We think only adults suffered during this period. But teens surely had trouble, too. The pandemic distorted their view of the real world, making it scary instead of exciting. The reopening of schools didn’t help much; many kids continue to stay at home due to the rising COVID-19 cases.

This can make one wonder, “what if another crisis happened again?” While pessimism is the last thing we need right now, we can’t afford another pandemic or any other crisis to catch us by surprise again. Sure, we’ll never be prepared enough for crises, but we don’t have to feel helpless against it.

As such, teens should start learning useful skills in school. And not just cooking and cleaning; rather, skills that will help them keep their lives put together in case outside help isn’t available.

Without further ado, these are the skills schools should start teaching teens in 2021:

1. Basic HVAC Repair and Maintenance

Now that everyone’s staying at home for longer periods, HVAC systems work harder than usual. If the machine suffers a problem, it’s easy to call a repairman. But some HVAC issues require only quick troubleshooting. Calling a pro would’ve been a waste of your money and theirtime.

Likewise, relying on a pro for basic HVAC maintenance is a waste of money. So teens should learn to do it instead. Besides, they’re typically possessive of their spaces. They don’t like it when a stranger comes in, even to repair appliances.

Basic HVAC maintenance is just replacing air filters every three months or so. Onthe other hand, basic repairs can be a little complicated in the start, as it requires an ensemble of tools. But once teens get the hang of it, opening up an HVAC unit and changing its parts will be second nature to them.

2. Cleaning Gutters

A roof replacement is one of the most expensive home repairs ever. But if you maintain your gutters well, you’re less likely to deal with costly roof issues. Hence, schools should begin teaching teens how to clean gutters.

Gutters are often filled with debris during the fall. So the reopening of classes is the perfect time to teach gutter cleaning. Also, teens should learn how to tell if a gutter is already beyond fixing. This will teach them a greater sense of responsibility.

3. Basic Car Repairs

Teens as young as 13 start being interested in driving. By their 16th, they can already have a license. If their car breaks down on their way to school or home, they’d be helpless if they can’t perform basic car repairs.

Teens can learn the following repairs from school, even just by reading books or referring to visual aids:

• Changing oils
• Changing a flat tire
• Changing batteries
• Changing spark plugs
• Replacing windshield wipers
• Replacing air filters
• Replacing a headlight or tail light
• Changing brake pads
• Jumpstarting a car

In addition, teens should know how to use the various tools and equipment for repairing cars. For example, if the tires are out of alignment, a teen should name a durable alignment car lift as the equipment that will fix the problem. Being familiar with car repair tools and equipment allows teens to make smart decisions when maintaining their own autos.

4. Transportation Skills

Just because a teen has a driving license doesn’t mean they should throw commuting out the window. It may seem like common sense is the only skill needed to use public transport, but navigating and safety skills are important, too. When teens are in an unfamiliar place, it won’t be easy to reach their destination without navigation skills. And if they’re riding a cab alone at night, for example, their safety skills can save their lives should a threat faces them.

5. Emotion Regulation Skills

Many Millennial and older Gen Z employees suffer from mental health issues. Their problems worsened during the pandemic. Though the causes of poor mental health vary, we can attribute a common root cause: a lack of emotion regulation skills.

True enough, people from older generations were never taught to be attuned to their emotions. They were seen as unprofessional or “bratty” when they became emotional.Thankfully, millennials are changing that, creating a safer environment for Gen Zs.

So from now, schools should also teach emotion regulation to prevent personality problems due to repressed emotions. This will help teens stay emotionally and mentally healthy if another crisis occurs.

These life skills are essential in living a healthy lifestyle. Remember, health isn’t just about nutrition. It’s also about mental and emotional stability and the ability to run a happy, peaceful household.

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