Can you install a toilet, build a table, or even change a light switch? I think most can do these things, at least myself and my circle of friends I grew up with can. You see, we grew up taking things apart, taking parts from one thing and adding them to another. We played outside, built things, and learned how to cheat the alarm system so we could come and go without anyone knowing. We were not afraid to get our hands dirty. Nowadays, it seems that children are not learning these skills.

You see, with there being an app for everything, you can get your groceries, hire a plumber, order a pizza, and get an electrician to your house, all with a few taps. I, for one, don’t want my kids growing up thinking this is how you get things done. Don’t get me wrong, I love tech, but I also know how to take care of some things. I’m not, by any stretch of the imagination, a professional, but thanks to my parents and circle of friends, I don’t have to call an electrician to change a bad light switch. 

I was talking to a friend about this and how we didn’t want our kids to grow up not knowing these skills and how we actually learned them. That is where this idea came from, he made it so simple. When the kids are older and summer comes, send them to go work (even for free) under a carpenter, plumber, or electrician. All of these highly-skilled workers can use the help, and it will teach your child some great skills by spending a week or two with each one every summer. Even if it is just carrying around a 50-pound toolbox or spending a long day walking around with a weed eater, we did it, and we turned out fine.

So, send them out there to learn things and not sit inside all summer long, a little work never hurt anyone. I think you can even start them young, I’m doing it with my children. Any time I have to fix something, I say, “Come on, kids, let’s go learn things.” By the way, whoever can tell me the name of the TV star who always says, “Go learn things,” I will pick a winner for a prize. Text your answer to me at (225) 283-4888.

Now, get your kids out there and go learn things! It will pay off for the rest of their lives. ■