These are either forgotten life skills or over looked because of new and improved technology, laziness, the relying on the government etc. We need to teach our kids these skills as life is no longer what it used to be 50 yrs ago. This is how we raise Independent, free thinking, know how to use their noodles’ Children!!! The ones who are smart enough to never trust the government, an the ones who will outlive everyone else!
NOTE: Not in order from most “emergency” to least.
#1 How to make fire starters for basically free. This is VERY easy and a really fun project. All you need is: Unscented wax, (old candles work perfect) Cardboard pieces, paper shreds, dryer lint, or twig pieces, and an old muffin tin. Melt the wax and gently pour over assembled burnable scrap pieces, let cool and solidate before using. These will burn long enough to catch the wood on fire (10-30 minutes)
#2 How to make a simple loaf of bread with 6 ingredients. This is one skill my kids not only LOVE but have mastered. Making bread is something we do weekly, but lately I have let them create their OWN loaf with a simple 6 ingredient and easy to understand and follow instructions. All you need is 1/2 cup water, 2 tsp instant yeast, 1-2 tbsp avocado oil or melted butter, pinch of salt, one egg and 1-2 cups flour. You want easy to knead a little sticky dough (but not TOO sticky) Add water, yeast and oil, let sit for 5 minutes, add salt, egg and flour, mix until all combined and knead for 1-2 minutes. Add to an oiled- glass bowl, cover & let rise for 15-20 minutes then pop down, knead again and let rise again for 15-20 minutes in a loaf pan. Set oven to 350 and bake until the top is golden brown. Take out an place bread directly on cooling rack. Enjoy with grass fed butter, homemade jam or some soup.
#3 How to do basic sewing, stitching, buttons, etc. It’s pretty easy to teach and master this one as well. My girls love stitching and putting pieces of fabric together. Not quite quilting but we’re slowly getting there. You can always start with those Animal shapes that you thread with a shoelace. It’s perfect hand eye coordination for toddlers. ://amzn.to/42CdlU5
#4 How to safely cook in the kitchen (pasta, eggs, bacon, etc.) Every child needs to learn basic cooking skills. It’s a part of life, its vital!! We start with easy stuff, toast, sandwiches, fruit and veggies plates. Then we assist with anything on the stove until around 7-8 when they can use the stove or oven safely. My oldest (9) can make breakfast (hashbrowns, eggs, sausage or bacon, pancakes, gut healing broths, teas, lattes, soups (yes for breakfast) and lunch start to finish. Dinner, we’re still assisting because I enjoy making dinner. But I let my kids help wash & cut produce or stir dinner.
#5 How to plant and grow food (either from food scraps or seeds) This is always a favorite. We take scraps of lettuce, green onions, cilantro, parsley and set in water until there are roots, then we plant them in soil. Sometimes they take, sometimes they don’t but it’s a good skill to know and teach your kids.
#6 How to care for animals, feed, water, milk, give medicine if needed, trim hooves or hair, bath, or check for illness. We are learning ourselves how to care for farm animals, and we teach as we go. It’s very fascinating learning about different animals and how they each get cared for differently. Did you know, Goats are outside dogs? They are so cuddly and LOVE to snuggle and jump on ANYTHING, they love going for walks, getting treats and roll around in the dirt.
#7 How to preserve food and zero waste, either canning, adding to the compost, scraps for farm animals or medicine. You can pretty much do ANYTHING with leftover food or scraps. Dehydrating, adding to the compost bins, giving to your chickens or goats and pigs. Canning foods is becoming very popular again, this almost lost life skill is a MUST to teach our children. I wish more people would realize this. We love making tomato sauce, canned fruit, meals in a jar (still working on this one). Did you know you can make your own apple cider vinegar with apple scraps, water and a little sugar? What about your OWN from scratch seasonings like ranch, or gravy. It’s important we learn and teach to make food from REAL foods and from scratch. Plus its FUN and so rewarding.
#8 How to use basic tools (hammer, knife, drill, saw, wrench etc.) Kids LOVE helping, especially with tools. My kids love using the drill, hammer and nails, shovels! We taught them how to build nesters, fences and different things around the home. They use knives in the kitchen or when opening animal feed.
#9 How to use a map. We live in a time where there is so much control and greed for power, the grid could go “down” at any time and we need to make sure ourselves and kids are prepared to travel without GPS. This is so important. Knowing how to read a compass properly is also important. Especially up in the mountains.
#10 How to shoot a gun, arrow or defend themselves with their own body strength. I always tell my girls if they are ever in a situation where they need to fight or get away, use your nails. Dig into the perpetrators face, that usually will encourage them to let go to defend their face. I tell them to go for the eyes. People freak out when they can’t see. I always carry pepper spray AND taser in my diaper bag/purse. And we are 2nd amendment right users. My kids will use a gun if necessary.
#11 How to clean, do laundry, reuse clothing. This is just common sense. My oldest can do her own laundry, my other kids know to fold and put away. It’s important kids understand the responsibility aspects of around the home. Everyone helps, because everyone lives there. This goes for dishes, mopping, bathrooms, yard work etc. In a bind, kids need to learn to wash laundry by hand. It’s a good skill to know. Plus clothes drying on the liner outside is just heaven.
#12 How to identify edible plants, berries etc. (wild growing dandelions are a great star because they are not contaminated with pesticides) This is a huge one because we love finding wild herbs for tinctures, salves, herbal teas and so much more. It’s so important that kids can identify plants and know their benefits and to avoid certain ones.
#13 How to make medicine for sickness (what herbs or plants to look for) Making medicine at home is easy. Here are a few things that are are the most powerful antibiotics you probably already have in your kitchen. Honey, garlic, onion, oregano, cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, cinnamon, pineapple… All of these can be used for colds, flu, heart disease, blood clots, headache, coughs, cuts, burns and so many more. Real food is medicine and we need to be teaching our children that. Real food keeps us healthy and balanced. This is how we teach and create children to LOVE food and to know the difference in processed foods.
#14 How to properly write a letter AND how to send a secret coded letter. Either for fun or to have a pen pal we enjoy writing letters to family members and friends. My oldest enjoys adding in a secret message in the letter. (who knows if we will need it in the real world haha;) better be prepared.
#15 How to barter (trade) with others, buy on a budget or get items for free. This is a great skill to achieve and be able to use when needed. Always look for free items that can be used for your garden or homestead. If you are able to trade your small business services for someone else’s, then by all means do it! This is how we stay connected, in business and relying on each other- NOT the government!
#16 Know how to dial 911 in an emergency (make sure child knows parents phone password for this) You never know when an emergency can happen. Especially on a farm/homestead. Children as young as 3 need to know HOW to be able to call for help.
#17 Knows full name, address, phone numbers, even grandparents name, number or address. Again in an emergency, your kids knowing your information is important. And of course to never just tell anyone their phone or address.
#18 How to count money and make change. Can’t live in this world without money. Unless you are 100% self sufficient off the land, you will still need money for something.
#19 In an emergency, know how to operate a vehicle (this is for 8yrs +) to get out of danger, move an animal, help around the farm. I learned how to drive a car around 9. It obviously helped while growing up with property in a very small town. If you have kids on a farm, shy should get a feel for driving around the property in case they NEED to for an emergency.
#20 Know how to measure, put in batteries, tie different kinds of knots, lock & key. Knowing all things handy comes in handy! ha Children who are taught life skills are able to live life to the fullest without the struggle of knowing how to do something as simple as tying a knot or know to measure.
#Happyhomeschooling
Hilary Broadbent 02/10/2024