A few weeks ago, my next door neighbour 'John' had a massive heart attack. He's now at home recovering from major heart surgery and is completely unable to do the basic things that are required when you live in the bush as we do- chopping firewood, mowing the large lawns, starting the generator to top up the solar system batteries in overcast weather, and so on.
His 19-year-old son 'Danny' still lives at home, and we assumed that Danny would be able to pick up the slack and support his father while he recuperates. But John admitted to us that he has always done these things himself. It was easier and quicker that way. Now he sorely regrets not teaching Danny the life skills for the way of life they've chosen, and is relying on my partner to show Danny the basics of operating a chain saw safely.
What life skills have you taught your children? Or, like John, have you always done everything yourself because it was quicker, safer, easier?