Teaching Basic Life Skills: A Necessity, Not an Option
Raising children is more than just providing food, clothing, and shelter. It’s imperative that we equip them with essential life skills that will serve them well into adulthood. In a world where many young people enter adulthood unprepared for basic responsibilities, the consequences can be dire—both personally and professionally.
I grew up a latchkey child with an eleven-year gap between myself and my siblings. That meant I was responsible for cooking, cleaning, and even doing everyone’s laundry. I’d pack up garbage bags full of clothes, haul them to the laundromat, spend the day washing, and then return home to iron them. While exhausting at the time, these responsibilities instilled in me a sense of self-sufficiency that has shaped my life.
As I got older, I realized just how impactful these basic life skills can be. In my years of incarceration, maintaining cleanliness wasn’t just a matter of personal preference—it was about survival. Living in close quarters with others demands cleanliness, and I’ve seen grown men beaten up over something as simple as neglecting personal hygiene. Outside of prison, an individual’s cleanliness and domestic habits can also make or break relationships. Whether in friendships, romantic partnerships, or professional settings, people naturally gravitate toward those who can take care of themselves and their surroundings.
Unfortunately, studies show that many young adults today lack these fundamental skills. A 2023 survey by YouGov found that 52% of millennials and Gen Zers struggle with basic home maintenance, while 27% don’t know how to do laundry properly. Employers also report that many young workers lack time management, problem-solving, and communication skills—abilities often developed through routine household responsibilities.
That’s why I prioritize teaching my children these skills early. In my household, my children must make their beds each morning, maintain a tidy room, and take turns cleaning one of the bathrooms. As a chef, I also ensure they’re involved in the kitchen. My oldest son, Morocco, wanted to learn how to make pasta with meat sauce; my youngest son was eager to cook meat pie with mashed potatoes; and my daughter took an interest in making mac and cheese—all vegan, of course. These are more than just recipes; they are building blocks of independence.
Some parents believe that simply providing for their children is enough, but that’s a dangerous misconception. Even prison institutions provide food, clothing, and shelter. What truly prepares a child for life is teaching them self-reliance, responsibility, and the ability to navigate the real world. Because at the end of the day, no one wants to raise an adult who doesn’t know how to take care of themselves.
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