Building the Skills Adults Need for Life: A Guide for Practitioners

social worker with family

We all need a set of core life skills (or, adult capabilities) to manage work, family, and relationships successfully. These skills include planning, focus, self-control, awareness, and flexibility. No one is born with these skills, but we can all learn them over time. And, although it’s much easier to learn core life skills when you’ve had a strong foundation early in life, it’s also never too late. Brains continue to develop into our teen and adult years, which means adults can still learn and strengthen skills.

This guide for practitioners explains the science behind our core life skills, what affects their development, and how practitioners can help, including:

Adult capabilities handout thumbnail

Building the Skills Adults Need for Life

A Guide for Practitioners