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Random Quote: You have to be smarter than the equipment you use.
Hi all - I'm putting together a list of 'useful life skills' for my kids - all the things that everyone should be able to do. I was looking through some of my older books, and was once again inspired by a quote from Robert Heinlein that's been a favorite since I was a teen:
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects."
The basics seem to be things like cook a good meal, keep your clothes ready to use, basic construction/mechanical/repair skills, first aid, drive a stick shift, manage money, balance a checkbook, sharpen a knife, make a fire, change a tire, all the 'Boy Scout' kinds of things, plus modern ones like fix a balky computer, etc.
Then there's all the boat-related stuff - splice a line, tie knots, choose a safe anchorage, read radar, etc. - all good stuff, some a bit specialized for a 'general skills' list.
I'd really have to sit down and think about coming up with a comprehensive list, but this would be a start.................
- Defend those which can not defend themself.
- Do not violate against those who can not defend against ones own might.
- Be smart enough to know when to just walk away regardless of the implied cost.
- Care for and respect others will return self respect.
- Respect the things one owns and things others own.
- Learn etiquette.
- Tidiness carries dignity.
- Modesty is honey, not vinegar.
- Learn the value of compromise.
- Learn how to work hard for what one wants or needs.
- Learn and understand the value of: doing things the short way generally ends up being the long way, or, doing things the long way generally ends up being the short way.
- Learning the value of: cheap is expensive.
- Learn how to provide, shelter and feed one self
- Learn how to work with others.
There's a camp in Arapahoe, NC on the Neuse River run by the YMCA, that some of ya'll may know of, called Camp Sea Gull. They specialize in sailing and motorboating. In their mess hall on a big sign in bold letters, they have it all summed up in two words: Character Counts.
- Learn and understand the value of: there is but two things a person can take to the grave.....their name and honor/ integrity.
- Learn the value of the family.
- Learn the mind set of: everyday offers the opportunity to learn something new - learn something regardless how small, just learn it and retain it........it is MONEY in the bank!
- Learn how to stand on one’s own two feet and not depend on others.
- Learn that one should only borrow a hand from a neighbor or a friend and not a tool or other item.
- Learn that is better to give than it is to receive.
Because, SG, if you can drive a stick shift - you can drive just about ANYTHING.
BTW - all of the above posts are really good - ya'll are SMART~!!
Teach your children how to be responsible inhabitants of this planet. Too often, we tend to treat the Earth like it's "disposable"........shame on us ~ Remember - recycle, reuse and renew ~
Teach them EVERYTHING that YOU KNOW and then teach 'em some more!! Cuz BELIEVE ME - the SCHOOLS AIN'T GONNA DO IT! Ohhhhh.....don't get me started this mornin' ~
You can't teach sexual orientation. Some of the God freaks think they can. Not defending the lifestyle, I just respect it. And it produces less kids - something this planet needs.
My suggestion, work at a McDonalds. You learn teamwork, basic business skills, organization, the value of a dollar, and "time to lean, time to clean!" Handy lessons for life. Helped me.
Teach them how to turn the TV dial to PBS and they will more or less learn everything they need to get by in life. And once it's there tell them to break the dial so they can't watch any of the other crap on tv.
Most schools try to teach children the basic life skills of Math, Reading, and Writing. Some parents support the schools efforts and some do not. The later or less involved parent numbers seems to be growing more than the involved parent, thus many more children are not achieving as they could or should. Schools, many have there own set of problems, but they do try to teach the basics and in most states it is mandatory testing which makes it happen.
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If you think Education is expensive, try ignorance.
29 NORTH ~ Don't EVEN GET ME STARTED on ANY of that subject matter ~
Readin', Writin' and 'Rithmatic are becoming moot points in the grand scheme of TAKS testing...
I'm to the point of seriously considering homeschooling after this year. My boys are in 4th and 7th and NOT getting anywhere NEAR the education that Daddy'O and I did so many years ago. BURNS MY ARSE!!! BUT - that's another story altogether.
I don't think that we really need to add any more. The simple fact that you brought this up means you have thought about your children and that you are doing all you can for them. They will grow up to make you proud.
Useful life skills?
Ohhhhh.....don't get me started this mornin' ~ 
