In a world where technology has streamlined many aspects of daily life, Generation Z—those born between 1997 and 2012—are finding themselves ill-equipped for basic tasks like cooking, budgeting, and time management.

According to a recent New York Post article, young adults are increasingly turning to “Adulting 101” classes to bridge the gap in their practical knowledge, with many citing financial challenges as a key motivator: “A lot of stuff involves money,” as one Gen Z individual put it.

The phenomenon of “Adulting 101” courses has gained traction across the United States, driven by a generational shift in how life skills are acquired.

Unlike previous generations, who often learned tasks like sewing, car maintenance, or financial planning through family or school, Gen Z has grown up in an era of “helicopter parenting” and academic pressure.

This focus on academic achievement has left many young adults unprepared for the practical demands of independent living.

A researcher and psychologist interviewed by CBC Radio noted that Gen Z children had fewer opportunities to learn practical skills compared to older generations, contributing to a sense of “delayed adulthood.”

The New York Post highlights that these classes are popping up in various forms, from community workshops to university programs, addressing everything from financial literacy to basic household tasks.

For instance, the New York Public Library in Manhattan offers free programs aimed at Gen Z teens, covering topics like balancing school and life and building support systems.

These courses are not just about learning to change a tire or cook a meal; they aim to reduce stress and build resilience by equipping young adults with tools to navigate life’s challenges.

The struggle to “adult” stems from a combination of societal changes and educational gaps.

Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University, argues in her book iGen that Gen Z’s slower path to independence—often living with parents longer—means they take on fewer responsibilities like cooking or paying bills.

A 2015 U.S. Census Bureau report cited by CBS News revealed that 34% of Americans aged 18 to 34 still lived with a parent, up from 26% a decade earlier, limiting their exposure to real-world tasks.

Moreover, the decline of practical education, such as Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) classes, has exacerbated the issue.

Kansas State University’s Megan Katt noted that academic pressures have sidelined skills like problem-solving, leaving students feeling overwhelmed by life’s practical demands.

Social media’s dominance has also impacted Gen Z’s interpersonal skills, with a study from Hawaii Pacific University and Martin Methodist College finding that while Millennials and Gen Z excel in technology, they often lack “soft skills” like communication and empathy.

Adulting 101 classes vary widely but are tailored to address these gaps.

At institutions like the University of Waterloo, programs focus not only on practical skills but also on mental health and personal growth, helping students build resilience.

In Portland, Maine, the Adulting School offers courses on everything from sewing a button to navigating relationships, with online options making these skills accessible to a broader audience.

In California, Laguna Shores Recovery’s Adulting 101 classes emphasize domestic skills like laundry and menu planning, which help young adults maintain a household and reduce stress.

Meanwhile, private initiatives like Adulting.mx in Mexico target financial literacy, addressing the significant debt—averaging $5,000—that many young adults accumulate due to poor money management