Life Skills Checklist by Age: A Free Printable for Parents

Teaching life skills at home can feel overwhelming when you're not sure what to focus on—or when. Should your 8-year-old be making their own lunch? Should your 13-year-old know how to use a debit card? What about a 16-year-old who still struggles with personal hygiene?

If you're homeschooling or parenting a child with autism, a developmental disability, or a learning difference, these questions become even more complex. Each child develops at their own pace, and the traditional age-based milestones don't always apply. But having a roadmap—a clear life skills checklist organized by age—can help you see the full picture, celebrate what your child has already mastered, and identify what to work on next.

This guide walks you through essential life skills across five age bands: 5–7, 8–10, 11–13, 14–17, and 18–21. We'll cover self-care, home management, money skills, social abilities, and personal safety. You can download the free printable checklist to use as a teaching tool, progress tracker, or IEP planning resource.

Why Use a Life Skills Checklist?

Life skills checklists aren't about checking boxes or comparing your child to others. They're about creating a structured, intentional approach to teaching independence. When you have a clear framework, you can:

• Identify which skills your child has mastered and which need more practice
• Set realistic, incremental goals that build on each other
• Communicate progress to therapists, support coordinators, or family members
• Avoid the overwhelm of trying to teach "everything at once"
• Celebrate small wins that might otherwise go unnoticed

For families homeschooling a child with special needs, a life skills checklist also helps you document learning for portfolio reviews or state reporting requirements. Many homeschool evaluators recognize life skills instruction as legitimate academic work, especially when it's part of a transition plan or individualized education program.

Ages 5–7: Building the Foundation

The early elementary years are all about establishing routines and basic self-sufficiency. At this stage, children are learning that they can do things for themselves—and that doing so feels good. For children with developmental disabilities, these foundational skills may take longer to master, but they're no less important.

Self-Care Skills (Ages 5–7)

• Washing hands with soap and water
• Brushing teeth (with supervision)
• Dressing independently with simple clothing (no complex fasteners yet)
• Using the toilet independently and wiping properly
• Covering mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Recognizing when they're hungry, thirsty, or tired

Many children with autism struggle with interoception—the ability to sense internal body signals. If your child doesn't naturally recognize hunger or the need to use the bathroom, you may need to teach these skills explicitly using visual schedules, timers, or body-awareness activities.

Home Skills (Ages 5–7)

• Picking up toys and putting them in designated bins
• Putting dirty clothes in a hamper
• Helping set the table (napkins, utensils)
• Clearing their own plate after a meal
• Following a simple morning or bedtime routine with a visual schedule

Money Skills (Ages 5–7)

• Identifying coins and bills
• Understanding that money is exchanged for items
• Counting to ten (foundational for later money math)
• Practicing "waiting" and delayed gratification (important for future budgeting)

Social Skills (Ages 5–7)

• Greeting familiar adults and peers
• Taking turns in games or conversations
• Using polite words like "please," "thank you," and "excuse me"
• Recognizing basic emotions in themselves and others
• Understanding personal space (not hugging strangers, keeping hands to self)

Social boundaries are especially important to teach early. If you're looking for a structured way to introduce concepts like safe vs. unsafe touch, the Circles curriculum offers age-appropriate lessons on relationship boundaries and body safety.

Safety Skills (Ages 5–7)

• Knowing their full name, address, and parent's phone number
• Recognizing "safe" vs. "unsafe" situations (fire, strangers, getting lost)
• Identifying trusted adults (parents, teachers, police officers)
• Understanding basic street safety (looking both ways, holding hands)
• Knowing not to open the door to strangers

The early years are about building trust—teaching your child that they are capable, and that you will guide them through new challenges.

Ages 8–10: Expanding Independence

By the time children reach third through fifth grade, they're ready for more responsibility. This is the age when you start delegating tasks that directly contribute to the household and build confidence. For children with learning differences, this stage often involves breaking down tasks into smaller steps and practicing them repeatedly.

Self-Care Skills (Ages 8–10)

• Bathing or showering independently (with reminders about soap, shampoo, rinsing)
• Choosing weather-appropriate clothing
• Brushing and flossing teeth without supervision
• Combing or brushing hair neatly
• Recognizing when clothes are dirty and need washing
• Applying deodorant (if needed)

If your child resists personal hygiene routines, you're not alone. Many children with sensory processing differences find showering, tooth-brushing, or hair care overwhelming. Try breaking the routine into smaller parts, offering sensory-friendly products, or using a visual checklist to make the steps predictable.

