Many of us fondly remember our parents teaching us how to sew on a button or bake a cake.
But these days, when it is easier to replace rather than repair things and technology has taken over many basic tasks, kids are failing to learn vital life skills.
Many youngsters do not know how to sew, write a letter or iron a shirt, according to research by Addis Housewares.
Parenting expert Anita Cleare says that “working parent guilt” often leads to people entertaining their kids rather than showing them how to do everyday chores.
She adds: “We have a little bit less of the make do and mend culture than we used to.
“Young are people not learning basic life skills and getting to an alarmingly old age without knowing simple things like basic cooking , or how to change the sheets on their bed.
“We are missing the opportunity to build relationships by just hanging out with our kids.”
Here, are the 20 most important life skills we should be passing on to our children...
- Make a meal. Shopping for ingredients, preparing food and cooking healthy meals are essential skills to have. By the age of 12, children should be able to make simple dishes such as pasta and omelettes.
- Bake a cak.e Baking is a great, cheap way for parents and kids to spend time together.
- Do the washing up. There will be no one around to clean up after them once they leave home, so they should learn how to do it properly now.
- Clean a room. It is very easy (especially if you are suffering from working parent’s guilt) to tidy up after your children, but that is not in their best interests. Teach them to dust, sweep and hoover – starting with their own bedrooms – and you will have more time for fun family things.
- Put on a duvet cover and change the bed sheets. One day your teenager will thank you for teaching them this one – as will their future partner...
- Use a washing machine. Modern washing machines are simple to use but learning how to sort clothes into different colours and fabrics is vital.
- Hang and fold clothes. No, teenagers, folding is not the same as scrunching, and your favourite top will not be dry by tomorrow if you don’t learn to hang it up properly.
- Iron a shirt/blouse Once you give them the basic safety rules, this skill will prove useful for ever, as looking smart when you need to is a real door-opener.
- Do simple DIY. Children should be taught how to fix basic things around the house, change a plug, hang a picture or put up shelves. Show them how to use tools safely (such as screwdrivers and hammers) and teach them key facts about electricity and water supplies.
- Repair a bicycle puncture. Even if they dream of owning a Ferrari when they are older, it is handy for them to know how to maintain a bicycle, just in case that plan does not pan out. And it could be handy if they use a bike to cut their transport costs.
- Do car maintenance. Knowing how to change a wheel and check the oil levels will help keep them safe and save them time and money. Teaching kids how to wash a car is also a fun activity and could become one of their regular chores to earn pocket money.
- Read a bank statement. If they really want that Ferrari, kids need some basic financial management skills to deal with their income and outgoings. Start with them totting up the pocket money they have saved.
- Sewing. We do not have the same culture of mending things as we used to. But while we may not need to darn socks any more, everyone will have to stitch on a button or turn up a hem at some stage.
- Writing letters. Children now communicate mostly by texts, social media and email, but the art of letter or card writing is still vital, both personally and professionally.
- How to wrap a present nicely. A well-chosen, well-wrapped present can help you go far in life (don’t forget, Mother’s Day is coming up).
- Make homemade ice lollies. This is as simple as it gets – some fruit juice, tap water and a freezer, and suddenly you are the most popular parent on the block.
- How to apply make-up. Many young girls love to play with their mum’s clothes and make-up when they are young. Once they are a little older, teaching your daughter about fashion and cosmetics can be a great bonding experience.
- Descaling a kettle. It might not be glamorous, but your offspring will be pleased you taught them how to do this when they are desperate for a scuzz-free cuppa and you are not there to do it for them.
- Identifying plants and flowers. If they are green-fingered, knowing when to plant seeds is invaluable and can be a great activity to do together. Even if they are not that keen, knowing basic gardening will stand kids in good stead.
- How to get stains out. From carpets to clothes, the chances of getting through life without having to get an annoying stain out of your favourite fabrics is zero. You just might have to show them what baking soda is first.
- For more tips from Anita, visit positiveparentingproject.co.uk