Life Lessons I Wish They Taught Instead of Algebra

I am one of those people who could never grasp the concepts of algebra. They seemed to teach algebraic rules and then break them in the next lesson. It seemed so random and weird to me and I never did grasp it. I think the teacher gave me a “D” in the class only because I kept showing up.

Surprisingly, my life has been fine without algebra. I would have been much better off taking a “Life Lesson” class instead. No matter how focused parents are on their child’s education, there are always things that fall through the cracks. A class on those things would have been way more helpful to me.

I recently saw a list of things that every child should know. I was surprised at how many of them I had had to learn on my own.

Here’s my version of that list. How to:

Write a Letter.

Letters are lost things and that is so sad to me. There will come a time when your child will have to write one, perhaps in a professional situation. Making your children write thank-you notes for gifts received is a great way to start.

Address an Envelope.

I was surprised when one of my grandkids was confused about where to put the stamp, return address, etc.

Make a Phone Call.

Speaking clearly and getting to the point quickly can be taught. It’s also fun to show your child a rotary phone and see what they do with it. I may have done that a time or two!

Converse With an Elder.

When my son was little he used to go and sit with random older men wherever we went. It embarrassed his sisters, but it has served him well in life.

Sew on a Button.

Seems simple, doesn’t it? My daughter still brings things over for me to repair. There’s a pillow in my house right now that needs a button sewn on. Apparently, I failed at teaching that lesson.

Pump Gas.

There were still full-serve gas stations around when I got my first car and I used them way longer than I needed to just because I didn’t know how to pump gas.

Write a Check.

My son thinks I am nuts to still even have a checkbook. He does everything electronically. I do pay some bills using a check and it’s a good knowledge to have.

Clean the Bathroom, the Kitchen, Etc.

Have you ever gone into a room that your child or even your spouse has “cleaned” only to find dirt on the floor, a smudged mirror, and a ring around the tub? They need to learn what cleaning really entails or their first apartment will be a disaster.

Hang a Picture.

This includes how to hammer a nail, how to hang heavier things, and how to protect the drywall.

Simple Home Improvement Tasks.

If your child can clear a drain, stop a leak, or paint a wall, it will save them thousands of dollars in the long run.

Boil an egg.

As a teen, I once called my mom at work to ask how to boil an egg. She thought it was hilarious and told all her co-workers. They made egg jokes every time they saw me after that.

Plan a healthy meal.

My husband remembers making a meal once that consisted of mushroom soup and sauteed mushrooms. He didn’t understand the whole food group and different colors thing. He just knew he kind of liked mushrooms.

Budget.

Oh, my goodness, is this one ever important! I know so many adults who still don’t know how to do this. I was open with my kids about money issues and they learned early on that we pay bills and budget for food and gas FIRST. Only then do we even consider spending on extras.

Balance your Bank Account.

Checking your statements and making sure they match up are vital skills.

Feel for others (Empathy).

Okay, I could write pages on just this. EMPATHY IS TAUGHT! There are so many parents who aren’t teaching their kids how to think of others, and it shows!

Do Laundry.

I dated a frat guy in college and their laundry room was a nightmare. Before long, all their clothes were either dingy gray or light pink. Moms, teach your sons too! My son is so picky now that he won’t let ME do his laundry when he visits!

Draw Someone out in Conversation.

Have you ever been to a party where people are standing around awkwardly? A lot of us missed this communication lesson. Once learned though, it is easy to start a conversation by asking questions and follow-up questions.

Listen.

This goes with the lesson above. It seems listening is a lost art. I work with my ADHD grandson on this all the time. I have to remind him to keep eye contact and to stop thinking of what he wants to say next and instead to focus on what the speaker is saying. This will serve him well in life.

Apologize.

Have you ever received an apology that doesn’t feel like an apology? Apologies need to be genuine. They only involve the person saying they’re sorry. It is not the time to point fingers at the other person.

Set the table.

Apparently, I face the knives the wrong way when I set the table. I am left-handed and it just feels wrong to do it any other way. But setting a proper table is one of those lessons that can easily fall through the cracks.

Table manners.

So important! My daughters had a tall, handsome guy friend who had the most appalling table manners. He even chewed with his mouth open and they hated going to restaurants with him. He’s married now and I wonder if his wife has made any headway with teaching him manners.

Use a Fire-Extinguisher.

Can I just admit right now that I need this lesson? I once set a burning pot on the floor and my husband will never let me forget it. It seemed the thing to do at the time. Hey, we had ugly indoor/outdoor carpeting. It left a big black circle and I told hubby that I planned to do it often and create my own twister game. He was not amused.

Miscellaneous.

How about How To: check tire pressure, change your oil, do dishes, care for a pet, choose a thoughtful gift, iron a shirt, …

I think we can all agree that unless you’re planning for a career that actually uses it, algebra is a waste of time, energy, and stress! Let’s bring back Life Lesson classes instead. And if schools don’t listen, let’s just teach our kids and grandkids ourselves.

The world will be a better place for it.