Basic Skills for Living

Growing up we were taught the basic skills we would need in order to take care of ourselves, and our families, when we became adults. It seems the generations that have followed are not as well prepared; parents have done too much for them.

We all want to take care of our children, but there are many times we coddle them. We are not doing them any favors if we don't ensure they are able to perform the basic skills needed to be successful adults.

With this in mind, I have come up with a list of things they need to know; there are many others that will come up along the way to adulthood.

•  Budgeting and saving: Start by giving them an allowance for doing chores and explaining the value of saving vs spending it all on impulse purchases. If they want something of greater value, and save at least half of their weekly allowance, in time they can afford something bigger. An added bonus - as they see their savings grow it may encourage them to save more rather than spend it.
•  Using a checkbook and keeping it balanced: Even though so much is done online today, everyone should know how to write checks and balance a bank statement. This is a good way to see where your money is going, and how to budget for regular monthly expenses.
• Meal planning: Making a weekly menu not only helps with meal preparation but can help you stay on budget. If you make your weekly shopping list from a menu, it can help reduce the number of things that are put in the cart on impulse.
• Cooking basic meals: Not everyone will end up being a gourmet cook and that's okay. However, we need to teach our children how to prepare a meal. Most of it is being able to read and follow instructions, and once mastered they will enjoy what has been created.
•  Doing laundry and cleaning: Although these are not difficult tasks, they do need to know how to do them properly. We don't want too much detergent in the washer, or bleach put in with colors, and the cleaning needs to be thorough. Plus, they need to contribute as a part of the family team.
•  Simple mending: Everyone should know how to sew on a button and hem a skirt or pair of pants.

Some day they will have to go out into the world and be productive, contributing members of society. It's our job as parents to ensure they can take care of themselves.

We can nurture and provide for children without making them dependent on us forever; it's called balance.