Teen Perspectives: The Adulting Tasks They’ll Embrace and Those They’ll Avoid

We recently engaged the members of our Malibu Elixir community in a fun game of “Agree or Disagree,” exploring essential life skills that define the journey of stepping into adulthood. From mastering the art of laundry to navigating a debit card for the first time, the insights were both enlightening and entertaining. It turns out that competency in everyday tasks can be a surprise—sometimes not where we might expect it!

The Laundry Chronicles: A Mixed Bag

Let’s kick things off with laundry, a seemingly basic skill. Sixteen-year-old Gary confidently proclaimed, “If I don’t do my laundry, it doesn’t get done.” Meanwhile, Clive, also 16, offered a more surprising take: “I’ll do my laundry for one shirt," he admitted, revealing that laundry only happens when he gets a new piece of clothing. It’s a humorous clash between practicality and the carefree spirit of youth!

Map Skills: The Great Navigation Debate

When discussing whether they could navigate without their phones, opinions varied. Seventeen-year-old Juliet was candid: “It takes me a second; I need to stare at it for a little bit.” Greta echoed this sentiment, recalling a near-miss when Google Maps failed her. Clive humorously acknowledged his limitations with a real map—“If that’s the question … completely no.” Chloe, at 18, added her own twist: “I’ll confidently go the wrong way for blocks on end.” But, credit where it’s due, Gwen, also 16, emerged as the trailblazer of the group, claiming she’s quite adept with maps, thanks to her hiking experience.

Managing Debit Cards: A Work in Progress

When it came time to discuss managing their own debit cards, the responses were mixed. Gary stood in the middle, saying, “I earn my own money, but not all the money on my card is mine.” On the other hand, Juliet has taken the plunge into independence: “I was cut off and I’m living off whatever saved money I have.” Gwen’s approach mirrors her allowance, boosted by summer jobs.

Morning Routines and Doctor’s Appointments: The Divide

Surprisingly enough, all teens reported managing to wake up without parental nudging—an impressive feat! However, the thought of scheduling their own doctor appointments was met with incredulity. “In what world?” Gary asked, baffled at the concept. Clive confessed he wouldn’t dare make that call: “I could probably call and figure it out, but I would never, ever do that.” And when asked about their doctors’ names, there was a collective shrug—“I think her name is Linda,” Gary ventured.

Cooking Skills: A Culinary Landscape

Moving on to the kitchen, attitudes toward cooking varied dramatically. Clive threw down the gauntlet, shouting “Big agree!” when it came to cooking, especially since he couldn’t fathom how Gary could handle laundry but not dinner. Gary countered, “Bro, laundry’s so easy; cooking? No way.” Yet, he couldn’t help but praise Clive’s culinary talents after recalling a perfectly cooked steak and mashed potatoes.

Chloe embraced her snack-centric lifestyle, sharing: “I mostly eat cheese and crackers and whatever stray food I find.” But Juliet transformed her cooking game by embracing Trader Joe’s frozen meals; now, she’s a culinary wizard, “You name it, I’ve made it.”

Daily Routines: The Battle of Bed-Making

Finally, bed-making became a point of contention. Juliet dismissed it outright: “I don’t think people actually do that.” Gary, though, noted he does so to appease his organized mother. Clive admitted to making his bed maybe five times a year, primarily for guests. Yet, with a proud nod, Gary remarked: “He can make a steak, though.”

Conclusion: The New Age of Adulting

In conclusion, it’s clear that these teens are navigating the waters of adulthood at their own pace. From tackling morning wake-ups to flipping steaks, they’re getting there, albeit with a few hiccups along the way. Whether it’s mastering the grocery aisles or grappling with a map, they’re learning—just not always in traditional ways.

So, here’s to celebrating these small victories and mishaps along the journey of self-discovery. After all, adulting is a personal experience—and every step counts! If you’re inspired to embrace your own journey or share your tips, drop by our Malibu Elixir community and join the conversation. Your next adventure awaits!