The many lessons your children learn in school are certainly valuable. That doesn’t mean that is all they need to learn. Besides school lessons, does your child know how to do a load of laundry? This isn’t the only outside of school learning your child needs, but it is a good place to begin.

Laundry

Does your child know how to sort clothes into whites and colors? Without this knowledge, many of his clothes will eventually be grey.

Does he know how to read the labels that tell him one item is washable or this is something to be dry cleaned only? From this kind of learning he saves clothes that washing might ruin.

Talk about him setting the water temperature and adjusting the level of the water. This is an elementary lesson in helping him learn to conserve water.

Another conservation lesson is adding the right amount of detergent to a load of clothes; knowing the right amount saves soap and rewashing.

Does he understand what clothes should not go in the dryer or what temperature to dry them?

Have you mentioned to him about the importance of folding clothes after they are done so they don’t get all wrinkled and need to be rewashed?

Knowing how to do laundry will help him to be an independent adult whether he goes to college or lives in his own apartment.

Cooking

Does he know how to cook an egg? Knowing about basic food and how to prepare it allows him to eat even when he is low on money.

Does he know how to read about the date foods should be eaten by? You want to keep him safe.

Does he know how to use the utensils like the can opener or how to get cans open? Does he open cans at your house?

Driving

Does he know about getting his license renewed? Is he aware of the importance of changing the oil in the car? Knowing about cars doesn’t mean just knowing how fast they will go.

Finances

Of all the lessons your growing child needs, it is about finances. Encourage saving money regularly. Talk about money. Talk about credit cards, borrowing, loans, and interest. This is a topic many young people have much difficulty mastering.

Housekeeping

Does he know about paying property taxes? Does he know about changing the filter in the refrigerator or in the heating system? Is he used to changing the cat’s box or feeding the dog? These aren’t things you want to be surprised about.

Give some serious thought to lessons you should be teaching your child that he is unlikely to hear about in school. Think of the many lessons you didn’t know about when you were first on your own. Talk with him about learning new things in life.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which published newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.