We all want our kids to blossom into responsible,
independent, and fulfilled adults
Life skills should be easy for teens to learn and parents to teach
As a parent, guardian, caretaker, teacher, or anyone working
with youth, the fact that you’re here, seeking information to
support your teen, speaks volumes. It shows your dedication
and the genuine care you bring to their growth.
While it can be overwhelming at times, you’ve already taken a
significant step by showing up for the child you care so much
about, whether it’s yours or not!
The Roots of My Quest…
When I first entered the workforce after earning my degree in computer engineering, I quickly realized that mastering technical skills alone wasn’t enough to thrive in a corporate environment. That’s when I encountered the extensive training programs large companies offer to help employees succeed—commonly known as Soft Skills Training.
These programs covered essential areas like time management, effective communication, presentation skills, leadership, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence—skills I wished I’d learned much earlier. I couldn’t help but wonder: why hadn’t anyone taught me these essentials before? Why wait until I was in the professional world, navigating complex challenges and trying to prove myself all at once?
Thinking back to my college years, I remember having to learn budgeting, cooking, laundry, and countless other responsibilities on my own, figuring things out the hard way after leaving home.
Now, as a mother, I’m determined to be proactive. I want to equip my teen with the life skills I wish I’d had, so her transition into adulthood is smoother and her path into the professional world more seamless and successful than my own.
A Guiding Star…
As parents, what might keep us awake at night?
I guess we all wonder—”What life skills does my teen need to thrive on their own, and how can I help them learn these skills?”
I’m assuming many of us experienced a lack of guidance in these areas when we were their age, relying instead on trial and error, which was challenging. Watching our kids go through the same hurdles can be nerve-wracking at best and terrifying at worst.
As a parent, I often feel I lack the resources to help my daughter gain the knowledge that could have accelerated my own journey to achieving adult goals with less stress and more confidence. Recognizing this gap, I decided to create the resources I wish I’d had as a teen, young adult, and parent—and to share them with the world.
This is when a new star was born: Maya Shine.
As both my brand and author name, Maya Shine’s projects transcend borders and cultures, aiming to ensure every teen has equal access to the knowledge they need to succeed in adulthood and shine bright like a diamond!
The Quest…
I’m on a quest to empower
teens and young adults with
the knowledge and skills they
need to become the heroes of
their stories—Would you like to
join me?
Just as every hero’s journey is different, the path your child takes will reflect their individual strengths, needs, and aspirations.
Since it truly takes a village to raise a child, it’s essential for parents, guardians, and other adults to be involved in this process. That’s why each of my projects offers research-backed, accessible, and practical tools to support not only teens and young adults but also their caregivers—all in one convenient place.
By getting involved, you’ll empower your child to chart their own path with confidence, giving you greater peace of mind.
Then join the Maya Shine Insiders, a community for NextGen parents!
A Bridge Builder and… a NextGen Parent!
I’ve always thought that if I weren’t a computer engineer, I’d be a civil engineer, spending my time building bridges to connect people!
As a passionate advocate for bridging the gap between the education system and real life, I believe in the power of a supportive community to empower the next generation—a community I call the NextGen Parents.
Times have changed, and education has shifted from an authoritarian style to a more supportive and inclusive approach. That’s why I believe future generations need us to be more than just caregivers. They need forward-thinking coaches, mentors, and leaders who lead by example, committed to nurturing a flourishing generation through dedication, support, and compassion. This approach ensures every child has the opportunity to blossom into a thriving adult.
Because leadership isn’t just for the boardroom; it starts at home!
Let’s join hands!
Together, we can make a big difference, one step at a time.
Guide your teen so they can confidently spread
their wings and explore new horizons.
My Values
Five core values are at the
heart of my work, guiding
everything I do:
Authenticity
Integrity
Creativity
Compassion
Excellence
If you’re planning to stick around, here’s a little
something about me…
Mulan.
I love her strength and determination. She stays true to her
convictions no matter the challenges she faces. I also admire her
ability to question herself, recognize her mistakes, and take action
to become a better version of herself.
The Hobbit.
I love the One Ring concept, which illustrates the instinctive
human thirst for power and how absolute power can corrupt. I
see this dynamic every day in the corporate world. That said, I
think Smaug is the most beautiful dragon in cinema history—he
looks so real!
Hard to say!
I listen to anything that sounds good to my ears, even if I don’t
understand the lyrics!
Traveling.
Exploring new places and cultures is one of my passions.
Hiking.
It brings me a profound sense of peace and clarity.
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by
Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Turquoise.
Vibrant yet calming, it reminds me of the beauty of the
Caribbean, one of the most stunning places on Earth.
Italian.
I can’t resist a pasta dish or a wood-fired pizza.
French pastry.
How could I live without it?
Vanilla.
I love desserts made with natural vanilla bean cream; the
flavor is simply sublime.
Praise for Actionable Life Skills for
Teens & Young Adults
4.8 Review from our book reader
“Maya Shine’s book is a valuable resource for any young adult navigating the complexities of modern life.
It’s a testament to her insightful understanding of the challenges faced by this age group and her ability to communicate solutions in an engaging manner. I eagerly anticipate reading more of her work in the future.”
