‘Adulting 101’ programs are helping Gen Z catch up on key life skills

Adulting 101: Addressing the Life Skills Gap Among Gen Z

As the world continues to evolve, so do the skills needed to navigate through adulthood. For many young adults, especially those in Generation Z, the transition from adolescence to independence can be overwhelming. The lack of basic life skills, such as changing a tire, sewing, or understanding financial matters, has become a growing concern.

Aldhen Garcia, a first-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University, shares his struggles with basic life skills. “I don’t know how to change a tire, I don’t know how to sew, I don’t know how to do a lot of things other than cooking,” Garcia admits. Like many of his peers, Garcia also expresses uncertainty about financial literacy, including interest rates, mortgages, and rent payments.

Pam Charbonneau, the Director of Student Success at Waterloo University, reassures students like Garcia that they are not alone in their struggles. Many post-secondary institutions have recognized the need for resources to help students learn essential life skills. Waterloo University, for example, launched an online platform called Adulting 101 in 2023, aimed at providing students with information on household maintenance, basic nutrition, and other necessary life skills.

Bella Hudson, a third-year student at TMU, echoes the sentiment that traditional education often overlooks critical life skills. “There’s a lot of things that are missed in education about when you actually become an adult,” Hudson says. She emphasizes the importance of classes that teach young adults how to manage themselves and their lives effectively.

Researcher Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University, sheds light on the generational differences that contribute to the life skills gap among Gen Z. Twenge argues that limiting children’s freedom and not teaching them practical skills is detrimental to their development. She emphasizes the importance of instilling independence in children from a young age to prepare them for adulthood.

Twenge’s research highlights the impact of the “slow life strategy” on today’s youth, where children are nurtured more carefully, leading to delayed independence. As a result, young adults may struggle with basic tasks when they reach university age. Twenge encourages parents to allow their children to take on responsibilities like cooking and laundry to foster independence.

The rise of mental health concerns among young people is another pressing issue linked to the lack of life skills. Studies suggest that limiting opportunities for children and teens to engage in activities independently can contribute to high levels of anxiety, depression, and suicide. The University of Waterloo’s Adulting 101 program aims to address these concerns by providing resources that focus on mental and physical health, personal growth, and self-advocacy.

Charbonneau emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy as a crucial skill for students to develop. By offering tools and support for students to navigate the challenges of adulthood, universities can help bridge the gap in life skills education. Students who participate in these programs often express relief and gratitude for the guidance and resources available to them.

In conclusion, addressing the life skills gap among Gen Z is essential for preparing young adults for the challenges of independence. By equipping students with practical knowledge and resources, universities can empower the next generation to thrive in all aspects of adult life.