Adulting: Teaching Life Skills the Fun Way

What is Adulting? (And Why Does Everyone Keep Talking About It?)

 We’ve all been there. You look at a pile of mail or a leaky kitchen faucet and wish a “real” grown-up would come handle it. That’s where this popular term comes into play. Essentially, What is Adulting? refers to the practice of tackling those mundane but vital tasks that keep life running smoothly. It’s about taking full responsibility for the “big kid” stuff like taxes, grocery shopping, or simply making a dentist appointment without your mom’s help. Since 2013, when the word started picking up steam on social media, it has become a helpful shorthand for the transition into true independence.

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For Millennials and Gen Z, this word isn’t just a funny meme. It’s a way to acknowledge that growing up is actually hard work. According to a 2023 study by the American Psychological Association, younger generations report significantly higher stress levels related to daily life decisions compared to older adults. By calling it adulting, we take some of the pressure off. We turn a scary chore into a small win. It’s just like earning a new badge for your sash. Every time you change your own oil or stick to a budget, you’re leveling up in the game of life. We want to help you see these tasks as simple steps toward a more organized and happy home.

The Origin of the Term

Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter turned everyday chores into relatable milestones for millions of users. In 2016, the Oxford Dictionaries even shortlisted the word for its Word of the Year list. This shift happened because many young people felt they were “performing” adult tasks rather than just being adults. Sometimes, we’re all just pretending we know how to fold a fitted sheet! It’s perfectly okay to find the humor in the struggle. Laughing at your first burnt dinner or a laundry mishap makes the transition to independence much easier for everyone in our community. We’re all learning together, one step at a time.

Adulting vs. Traditional Life Skills

You might wonder if this is just a fancy new name for “Home Economics.” In many ways, it’s exactly that. However, the modern concept adds a layer of emotional intelligence that old-fashioned classes often missed. We aren’t just teaching you how to sew a hem; we’re helping you manage the stress and decision fatigue that comes with a busy 21st-century schedule. Scouting has been leading the way in this area since 1912. The “Be Prepared” motto is the original guide for any adulting challenge you might face. It’s about having the right tools and a can-do attitude for every situation. Our Adulting Patch Program bridges the gap between old and new:

• Citizenship
• Job Skills
• Time Management
• Self Care
• Relationship Skills
• Household Skills
• Transportation Skills
• Financial Skills
• Caregiver Skills

Our mission is to make these tasks feel less like a burden and more like a fun project. When you have a clear set of instructions and a supportive troop behind you, nothing is too difficult to master.

It’s never too early to start teaching your girls about adulting. Each of our Adulting Patch Programs® includes two or more worksheets, one geared to older girls and one to younger girls, making it ideal for mixed-level troops.

Chores vs. Challenges: How to Gamify Responsibility

Let’s be honest; the word “chore” just sounds like a drag. It feels like a heavy weight because it usually is! When we tell a scout or a teen they have to do the dishes, it feels like a punishment for just being there. But when we flip the script and call it a “challenge,” the whole vibe changes. It’s a mental shift that turns a boring task into a quest. Adulting doesn’t have to be a series of “have-tos.” Instead, it can be a series of “wins.” We’ve seen that kids are 40% more likely to finish a task when it’s framed as a game rather than a boring command. Using a point system rewards consistency and really sparks that inner drive to get things done without being nagged.

Turning Life Skills into Troop Fun

Why not host a “Laundry Race” where teams compete to fold a basket of shirts neatly? You can also try a “Grocery Budget Challenge” where scouts “shop” for a family of four using a strict $65 limit and a stack of local circulars. Group learning makes these scary tasks feel totally manageable. When everyone is laughing and competing, the fear of doing it “wrong” just disappears into the background.

Since 1997, MakingFriends.com has supported troop leaders with practical, budget-friendly ideas that actually work. Our exclusive Patch Programs® are designed to save you hours of planning and make meeting prep a total breeze. We totally gets the “pro-mom” lifestyle and the busy schedule you’re managing every day. You’ve got everything you need to lead a session that your kids will talk about for years..

You’re doing an amazing job shaping these future leaders. We’re so proud to be part of your scouting journey and can’t wait to see what your troop achieves next!