Hank Williams Jr. had a song years ago called “A Country Boy can Survive”. There’s a lot of truth in that. Folks used to pass down things like canning, building, gardening, sewing and tuning up your car. I grew up learning things. I am afraid it’s all a lost art. I actually feel sorry for kids today. I’m always trying to re-enforce what my kids taught their kids. It may be useless but once you have the knowledge in your mind, it can’t be stolen. You own it for ever as long as you live and it may save you and folks you care about lives.
I agree.
We’ve been trying to pass on what we know, and now that the kids are married and homeowners, they are learning, but they’ll never quite have the depth of knowledge we do.
But to her credit, my youngest is giving it a go. She’s so determined to save money, she’s learning a LOT of useful practical skills to avoid having to call a plumber or electrician.
My kids refused to learn these skills when they were younger.
Now that they are in their 30’s they are coming back to us asking to be taught. So there is hope for some.
The loss of *basic* skills is going to be to our detriment.