20 Things I Want My Son To Know Before He Leaves Home

I was showing my youngest how to sort laundry, the colors, and the lights from the darks, and to be sure to check the collars of his dress shirts (he works at a clothing store) for stains,and I realized this was one of those items on my mental checklist of things I want him to know before he leaves home.

I got to wondering, "What other items are on that list?"

Here, in no particular order:

20 Things I Want My Son to Know Before He Leaves Home:

1. How to clean a toilet and other basic household chores.

2. How to manage a budget. It takes longer to earn money than to spend it.

3. How to care for a pet.

Rats, hamsters, fish, dogs -- we've had them all. And an abandoned litter of kittens for four days.

4. How to work at an entry-level job where you are answerable to an employer.

5. How to give of yourself, your time, your money and your belongings.

6. That thank-you notes are still important, whether handwritten or sent by email or Facebook.

If someone took time to give a gift or do something nice for you, you have time to write a note.

7. Travel outside the United States on a short-term mission trip.

Children's homes in Mexico and Bogota, AIDS' education in Uganda, working with street children in Mozambique and being on staff at a summer camp for orphans in Zambia are a few of the trips our children have taken.

8. The importance of voting at every election. Too many people in this country's history have fought for this right.

9. Forgiveness is powerful. Own your mistakes. Learn from them.

10. God created you with a unique design and purpose. Don't waste time trying to be someone else.

11. Eternity is real. People have eternal souls. Remember this. Let it prioritize your life.

12. Participate in a team sport in junior high or high school. Learn how to swim. Learn to ride a bike.

13. Never stop learning. Your grandmother taught herself to swim in her 60's so she could hang out at the pool with you. Your dad added a second career in his 50's. Be a lifelong learner.

14. You will be involved in music until you graduate from high school, so pick something and stick with it. Begging to quit lessons won't work, or forgetting your instrument or letting the dog eat your musical score. (The child this pertains to will remain unnamed.)

15. Make time for family, including extended family. There will always be something to try to steal this away.

16. Fun and adventure can be found anywhere. Life really is about enjoying the journey, not just reaching a destination. And yes, this might mean running an obstacle course in the mud or sharpie wars down the hallway or soda crackers thrown like ninja stars in the kitchen. (I still want to know who is going to repaint the ceiling?)

17. Pray before you eat. A heart of gratitude is worth cultivating.

18. And pray for help and wisdom. The God of the universe knows more than you do.

19. Learn how to make more than Ramen noodles and Hot Pockets. (I failed miserably on this point with several of my children, but at least they knew how to make chocolate chip cookies.)

20. Marry someone you love the way your dad and I love each other.

And one more: I am just a phone call away!

What are some of the things you want your kids to know before they leave home?