Just when you thought you were done being given advice, the North Dakota Children and Family Services staff collaborated to develop a list of tips every 18 year old should know!  Many of the staff have children of their own and majority of the staff work with youth often.  These tips will be super helpful as you approach independence.

45 Things To Know By The Time You Turn 18; How To:

1. Recite your Social Security Number
2. Pump gas into your vehicle
3. Check the back seat of your car before you get in it (safety first)
4. Stay in touch with family and friends
5. Use an ATM
6. Hold a conversation with someone you do not want to be talking to
7. Arrive on time
8. Balance a checkbook
9. Make choices based on need vs. want
10. Iron a shirt
11. Purchase auto /renters insurance
12. Start the dishwasher
13. Do your own laundry
14. Say “Please” and “Thank You”
15. Make your own breakfast, lunch, and dinner
16. Vote
17. Budget your monthly earnings
18. Politely start and finish a conversation
19. Compose a thank you note or a sympathy card
20. Complete a job/college application
21. Call the police
22. Make a home safety kit in case the electricity goes out (flashlights, candles, etc.)
23. Change a car tire
24. Sew a button on your shirt or pants by hand
25. Buy groceries
26. Schedule your own doctor and dentist appointments
27. Research the item before you make a major purchase (computers, cars, etc.)
28. Shut off the water valve if the toilet is overflowing
29. Make a winter survival kit for your car
30. Have a savings account for emergencies
31. Complete a 1040 EZ tax return
32. Build a campfire
33. Dress appropriately for a job interview
34. Check the oil in your car
35. Use a credit card responsibly
36. Accept that there will always be others in a position of authority; respect them
37. Pick up after yourself, clean and scrub
38. Secure a necessary loan
39. Say “I’m sorry”
40. Ask questions; you will not look stupid, you will look curious!
41. Show up even when you do not want to
42. Turn off your cell phone when appropriate (work, church, meetings, etc).
43. Find the fuse/breaker box and know what it is used for
44. Stay on good terms with others
45. Be yourself