There’s a growing conversation happening among parents, teachers, and even young adults themselves: are schools really preparing kids for real life? We teach math, science, and literature — all important subjects — but somewhere along the way, the basics of everyday living slipped through the cracks.
Think about it: how many teenagers graduate without knowing how to wash their clothes? How many enter adulthood without understanding taxes, budgeting, or even simple cooking? These aren’t minor skills. They’re survival skills. Yet many young people learn them only after struggling through mistakes they could’ve easily avoided.
That’s why some people believe schools should add an extra hour each day dedicated to “adult basics.” Things like doing laundry, understanding a paycheck, cooking a proper meal, writing a check, or even learning how credit works. Not advanced economics — just the practical knowledge every adult needs.
Some argue that these lessons should come from home, and that’s true. But not every child grows up in the same environment, and not every family has the time, stability, or resources to teach these skills. School could fill the gap — not replacing parents, but strengthening the foundation kids carry with them into adulthood.
Imagine a generation of students leaving school knowing how to budget, cook simple meals, care for their clothes, and understand taxes. It would reduce anxiety, encourage independence, and help young people step into adulthood with confidence instead of confusion.
Of course, not everyone agrees. Some believe school days are long enough already. Others worry about taking time away from academic subjects. But the question is worth asking: shouldn’t education include the tools needed to live, not just the knowledge needed to pass a test?
So what do you think? Should schools dedicate an hour a day to teaching life skills that every kid will absolutely use in the real world? Share your thoughts in the comments — this one sparks some interesting debate.
