6 Skills Every Mom Should Pass on to Her Daughter
In 2007, Popular Mechanics released a magazine article titled “25 Things Every Man Should Know.” Esquire, the longtime leading men’s magazine, no doubt feeling their turf had been infringed upon, countered with the 75th anniversary edition feature “75 Skills Every Man Should Master.” Thanks to all this list making and chest thumping, men around the world sought to collect skills like scoring a baseball game, swimming three different strokes and calculating square footage. They then passed the knowledge down to their sons.
However, what about those skills every mom should teach her daughter to master? Mastering skills in cultural and social activities is something every empowered, career-oriented woman should know how to do, and moms can prepare their daughters with these easy lessons.
1. Learn how to budget money and balance a checkbook.
Whether or not she has a man in her life, controlling her own finances is a must-have skill. Understanding how to budget, pay bills, save and balance a checkbook are all things that create a stronger sense of independence. Bonus points if you teach her how to invest her money.
2. Learn how to cook.
Maybe you don’t like to cook. Fine. Maybe you’re lucky enough have a husband who thinks he’s Jamie Oliver. That’s awesome. However, you do need to pass on the cooking basics to your daughter and master one signature dish. Make sure it’s something memorable and fancy — a dish that will impress the guests. In fact, why not perfect something out of Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking?”
3. Stock up on affordable items.
How many times have you bought your daughter a fancy pair of sunglasses only to find out she’s lost them? How many times have you purchased a costly pair of shoes for her only to see them ruined by the rain? Instead of teaching her to buy expensive items, show her how to buy several affordable items at once. When she hops on the computer and orders two or three pairs of shoes online for a fraction of the price, she wont be as heartbroken when she steps in a puddle trying to flag a taxi cab after a night on the town.
4. Learn how to change a flat tire.
This is the one practical automotive skill every woman should have. It doesn’t matter if you never teach your daughter how to do any other type of car maintenance like changing the oil, the spark plugs, etc., as long as you show her how to change a flat without calling AAA, you’re better equipping her to face the world than any of those young women learning “The Art of Conversation” at a finishing school.
5. Learn a dance.
Sooner or later, at a wedding, party or some type of corporate get together, she’s going to have to choose between dancing or standing around like a wallflower. It doesn’t matter if you know how to fox trot, charleston, salsa or know some ballroom moves, teaching her dancing skills projects class and confidence. Still, it’s best to stick to traditional types of dances, so avoid embarrassing yourself with the macarena or by going gangum style.
6. Have a conversation about sports.
OK, so the art of conversation is still important. Even if you abhor all things sport related, it’s good to know the stats about one type of game. Why? It’s an icebreaker when talking to the opposite sex. If he loves sports, nothing impresses a man more than a woman who can rattle off a pitcher’s E.R.A. Bonus points if you teach her how to play a sport.
