Have you ever been scrolling through Amazon, and a book title just jumped out at you? That happened to me recently, and I couldn’t resist buying 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home. It sounded practical—who wouldn’t want that wisdom in a single book? But as I flipped through its pages, I realized something: while the book had some great insights, it didn’t quite fit the unique needs of my family. So, I did what any intentional mom would do—I wrote my own book. Okay, not exactly but I did take action. I started creating my own list.

Why You Need a Custom List

No single book can fully capture what your child needs to know before stepping into the world. Every family is different, with unique values, skills, and priorities. Instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, why not craft a personalized list? This doesn’t have to be complicated. Grab a notebook or use the notes app on your phone and start jotting down skills, values, and lessons you want to instill in your kids before they leave home.

What Should Be on the List?

Think about the essentials—both practical and spiritual:

• Life Skills:Cooking, laundry, car maintenance, budgeting, meal planning
• Spiritual Growth:How to read the Bible, key memory verses, foundational truths of faith
• Emotional Resilience:Handling disappointment, resolving conflicts, managing stress
• Financial Wisdom:Saving, tithing, understanding debt, giving generously
• Academic & Career Readiness:Time management, writing resumes, interviewing skills

Your list might also include family traditions, books to read, or experiences you want to share before they step into adulthood.

How to Prioritize & Implement

Once you have a list, start organizing it by age and season of life. A five-year-old doesn’t need to know how to change a tire, but by fifteen, it’s a great skill to teach. Take small, intentional steps:

1. Highlight What You’ve Already Covered– Celebrate what’s already been learned.
2. Choose a Focus for Each Month– Break down the list into manageable goals.
3. Make It Practical– Teach life skills during everyday moments.
4. Integrate Spiritual Lessons– Weave faith into daily conversations and habits.
5. Track Progress– Check off skills as they are learned and revisit the list regularly.

It’s Never Too Late (or Too Early!)

Parenting is a journey, and none of us will get it perfectly right. I’ve already launched four of my six children, and I often wonder if I taught them everything they needed to know. The truth is, we’ll never be able to cover it all—but we can be intentional in the time we have left. If your child is still at home, start now. If they’re already grown, know that learning is lifelong, and you can still influence and guide them.

Final Encouragement

Above all, ask God for wisdom in what to pour into your children. Pray over your list and seek His guidance in shaping their hearts and minds. The goal isn’t just to prepare them for the world but to launch them into their God-given purpose with confidence and faith.

What are some skills or lessons you want to pass on to your children? Start your own list today, and let’s be intentional together!