The first time my elder one was home from college it was an eyeopener for all. Everything was great and glorious and I was thrilled to bits. Except that there was something that got me riled every time I crossed her room.
The bag was full of minor repair jobs – a broken button, a stitch opening up or something equally silly.
Why couldn’t she do it herself?
So my task this last summer vacation was getting her to learn some basic survival skills.
A stitch in time saves nine
First we got her to learn (most reluctantly) how to put a thread in a needle. Then how to sew a button and put a few stitches here and there.
It’s a skill all the kids heading to college, away from home, must learn. Nothing gender-centric or lofty. Instead of rushing to the tailor and paying, they must know how to mend and sew. It’s faster and budget friendly.
Cook and feed yourself
Then came being able to cook and feed herself using basic ingredients. Nothing fancy but something edible and palatable for those days when she wanted to have something other than the cafeteria dishes.
No fuss, simple recipes were collected and practiced at home. From cleaning to chopping and then cleaning up after that.
I believe cooking is a major discussions in the classroom these days as they swap recipes and update each other on the outcome.
Finances
A fixed amount is given to her every month.
The first few months, we helped her manage the accounts. All those lessons on budgeting and economising were revised.
Now after a year she’s picked up the nuances. She plans her purchases, eating out, course work expenses, and manages her costs as per priority.
Proud to say she’s managed to save some amount too. My little brat has grown up.
Managing time and work
After spending years trying to get her to stick to a schedule or have some kind of timetable, it was a wonderful feeling watching her manage her time and work.
There were a few alarms set up on her phone for her various activities including waking up by herself well in time!!
Wow, life is the best teacher.
And I thought I was talking to the wall but she remembered all (well most) of the tips and had customised them to suit her.
Lesson learnt – keep teaching. They’re listening, watching and learning.
She was explaining time blocks and prioritising to the younger one and my heart did a jig.
Every parent loves their children. But loving them doesn’t mean doing everything for them to the extent that they feel helpless when on their own.
Survival is instinctive. But that instinct gets eroded with all the comforts at home. Teaching them a few basic skills shows that you love them enough to want to make their lives comfortable and them, independent.
Don’t forget to cultivate the thinking from the early years so it becomes a part of their personality.
I had to share my proud moments. It’s time for you to make yours. I guess my next step is preparing to deal with the empty nest syndrome.