Home Skills (Ages 8–10)

• Making a simple breakfast (cereal, toast, fruit)
• Washing dishes by hand or loading a dishwasher
• Sweeping or vacuuming a room
• Taking out the trash
• Folding laundry and putting clothes away
• Preparing a simple lunch (sandwich, microwave meal)
• Watering plants or feeding pets

Money Skills (Ages 8–10)

• Counting money up to $10
• Making simple purchases with cash
• Understanding the concept of earning money through chores or tasks
• Comparing prices ("Which snack costs less?")
• Saving money in a piggy bank or jar toward a goal

Social Skills (Ages 8–10)

• Starting and maintaining a conversation on a shared topic
• Recognizing when someone is annoyed or upset
• Apologizing sincerely when they've made a mistake
• Asking for help appropriately
• Respecting others' belongings and personal space
• Understanding that not everyone likes the same things they do

Many children on the autism spectrum or with social communication delays benefit from explicit instruction in these areas. If your child struggles with understanding social cues or reading body language, the Stanfield Home subscription includes lessons on conversation skills, emotional literacy, and building friendships—taught in a structured, step-by-step format.

Safety Skills (Ages 8–10)

• Calling 911 in an emergency
• Staying home alone for short periods (15–30 minutes)
• Using basic first aid (cleaning a scrape, applying a bandage)
• Recognizing online safety basics (not sharing personal information)
• Knowing what to do if they get lost in a public place

Ages 11–13: Building Competence and Responsibility

The middle school years bring increased independence—and increased complexity. This is when children start to understand consequences, manage their own schedules, and take on responsibilities that affect the whole family. For children with executive function challenges, this stage may require extra support with planning, organization, and self-monitoring.

Self-Care Skills (Ages 11–13)

• Managing personal hygiene without reminders (showering, deodorant, oral care)
• Choosing appropriate clothing for different settings (school, family event, outdoor activity)
• Washing and styling hair independently
• Shaving (if applicable) or managing menstrual hygiene
• Recognizing signs of illness and knowing when to ask for help
• Maintaining a basic skin-care routine

For more on teaching personal presentation and hygiene, see our post on The Power of Personal Presentation.

Home Skills (Ages 11–13)

• Preparing simple meals (pasta, eggs, sandwiches, salads)
• Following a written recipe
• Operating household appliances safely (microwave, toaster, washing machine)
• Sorting and washing laundry
• Cleaning a bathroom (sink, toilet, mirror)
• Managing a morning routine independently
• Packing their own lunch or snacks

Money Skills (Ages 11–13)

• Making change from a purchase
• Understanding the difference between needs and wants
• Creating a simple budget or spending plan
• Using a debit card or gift card under supervision
• Comparing unit prices when shopping
• Setting and working toward a savings goal

Financial literacy is one of the most overlooked life skills—but it's critical for long-term independence. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Money As You Grow program offers free, age-appropriate lessons on budgeting, saving, and spending wisely.

Social Skills (Ages 11–13)

• Understanding social hierarchies and peer dynamics
• Managing conflict without aggression
• Recognizing different types of relationships (family, friends, acquaintances)
• Understanding consent and bodily autonomy
• Using appropriate communication for different settings (formal vs. casual)
• Navigating social media and digital communication responsibly

Safety Skills (Ages 11–13)

• Staying home alone for extended periods
• Knowing how to contact trusted adults in different situations
• Understanding internet safety and recognizing online predators
• Using kitchen appliances and knives safely
• Recognizing signs of an emergency and responding appropriately
• Basic bike or pedestrian safety (if they travel independently)

The middle school years are about teaching your child to manage themselves—not just follow instructions.

Ages 14–17: Preparing for Adulthood

High school is the final runway before adulthood. During these years, the focus shifts from basic competence to complex problem-solving, self-advocacy, and planning for the future. For teens with disabilities, this is also the time to begin formal transition planning—identifying post-secondary goals and the skills needed to achieve them.

