What "life skills" did you learn from your parents?

[Randi]

I am a big fan of the food network, and hgtv. It always amazes me that some adults haven't a clue on how to paint a wall, or even do some basic cooking.
What about sewing or mending? Or balancing a checkbook?

These are things I picked up from my parents and grandparents. Not necessarily formally taught, but I learned a lot just from watching how thay did things.

And my parents and grandparents all worked at full time jobs, so they were as busy as anyone else is today, but still did for themselves and I grew up thinking that I would also be doing those things.

Just wondering if anyone else learned that way.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

How to spend carefully. Also, how to live an ethical, moral life. My parents also did everything themselves and didn't hire much out, but it also meant living in a house that was never completed (always one more project...), so I haven't adopted all of their ways. We do hire certain things out, ie painting.

 

[susan1]

hi
don't moan just get on with it, and if you have a headache go for a walk in the fresh air rather than swallow pills and unless you are really incapacitated again just get on with it. also eat what is put in front of you or go without. we seem to have survived we are all ion our 60's without any ailments

 

[Caradana]

Independence, confidence, and the value of a clean, well-kept, clutter-free home. I'm intimidated by virtually no one, and my mother is a genius about fighting clutter.

 

[lyeag]

My father taught me about responsibility. No matter what, you do what is expected of you. He taught me how to cook, how to manage a checkbook, how to sew a button, how to change a tire, but most of all he taught me - I am responsible not only to myself, but also to my family. He also taught me an important phrase- Sometimes you have to let things roll off your back. Find good in everyone.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Laundry and ironing, basic cooking and cleaning. How to NOT go into debt (ie. credit cards), how to change a flat tire and change the oil in my car, how to camp without an RV, how to coupon shop, how to properly mow a lawn (go straight, then diagonal), how to use public transportation, and how to properly use and store a firearm. My parents taught me a lot of what to do, and what NOT to do in life.

 

[Steffi]

My mom taught me how to cook, bake, sew, & iron. And how to clean every surface til open-heart surgery could pretty much be performed in any room of the house.

 

[Talking Hands]

How to fire a rifle and all that is involved. To cook, do laundry, iron, clean house, mow the lawn, wire a lamp, build cabinets and put in a floor. To crochet and knit. Balance a check book.

 

[ilovepcot]

They both instilled good manners and proper etiquette. My mom's favorite saying to me as a young girl: "Young lady, good manners never go out of style." I *hated* hearing that and resented having to always do the *proper* thing, especially when my friends weren't made to do the same. Caused quite a bit of embarrassment at the time but I've noticed they (friends) sometimes struggle in social situations now and often ask for my advice.

 

[QT Pooh]

My parents taught me a lot of things - how to spend money wisely, to both enjoy life and live it responsibly, to be accountable for my actions and how to be respectful of others. They also taught me that I'll never know what I can or can't do until I try!

 

[chell]

Mine taught me how to take care of myself. My sister and I have talked about this several times lately and really we can't think of much we learned from our mother. She had to take care of me then when my step-brother came along I had to take care of him. One thing is for certain, we did not learn any people skills. Neither of us are good at socializing.

I had to learn to cook, clean, etc on my own when I was about 8 or 9. Sewing was one of those things I never did learn much about. Too bad because right now I really do need to make some curtains for my windows.

The other day my dad said something about wasn't that something we learned in Home Economics. I had to remind him that I was the one who choose to take wood shop instead. It was a fun class!

 

[klmall]

Even though I complained a great deal about learning some of those things as a girl I am thankful that I learned how to sew by hand and using a sewing machine. I don't sew anymore but I can mend, and hem and it really comes in handy for all those Boy Scout patches. My Mom also taught us to do our own laundry, clean our rooms and the kitchen, do basic cooking and find jobs.

My parents also taught all of us to be independent thinkers and to believe we could do anything and all five of us are successful adults. They didn't specifically teach us how to paint etc. but my Dad was always building our house around us as I grew up so I guess I learned some of the basic building stuff from him but the downside of this is that I expected my DH to have the same skills and he didn't! We hire out for almost every handyman job!

Most of all I value the time they spent with us and the exposure to the outdoors. I was kind of bookish and loved to read but we family-camped and traveled across most of the U.S. as a family. I learned to love the out-of-doors and camping and still camp to this day.

But we have it much harder conveying these same values and skills to our lovable, wonderful DS! Guess he know that being an only is worth milking for it's worth!!

 

[Tinkertude]

My Mama taught me by example how to be a devoted daughter ( she wrote her mom a letter weekly for years and years, She taught me how to be a loyal friend ( you should see her with her best friend of nearly 70 years, they are a riot ) She taught me how to be a faithful wife ( she and my Daddy were married 67 years at his death), she taught me how to be a loving Mother( I truly feel the love ), a Grandmother that her grandchildren adore because she makes an effort to praise and tell them how much they are loved And her advise on being a mother in law was " Keep your mouth shut and don't ask questions"

 

[MrsTink04]

How to be financially responsible.


When you meet someone, ask questions about them and really listen to their answers. You will greatly obtain their respect.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I learned to not do what they did.

 

[SeeDisney]

I grew up with very poor parents, free lunches at school, father being laid-off several times, free food baskets at Christmas and Thanksgiving, government cheese, the town municipal paying for our heating bills, always hearing the words in my household, "going broke" "can't afford it" "only for free" "no money" ----

Now, my DH is making a very comfortable salary and I live in a beatiful large house and IT'S INSIDE MY SOUL to save save money, use coupons, shop at garage sales, shop at Good Will and even take advantage of give-away for free items.

 

[KelNottAt]

My mom taught me how to plan balanced meals, basic sewing and crocheting, and how to properly clean the whole house. One other thing that I'm often glad I learned from her is how to make the most of my appearance. My mother is model-gorgeous and can really "wow" people when she gets all dressed up. A little of this rubbed off on me, even tho no one would ever call me gorgeous. (Prettier than average, maybe. But not gorgeous.) Thanks, Mom.

My dad taught me how to pay the bills and how to understand the human weaknesses that can lead to addictions (booze, gambling, slothdom). He didn't have those addictions (well, maybe a little gambling), but he definitely saw his fair share of them. He also taught me how not to embarrass myself on the golf course.

 

[HOGFAN]

If you can, do it yourself.

My dad could do anything around the house. DH could, but would rather pay big bucks than do anything himself. So I paint, put up shelves, etc. myself.
My folks were around during the Depression. They stressed the importance of saving money anyway you could. Its probably a good thing since DH has no fiscal sense at all.