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- Sep 1, 2009
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Gypsy|1355848737|3334658 said:TooPatient|1355841714|3334532 said:I've been thinking about this lately. My list includes:
use a washing machine & dryer
handwash clothing I don't think this is needed at all, I know how but have not handwashed a thing in the last 12 years or more
use a dishwasher
handwash dishes
plan balanced meals I don't think this is needed until after 18
cook a turkey dinner I don't think this is needed at all, and if it is... after 18 is fine
change a tire
check oil
read contracts
understand what credit is and how to use responsibly
budget
proper care of a cat or dog I don't think this is needed at all or can be learned upon acquiring a pet
basic world history
US history
basic geography (and important history of places)
proper handling of a handgun and rifle (since "friends" like to show off, knowing what is not safe to do is a needed skill. I've heard awful stories where someone died because no one in the room knew how to unload a gun or even recognize the danger of a poorly handled gun and get out of the situation.) I don't think this is needed at all, unless there is a gun in your home, the it is needed IMMEDIATELY upon acquiring the gun.
use a dictionary
identify reliable and unreliable information sources
write a resume
basic first aid
basic sewing I don't think this is needed at all
how to put out kitchen fires
basic algebra
basic chemistry I don't think this is needed at all
fluent in at least two languages I'd settle for "don't mangle the English language."
basic electricity (how wires should cross, how to deal with bare wires, etc)
edited to clarify one item
I gotta say it is really interesting to see everyone's lists! In my opinion: a lot of these can be learned in college, IMO. And quite a few of them: not at all. Different strokes.
I love seeing all of the different lists. I wonder how much these lists are influenced by the things we each knew that was useful or didn't know and wish we had -- probably a fair amount.
Cooking a turkey dinner seems like a good goal to reach by 18. In order to do so you have to have the ability to plan ahead, organize ingredients, manage time (everything has to be ready at the same time even if you prepare ahead and reheat certain stuff), and be capable of cooking main dishes, side dishes, and dessert. The exact same skills can be used to cook chickens, roasts, and pretty much anything else. By the time a kid moves out, they need to be able to prepare meals for themselves.
Same logic with planning balanced meals. This also helps them make good choices when away from home (like summer camp).
We do have guns in our home. I think it is useful even if people don't have guns at home. I remember more than one time when I was at someone else's home and it became an issue. As a kid, I was very uncomfortable but didn't know anything so I didn't feel like I could speak up and voice my discomfort.