I'm sure everyone is in full swing of their first semester of the school year. Most of us have our lesson plans all laid out with hopes of a great accomplishments.
Just as we know that the book work is very important, let us not forget how important it is to teach our children the everyday skills they will need in life. Algebra is important, but so is knowing how to do basic auto repairs and meal preparations. We NEED to make time for these skills.
Last Saturday Olivia, Emma and I helped the Quilter's Guild at the Collinsville Quilt Walk. It was a great day, but as we were about to leave the car wouldn't start. We had already been having trouble with it and Jeff had shown Emma (13), how to tighten the terminal. I got out with her to oversee and as she tightened it the whole terminal came off! I knew this was not good. We had to call Jeff and Josh to come to our rescue. An hour and a half later they showed up with tools and a new battery. Jeff had to use a battery that was already at our house. It was a side mount instead of a top mount, so they had to make it work. They had to strip wires. I am so THANKFUL that Jeff knows how to do this stuff and that he has taught Joshua. It would have cost us so much more time and money if we had to have it towed and have a mechanic work on it.
This has not been our month for automobiles. Jeff has had to replace the brakes on my car. His truck is tore apart right now as he is working on the transmission. Because he is so cheap thrifty, he is desperately looking for a part to keep from having to buy a $700 kit. Joshua's truck has been giving him problems, he spent a week troubleshooting. One night he stayed outside tweaking it until midnight, when he FINALLY figured out the problem and fixed it. Again, this saved him a mechanic's bill. I am so thankful Jeff has taught him so much. There are times we do have to visit a mechanic's shop, but it is not often.
We are actively searching for and creating products that will help you teach your children some basic skills in auto repair. Be looking for updates. Until then, take every opportunity to have your children, especially your sons, learn these things. If their Dad has never been taught these skills then perhaps you could find someone in your church or a family member that can teach them.
Jeff learned most of his auto skills from his grandfather, just from being with him in the garage. He has also learned alot out of necessity and asking TONS of questions.
Don't be so academically educated that you can not do the necessary!