— Literary Titan Gold Award
“Author Maya Shine covers a broad range of topics in this meticulously detailed guide.
This is an informative and motivational handbook, and it couldn’t be more relevant for today’s youth. Highly recommended.”
—Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal
Must-read guide for parents and teens
Actionable Life Skills for Young Adults, by author Maya Shine, shatters the myths surrounding the challenges of adulthood. The book guides you through real-life stories, practical milestones, and thought-provoking questions. It will help your teen embrace a holistic approach to personal and professional growth
—The Stay-at-Home-Mom Survival Guide
Outstanding Information
This book is an absolute masterpiece. I think every teen, young adult, and even adults in general would benefit from this book. I am thoroughly impressed and wish I could’ve had this book when I was a teen/young adult. You can tell there was heart and thought put into this book for the benefit of others. This book should be a mandatory read before leaving high school or college. Overall, I recommend this book to any parent. Knowledge is power and this book is full of it.
— Janelle B.
Dive into Adulthood with a Wink
As I embarked on the delightful journey through this book, I quickly realized it’s like a cheat sheet for life—without, of course, the forbidden insider knowledge. Offering a treasure trove of wisdom for the young and impressionable, this tome of insights does everything short of handing you a golden ticket to the existential Hogwarts of life. You’ll find yourself nodding along like a bobblehead on a bumpy road, all the while chuckling at the author’s charming penchant for real-life analogies.
The real star of the show here is the 5WH^2 method, which is about as close to wizardry as you can get in the realm of personal
development. One might wonder if this concoction was brewed in a cauldron, given its almost magical ability to dissect life’s greatest puzzles with no mention of “game changers” or anything that could make you suspect a digital ghostwriter.
Perhaps the most captivating aspect of this read is its style—imagine being gently lectured by your favorite high school teacher who knows just how to get through to you by sprinkling in relatable anecdotes and conversational wisdom. You might even feel a nudge to consult with the adult sages around you, just to check if they’re on the same wavelength.
If you’re treading water in the sea of early adult life, this guidebook-enhanced with its sprinkle of humor and candor—could very well be your lifesaver.”
—Captainron042
Empowering Young Adult Success
An invaluable resource that offers a roadmap to adulthood,
equipping young adults with essential skills not taught in
schools. Its practical advice, real-life examples, and
customizable approach genuinely resonate, making complex
topics like financial independence and personal growth
accessible and engaging. A must-have for teens and parents
alike, fostering independence and confidence for life’s
next steps.
—Puravida
A roadmap to self-discovery
This award-winning guide for teens and young adults offers
more than just basic life skills; it’s a roadmap to
self-discovery and personal growth. Through innovative
methods like the 5WH approach, readers are empowered to
explore their goals and aspirations with the guidance of
trusted adults. With its unique focus on nurturing the
spirit and acknowledging individual authenticity, this
book stands out as a valuable resource for navigating the
exciting adventure of adulthood.
—Shawni M
A comprehensive guide for any young adult
This is a GREAT guide for any young adult transitioning into
an adult. Covers topics such as knowing yourself, self-care,
getting a job, money management, whether or not you should buy a car, etc. It’s also an easy read, like a mentor who is just
a few steps ahead, giving really relevant advice.
A Very Useful Book
I’m so glad I found this book. I have an 18yr old daughter
who read this with me and we both gathered so much useful
information and feel confident we can implement the
practices laid out in this book. If you are a young
adult or the parent of a young adult, this is a must read.
—Amy D.
A comprehensive guide for transition into independence
What sets this book apart is its structured approach, based
on the innovative 5WH framework, guiding readers through
self-discovery and goal-setting. Through relatable anecdotes
and thought-provoking questions, readers are encouraged to
shatter the myths surrounding adulthood and embrace a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.
Whether you’re a parent seeking to equip your teen with
essential life skills or a young adult eager to embark
on the journey to independence, “Actionable Life Skills
for Young Adults” is an invaluable resource that empowers
readers to navigate the challenges of adulthood with
confidence and purpose.
—Sandra W.
Handy Guide
The book kicks off with a deep dive into self-awareness and
the importance of knowing yourself, which I found super
engaging. Shine’s background as a consultant and team leader
really shows through her clear, straightforward advice. The
section on self-care was particularly eye-opening,
especially the parts about meditation and mindfulness. I
never realized how much a good night’s sleep could affect
my overall well-being.
One thing that stands out is how Shine tackles the
subject of money. The chapters on budgeting,
managing credit cards, and understanding taxes are
incredibly detailed yet easy to understand. I usually
prefer reading fiction, but I was feeling adventurous
and decided to give this a try. I’m glad I did because
now I feel more prepared to handle my finances.
—Headslapper
Turn Your Teen’s Challenges
into Success Stories
Preparing the next generation of intrepid adventurers to
write their own glorious tales is no easy quest. But with the
right map, compass, and wisdom to guide them, your young
hero can forge their own legend in the annals of history.
Join the Maya Shine Insiders
Stay in the loop! Join the Maya Shine Insiders for the latest updates on new resources, upcoming book releases, and exclusive freebies.
Policy.*