Question:

Hi Ms. Harvell,

I’m a parent of a 16-year-old boy “Toby” and I’d like some materials to help him focus on being independent and what it takes to live on your own. Are there any teen web sites or checklists available (not too expensive please) that I can use to jump-start him. Please help!

“Sue”

Answer:

Hi “Sue”,

I am glad to hear from a parent who is considering these two important areas of teen development. Fortunately, I have a couple of web sites that specifically deal with both areas and should be of interest to “Toby”.

The first web site is located at http://www.cacareerzone.org/flash/index.html. At this site, “Toby” can take an interest survey titled, Assess Yourself ,and explore monthly expenses of living on your own with Reality Check. I use these activities as Transition self-awareness tools to help students (and parents) understand life’s realities and realistic career possibilities. Both of these activities are fun to do together and allows you the to guide him and answer his questions.

The next web site is titled Adolescent Autonomy Checklist and is located at http://depts.washington.edu/healthtr/Checklists/intro.htm. It is free and easy to download. This is one of my favorite online tools because you and “Toby” can assess his daily living skills together, he can decide which one(s) to focus on, and he can monitor his progress, and check off tasks when completed. Selections are based on “Toby’s” choice(s), which should get his buy-in. Select “Download a printable version of the checklist” for a more user-friendly document.

Let me know how “Toby” does with these activities. I am sure both of these will teach him self-awareness and show him the skills and information necessary to become independent.

Good luck!