Self-Care Skills (Ages 14–17)

• Managing all aspects of personal hygiene independently
• Making and keeping medical or dental appointments (with support)
• Understanding their own health needs (medications, allergies, chronic conditions)
• Advocating for accommodations or support when needed
• Managing stress through healthy coping strategies (exercise, hobbies, journaling)
• Getting adequate sleep and recognizing the consequences of poor sleep

Home Skills (Ages 14–17)

• Cooking full meals (following multi-step recipes)
• Meal planning and creating a grocery list
• Grocery shopping independently or with minimal support
• Deep-cleaning rooms (dusting, vacuuming, organizing)
• Doing their own laundry from start to finish
• Basic home maintenance (changing lightbulbs, unclogging drains)
• Managing personal belongings and avoiding clutter

Money Skills (Ages 14–17)

• Opening and managing a checking or savings account
• Using a debit card responsibly
• Understanding paychecks, taxes, and deductions
• Creating and sticking to a monthly budget
• Paying bills (or understanding how bills get paid)
• Recognizing financial scams and predatory lending
• Understanding credit and debt

Teaching money management to teens with disabilities can feel daunting, but it's one of the most impactful gifts you can give. For a comprehensive breakdown of what to teach, read our guide on 29 Financial Literacy Topics to Teach Your Students.

Social Skills (Ages 14–17)

• Navigating romantic relationships and understanding healthy vs. unhealthy dynamics
• Setting personal boundaries and respecting others' boundaries
• Handling rejection or disappointment gracefully
• Understanding workplace etiquette and professionalism
• Resolving conflicts through communication rather than avoidance
• Advocating for their own needs in educational, medical, or social settings

The transition to adulthood requires explicit instruction in workplace and community skills. The Transitions Complete curriculum walks teens through everything from job applications to apartment hunting to managing transportation—skills that are often overlooked in traditional education.

Safety Skills (Ages 14–17)

• Understanding consent in dating and intimate relationships
• Recognizing warning signs of abuse or exploitation
• Staying safe while using public transportation
• Knowing how to exit dangerous situations (parties, peer pressure, coercion)
• Basic car maintenance (if driving) or understanding ride-share safety
• Managing personal information and digital privacy

Ages 18–21: Launching Into Independence

The transition to adulthood doesn't happen overnight. For many young adults—especially those with developmental disabilities—ages 18 to 21 are a time of continued learning, refinement, and skill-building. The goal isn't perfection; it's competence and confidence.

Self-Care Skills (Ages 18–21)

• Scheduling and attending medical appointments independently
• Managing medications without reminders
• Understanding health insurance and how to use it
• Seeking mental health support when needed
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, sleep)

Home Skills (Ages 18–21)

• Living independently or with minimal support
• Meal planning for a week and shopping within a budget
• Maintaining a clean, organized living space
• Managing household bills and utilities
• Handling minor repairs or knowing when to call for help
• Understanding lease agreements or rental responsibilities

Money Skills (Ages 18–21)

• Managing a full household budget
• Paying rent and utilities on time
• Filing taxes (or working with a preparer)
• Understanding student loans, car loans, or other debt
• Building credit responsibly
• Planning for long-term financial goals (emergency fund, retirement)

Social Skills (Ages 18–21)

• Maintaining healthy adult relationships
• Navigating workplace dynamics and office politics
• Building a professional network
• Recognizing and addressing discrimination or harassment
• Managing friendships across distance or life changes

Safety Skills (Ages 18–21)

• Recognizing and avoiding financial scams
• Understanding personal safety in dating or social situations
• Knowing their legal rights (housing, employment, healthcare)
• Managing risk in new environments (travel, new cities, unfamiliar social settings)
• Creating a personal safety plan for emergencies

For a deeper look at the skills young adults need as they leave home, check out our post on 28 Life Skills Students Need for College.

How to Use the Life Skills Checklist at Home

A checklist is only useful if you actually use it. Here are some practical strategies for integrating this framework into your daily life:

1. Start With an Honest Assessment

Go through the checklist and mark which skills your child has already mastered. This helps you celebrate progress and identify gaps. Don't be discouraged if your 15-year-old hasn't mastered skills listed for 11-year-olds—every child's timeline is different.

2. Choose One or Two Skills to Focus On

Don't try to teach everything at once. Pick one self-care skill and one home skill, for example, and work on those consistently for a month. Once they're solid, move on to the next.

3. Break Skills Into Smaller Steps

If "making a sandwich" feels too big, break it down: getting the bread out, spreading the condiment, adding toppings, cutting the sandwich. Teach one step at a time, then chain them together.

