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We all know that it’s a good idea to be prepared for anything, but in reality, it is very easy to feel woefully unequipped to handle all the things life throws our way – especially as a parent. Sometimes being an adult is hard and while there are definitely times you need to get the plumbers in, there are other things you can do yourself. So what are the most useful life skills to have?
Cooking
Everyone enjoys a takeaway or a ready meal once in a while, but it’s essential to be able to make just a couple of meals for your family. All you need is a few nutritional dishes in your repertoire that you feel confident whipping up as the ability to cook a meal is a necessary life skill.
Sewing
When your child comes home with a button missing off their shirt or their trousers are too long, it makes sense to fix them quickly rather than going out and buying new. No one’s expecting you to be a skilled seamstress, making dresses out of the curtains, but it is handy to be able to fix things. Get some sewing tips online and have a practice; you never know when you might need this skill.
First Aid
As a parent, you have to be many things, and sometimes a doctor is one of them. You can pick up an essential first aid book or sign up to some CPR classes, and you’ll be able to come to any situation with a much cooler head.
Typing
While touchscreens are very commonplace now, typing is still a crucial skill to learn. Whether it’s for emails or letters or work in general, typing is now just as vital as learning to handwrite.
Driving
Many employers ask for a full, clean driving license, even if a job doesn’t need you to drive. Public transport can be so unreliable, so, by driving you’re more flexible, and there’s no need to worry about that rail strike at 8 am, plus you can ferry the kids around wherever they need to be.
Changing a tire
You will find it useful to understand essential car maintenance, even if it’s purely to keep you from getting ripped off at the repair shop. Brush up on the necessary car maintenance, so you feel comfortable when you’re behind the wheel and if something goes wrong.
Budgeting
Having the skills to budget and be financially responsible is vital in life. Whether you’re just starting to manage your finances yourself or you’re an experienced, money-saving guru, coupon-clipping expert, understanding your budget is the first step to achieving financial peace and security. It’s a skill you can learn from a very young age and one you should build on throughout your life.
So, what are you waiting for? You don’t have to master them all in one go but pick one to start with, and it could be your new hobby. When you feel confident with that one, then pick out your next, and this list could become your bucket list or things you can achieve in the next year or two.
