We reached out to our readers and social-media followers asking what skills a (typically developing) kid should have under their belt by the time they’re 12. Well, you sure didn?t disappoint. The list is long, so don?t despair if your 12-year-old hasn?t mastered every skill yet?just make the remaining milestones their #BigKidGoals.
1. Cook for themselves. Domestic Goddess and mom of two, Nigella Lawson, had her kids practice and perfect one dish at a time until they had a repertoire of five to leave home with.
2. Do their own laundry.  This one isn?t just to help Mom and Dad, it provides kids a sense of autonomy and privacy following nighttime occurrences like menstrual leaks and wet dreams.
3. Use public transit. Practise with your kid so they know some basic routes and understand how to read a subway or bus route map, before going solo. Brainstorm what to do if they accidentally miss their stop or get on the wrong bus or train. And teach them to sit or stand as close to the driver as possible and to ask for help if they feel unsafe. 4. Get to and from school on their own.
5. Do a groceries run. And calculate the change they should be getting back from the cashier.
6. Have non-electronic fun.
7. Watch over a younger child for brief stints. (With or without an adult in the room.)
8. Maintain a calendar. By 12, your kid can keep track of their own social engagements, field trips, assignments, and loved ones? birthdays, thank you very much.
9. Display basic good manner...