Our kids are the first generation to grow up in a world where the internet has always been around. Some even know how to use an iPhone before they can talk. They might look puzzled when we mention things like VCRs or typewriters.
This generation has amazing potential and can create and excel in areas that didn’t exist when we were kids. They might develop technology we can’t even imagine right now, like solar-powered cars and homes. They’ll probably never experience what it’s like to be lost without GPS or a smartphone.
Although these advancements are remarkable, there’s a downside to this “app generation.” Many are reaching adulthood without learning some basic life skills. These are things they can’t delegate to an app or learn through social media.
I wonder what my grandfather’s generation would think of today’s kids. If we compared a 19-year-old back then to a 19-year-old today, the past generation would likely excel in practical skills and academics, while today’s youth would shine in technology.
Even with technological benefits, it’s crucial not to let these essential skills disappear:
Cooking is one skill we’re doing less of now, particularly among teenagers and college students, who often lack the time, space, or skills. My grandparents always talked about how almost every meal was made at home. Eating out was rare, and it was less common to rely on schools for lunch. Back then, people were generally thinner and healthier. While many factors contribute to this, experts consistently warn that eating out is linked to obesity and other health issues.
Since we all eat multiple times a day, cooking is a useful skill to pass on to our kids, and they usually love learning it! After teaching my kids, they’ve become willing kitchen helpers who can make meals on their own.
Swimming might not be as practical in everyday life as cooking, but it’s a vital life-saving skill. Recreational swimming or swim teams are a fun way for kids to stay active, and even those who don’t love water should learn basic swimming skills for safety.
I recently saw a movie about a girl who was a shopaholic and deeply in debt because she misunderstood credit cards as free money rather than high-interest loans. Many adults don’t have a grip on their finances, and in the US, 38% have credit card debt averaging over $5,000. Teaching kids financial basics can help them avoid these issues in adulthood. Tools like Mint make it easy for kids to start managing finances and can prepare them to be financially responsible in the future.
First aid and CPR are invaluable skills. As a parent, knowing CPR offers peace of mind because children often encounter small injuries. Though CPR won’t benefit you directly, it could save someone else’s life one day. Many places offer free or affordable CPR and first aid classes.
Sadly, many children and young adults face abuse or assault, making self-defense skills important. Self-defense or martial arts classes provide numerous benefits beyond just protection.
Basic cleaning skills are often overlooked. From my college experience, cleanliness is not a priority for many students. By adulthood, everyone should maintain a clean and livable space. Teaching kids to clean helps keep their living areas tidy.
Experts say critical thinking abilities are declining. With constant information overload, it’s easy to just accept or reject it without critical thought. Teaching kids to question even “trusted” sources can prepare them to think independently.
Our tech-driven world offers the chance to learn almost any skill online. It once took a college degree to learn certain skills, but now, many can be learned online. Top universities offer free online classes, and many companies now hire based on skills rather than degrees.
Coding is a particularly valuable skill that can be easily learned online. We use Codecademy, which is user-friendly and interactive, to start kids learning coding languages.
Car maintenance might not be as relevant as cars become more computerized, but it’s still useful. Knowing how to change a tire or manage minor car issues can save both time and money.
I’m sure there are more skills that past generations mastered and saw as essential, but this list is a good start. What do you think? What other skills should we teach our kids?