4. Use Visual Supports

Photos, checklists, videos, or visual schedules help children—especially those with autism or ADHD—remember steps in a sequence. Laminate your checklists or hang them in the relevant location (bathroom mirror, laundry room, kitchen).

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

Life skills require repetition. Your child may need to fold laundry 50 times before they can do it without help. That's normal. Be patient, and remember that independence is built through consistent practice.

6. Track Progress and Celebrate Wins

Keep a binder or digital file with your checklists. Date each skill as your child masters it. Celebrate small victories—these incremental achievements add up to real independence over time.

Independence isn't about doing everything perfectly. It's about knowing what you can do, asking for help when you need it, and trying again when things don't go as planned.

Adapting the Checklist for Children With Disabilities

If your child has autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, or learning differences, you may need to modify the checklist. Here's how:

• Adjust the age range: It's okay if your 14-year-old is working on skills listed for ages 8–10. Meet your child where they are.
• Simplify complex tasks: Some skills may need to be broken into smaller, more manageable sub-skills.
• Use assistive technology: Timers, apps, visual schedules, and voice reminders can scaffold independence.
• Focus on functional skills first: Prioritize the skills your child will need in their specific environment—home, school, work, or community.
• Work with your child's strengths: If your child loves music, use songs to teach routines. If they're visual learners, rely on pictures and videos.

For guidance on incorporating your child's strengths into their learning plan, read our post on How to Incorporate Student Strengths in IEPs.

Recommended Resources for Teaching Life Skills at Home

Teaching life skills doesn't have to be overwhelming. There are high-quality curricula designed specifically for parents teaching at home—especially those homeschooling children with special needs.

Stanfield Home: Comprehensive Life Skills Curriculum

If you're looking for structured lessons across all the categories in this checklist, Stanfield Home offers a full library of life skills curricula in one monthly subscription. For $9.99/month (with a 30-day free trial), you get access to lessons on personal safety, social boundaries, hygiene, money management, job readiness, and more—designed specifically for learners with disabilities. You can teach up to three children with one subscription, and every lesson includes discussion prompts, activities, and visual supports.

Centers for Disease Control: Developmental Milestones

The CDC's Developmental Milestones tracker provides research-based guidance on what children typically accomplish at each age. While the focus is on early childhood, it's a helpful reference for understanding developmental sequences.

National Center on Disability and Journalism: Person-First Language

As you teach your child self-advocacy and identity, language matters. The NCDJ Style Guide offers guidance on respectful, empowering ways to talk about disability—both with your child and in community settings.

Download Your Free Life Skills Checklist

Ready to start tracking your child's progress? Download the free printable checklist now. Print it, laminate it, hang it on the fridge—whatever helps you stay organized and intentional about teaching independence.

Remember: this checklist is a tool, not a test. Your child's timeline is their own. What matters is that you're teaching them the skills they'll need to live as independently as possible—and that you're celebrating every step forward, no matter how small.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should I start teaching life skills to my child?

You can start teaching life skills as early as age 2 or 3 with simple tasks like putting toys away or washing hands. By age 5, most children are ready to begin learning basic self-care, safety, and home routines. The key is to start small, be consistent, and build on each skill as your child shows readiness.

What if my child has a developmental disability and can't do skills listed for their age?

That's completely normal. Use the checklist as a guide, not a strict timeline. Focus on your child's current developmental level rather than their chronological age. Break skills into smaller steps, use visual supports, and celebrate incremental progress. Every child learns at their own pace, and the goal is functional independence—not meeting arbitrary age benchmarks.

How do I teach life skills if my child resists or refuses to try?

Resistance is common, especially with children who have anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or executive function challenges. Try these strategies: start with skills your child is already interested in, break tasks into very small steps, offer choices ("Do you want to fold towels or match socks?"), use timers to create clear endpoints, and always celebrate effort—not just success. If resistance persists, consider whether sensory or emotional factors are at play and address those first.

Should I use a life skills checklist for IEP planning?

Yes. A life skills checklist can be an excellent tool for identifying IEP goals, tracking progress, and communicating with your child's support team. Many transition IEPs (starting at age 14 or earlier) focus specifically on independent living skills, vocational readiness, and community participation—all of which are covered in a comprehensive life skills checklist.

Where can I find a free printable life skills checklist?

You can download the free printable checklist directly from this page. It covers ages 5–21 across five core categories: self-care, home skills, money management, social skills, and personal safety. Print it out and use it as a teaching roadmap or progress tracker.