not this cute anymore!The other day, while thinking along these lines, I pulled out a notebook and listed a few practical skills I hope to teach my kids before they leave my home. These are a few items on that list:
- how to tie a tie
- how to sew on a button
- how to do their own laundry
- how to make bread
- car maintenance=changing oil, replacing a flat tire
- how to keep plants alive
- how to read a bus schedule/ride public transportation
- the secrets of barbecuing
- how to keep an organized bedroom (house)
- reading food labels, making nutritious choices
- writing a grocery list, comparing prices
- taking advantage of the library system
- how to prepare simple meals
Last night, after our FHE lesson, we each grabbed one of Daddy's neckties and learned out to tie a tie. Everyone enjoyed the activity.. even Luke who wasn't feeling himself. The boys practiced and practiced until they got it perfect. Simon mostly wore one around his head and ran around like a super hero. It was a challenge trying to get him to sit still for ONE picture-- a lesson I need to teach all of my boys, including my husband :)
It's a privilege being the mother of these little men.
What skill did you learn as a child that has served you well as an adult?
What do you wish your parents would have taught you before you left the nest?
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5 comments:
The one skill I learned as a child that I am endlessly grateful for now is knowing how to create a budget, save, and live within my means. My husband wasn't taught those skills by his parents and the difference between our financial philosophies is stark, and it's been hard at times- money has been a MAJOR point of debate and contention in our relationship. Even still, I am grateful that I learned those valuable skills. I shudder to think where we would be if neither of us had such training. He's coming around now, and we're working hard to gives our kids the leg up he didn't have.
Why are none of them wearing a shirt? :)
Love you, Jan. They already know how to do a lot of practical things that their mission companions, roommates, and wives will love.
Kevin
As usual...you continue to inspire me! As I was reading your list I was going...Hmmmmm....I have A LOT of things to teach my boys...including how to tie a tie!
First, great idea for FHE! Any of those skills could be incorporated into FHE, right? I'd love to teach tie tying to all my kids too, it's not just good for boys to know! :)
As Wendy mentioned, I'm also grateful my parents taught me about $, how to save, be frugal and stay within your means, while also paying tithing & yourself (savings). Oh, and laundry and baking.
I wish I would've had more time as a teen or that my mom could have taught me before I got to that very busy age how to: sew, cook actual meals, organize/sort through my junk and...BE ON TIME!! Those are all the things I still struggle with. oh yes, and tie a tie. :)
Money! How to budget, live on a budget etc. My children will have their own bank accounts and debit cards when they are 16.
Beth
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