Children today are pretty sophisticated, high tech, even worldly, but there's so much they can't do and don't have the need to do these days. We think that today's children are so smart. Actually they are no smarter than kids were 50 years ago. It's just that they know different things, and for some of us, what they know seems so difficult. Kids today grew up with the internet, iphones and all kinds of technological gadgets that we had to learn as adults. They know it because they grew up with up. We have a different set of skills, and our grandparents even different skills. Here are some of the things that our grandparents could do that our grandchildren cannot.
Write legibly. Everything today is done on a computer, so their typing skills are pretty good. But can they write? Not very well, and there is talk of dropping cursive writing from the curriculum altogether.
Memorizing phone numbers. Back in the day, I knew dozens of phone numbers, and Ron, who has a fantastic memory, never had a phone book and never forgot a number. Today with speed dial I don't even know anyone's number anymore. Our minds get lazy because we don't use this skill of memorization.
Basic auto repair, like changing a tire. Shop class has been dropped from the curriculum in most schools, and everyone seems to have AAA to help them out if they're in a bind. In the old days, you'd see kids tinkering with cars all the time. That's rare to see anymore.
Basic home maintenance. Years ago the man of the house would do basic repairs, like fix the toilet or sink. Most people today don't know how to fix even the most basic appliance, or even install something as simple as a ceiling fan. As time progressed and more women were head of household, they learned to do basic repairs, but this skill is pretty much lost now, as most people are so busy they don't have time to do it.
Read a map. Believe it or not, with the introduction of GPS, most young people today cannot read a map. They are so used to being spoon fed directions.
Tie multiple types of knots. In days gone by, people knew how to tie all kinds of knots, for various purposes. Unless someone is a Boy Scout today, I don't think many people know how to tie anything but a basic knot.
Sew. Years ago, everyone in the family knew how to sew, and probably knit and crochet too. Many families made their own clothing, but at the very least every boy and girl learn the basics of sewing. I taught my boys to sew on a button and mend a ripped seam, but I don't think many of their friends can do that.
Raise crops and livestock. Years ago, many Americans lived in rural areas and everyone raised crops and livestock. With the move to urban areas, this skill was lost. I am happy to say, with the focus on organics and fresh food, many people are returning to the earth. Many families feel it is important for children to know where their food comes from, and give them the experience of growing fruits and vegetables. Kids in 4-H are even raising livestock and learning about where meat comes from.
Delay gratification. This is one that I feel will have long term effects on children's ability to study, finish projects, and who knows what else. We all need instant gratification today, and we don't yet know what the long term effects of this will be.
There are so many other skills that our grandparents had that our grandchildren will never have. Our grandkids have different skills, but have lost some important ones. I will never forgot when I told a parent years ago that his son had not learned to tell time yet. His answer was, "Why does he have to be able to tell time? Clocks are all digital now!"
