Because I Want Them To Know How To...

Do you remember the days before Google, when we actually had to think about how and where to look for the information we needed? Me neither. Technology is wonderful. It actually brings the world to our fingertips. Part of me worries, however, about the things our children will never have to do and the things they will never have to learn. While I embrace all this amazing new technology, I also cling to certain parts of the past that I feel should not be lost. And that is why I want my kids to know...

How to look up names in a phone book.

Perhaps the day is near that these books will be obsolete, 

But I still think kids should know the basic skill of looking things up using alphabetical order.

Actually looking for information rather than having it magically appear increases the possibility of actual retention, don't you think?

I want them to know how to make and receive a phone call.

Maybe we won't be using phones as much as or in the same way as in the past, but I believe the basic principals of good manners should remain. Not to mention an engaging conversation is much more enjoyable than an impersonal text.

(Says the woman who dislikes speaking on the phone, but you get the idea.)

I want my children to know how to write a note and a thank you card.

With actual paper and pen.

I hope and pray this simple gesture isn't lost amid the fast paced world of texts, Facebook, and Instagram that dominates our world today.

It is so important to me that they realize how much people appreciate and enjoy an actual acknowledgement of a kind deed.

I fear in this age of instant gratification, young people lose the ability to appreciate things fully. 

The simple gesture of writing a thank you note ensures that my children appreciate the kindness of others.

And while we are at it, do they even teach this anymore?

This is a basic skill I found my children were lacking.

Maybe the day will come when all correspondence will be electronic, but until then, I want my children to know how to properly address an envelope. : )

I want my kids to know what it feels like to actually hold a book in their hands.

Ebooks are convenient, but nothing can replace the feeling of holding an actual book in your hands.

Of knowing that inside the cover, words arranged on pieces of well worn pages await you.

And an adventure is about to begin.

 I also want my children to know how to play.

Our world is filled with noise...fast paced electronic games with flashing lights and sounds.

Our children are surrounded with high tech phones, games systems, and computers. 

While all these are fun and engaging, something is missing.

The quiet thoughtfulness and pure enjoyment that sitting and playing a classic game brings to families.

I was shocked to learn a few years ago that my kids did not knowhow to play Checkers.

My friend Marian taught them to play.

And they loved it.

Alright, this may seem like a strange one.

I realized recently that my older kids did not know how to light a match.

Funny, right...coming from the woman with the obsession for Yankee candles.

Last fall I bought a few candles in a new store and they came along with a nice box of matches.

Apparently my older kids are quite adept with the Aim and Flame lighter, but had no clue how to light a match.

I think that may be an important skill.

Sometime.

Right?

And finally, this.

I want my children to know how to make homemade pasta sauce.

The kind that simmers on the stove all day long.

The kind my grandmother taught my father to make.

Because that is something that should never be lost.

So there you have it.

A few things I want my children to know.

A few things I hope are never totally lost.

What kinds of things would you add, my friends?

Please let me know. : )

(Pinterest for the photos.)