, decks, sidewalks, and driveways
- How to fertilize the lawn or put down products to prevent weeds
- How to rake leaves and properly dispose of lawn debris
- How to correctly prune trees, shrubs, and other plants
Basic Household Tools
Going along with the maintenance tasks, having basic tools is a must. Every household, whether an owner or a renter, needs to have basic tools and objects like screwdrivers and a fire extinguisher. And not only should they have them, but they should know how to properly use them. Here are some basic household items that you may not think about but are glad that you have when you need them.overed, so the physical participation aspect is what makes this class special.
- Flathead and Phillips Head screwdrivers
- A hammer
- Measuring tape
- Extra batteries, AA, AAA, C, and 9-volt (for fire alarms)
- A cutting board
- Basic kitchen utensils such as knives and kitchen scissors
- Knife sharpener
- A fire extinguisher
- A needle and thread
- Extra lightbulbs
- A water hose
Teaching your children about basic home maintenance tasks can easily be overlooked when homeschooling. However, they are important to teach as your child will need these skills throughout their life. Make sure that you not only go over these tasks and tools but also teach your child how to perform and use them properly. Remind them that some tasks will require a professional to inspect or perform preventative maintenance.
I hope this blog offered some helpful ideas on what home maintenance, safety precautions, and basic household items your child should know about before moving out on their own. If you found this blog helpful please consider subscribing and liking this post as it will help to grow the community as well as let me know which type of posts are more beneficial for you. If you are looking to teach your children some home economics skills, check out my Life Skills: Home Economics blog.
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What are some basic home maintenance tasks or tools that you feel should be added to this list? Please share your thoughts and ideas with us and the community in the comments below.
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