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<p>Maybe some did, but my kids filled out all of their own forms (I reviewed and signed where needed), and they kept track of their own deadlines. </p>
<p>Offering a keyboarding class does not mean all kids will know how to type. I can’t type with my eyes closed. I just look at the keyboard and check in every so often with the screen to make sure everything is how it should be. Never cared for the “proper” way. </p>
<p>My kids had keyboarding in elementary school (so it wasn’t just offered, it was something they all did).</p>
<p>Bump. Now that DCs have been home for fall break, confess here. </p>
<p>Post #15 - last sentence: we know!</p>
<p>(And @jym626)</p>
<p>Not after this break but one last year we learned we forgot to teach our son not to wash wool sweaters in warm water in the washing machine.</p>
<p>D didn’t know how to use an ATM. A friend had to show her.</p>
<p>^^That’s funny - I don’t think my DS would know how to write a check!</p>
<p>What to look for in a winter coat. DD was very close to ordering one from Delias! Fortunately, she phoned at the last minute.</p>
<p>I wanted to teach DDs how to knit; even bought some starter kits, but somehow their schedules were always so full. Crocheting - I had taken a few classes and could have learned, but again the time and priority. </p>
<p>In 7th grade, our school had a rotation of art, chorus, and shop for boys and home ec for girls; then in 8th grade you chose one to take all year (a few years later, gals could take shop and I guess guys could take home ec). In 8th grade, I took the home ec so we had a rotation in cooking and sewing. I learned enough to be able to refine my skills on my own in HS (also mother was a seamstress - had 3 year apprenticeship in Switzerland so she was very expert).</p>
<p>DDs did learn enough around the kitchen, and H has taught them some in the shop, with electronics.</p>
<p>Both have excellent computer skills - having started with keyboard and always had a ‘computer’ class through elementary school, then had a year in HS (required). I had a semester typing course which I took in 6 week summer class before 9th grade - which served me well.</p>
<p>When one of DDs complained that I didn’t teach her to sew, I said when she has the time, she can take the class at the fabric store…I have my sewing machine and also my mother’s - so each girl will get a sewing machine, if they ever learn to use…now they just ask me nicely to do any repair of garments, sew on buttons etc. We have some nice alternation people available - sometimes I have them do more major alterations than I care to do.</p>
<p>My kids did learn how to write thank you notes for birthday and Christmas gifts; first I would talk with them and write it for them, signing their name until they could at least draw something or help them print their name. I would not let them use the gift (or gift money) until the note was written. It is so easy for them now, after years of doing.</p>
<p>The good thing is DDs do ask for assistance - like when DD2 ‘forgot’ instructions on laundry (she does want her clothes looking great, unlike one poster who chooses not to sort laundry). She does watch on what I ‘line dry’ and I explain how the elastic in bras, or how things will not shrink if care is taken.</p>
<p>Some kids are ‘oblivious’ to any instruction - so hopefully they will have high earning careers so others can take care of ‘routine’ things. Maybe marry well 
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<p>One thing I’m seeing that kids were not taught: Snip the tacking stitches on your kick pleat/vent on your coat/skirt. Please. </p>
<p>How many young people have never heard of a slip?</p>
<p>My kids always wanted to wear shorts under a dress. Sometimes they actually do wear a slip now…</p>
<p>My D always wears shorts under skirts. She has a variety of colors, the bike shorts without padding, whatever they’re called. If she feels the fabric is sheer and the skirt is long enough she will add a slip. But even with a slip she always wears shorts. It just makes her feel much more comfortable if there’s no chance anyone will catch a glimpse of something they shouldn’t see.</p>
<p>My kids had this from uniform days and having shorts under their uniform skirt; then continued in HS. They also played volleyball; also using the white boxer style athletic shorts. </p>
<p>Boys of their generation w/o sisters may never know what a ‘slip’ is…</p>
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As a boy without sisters, I can vouch for that.</p>
<p>How to read a Sunday newspaper. In paper version. </p>
<p>Yes - our print paper only comes three times a week now (Sun, Wed, Fri). Daily electronic version. Total change in how I get news, as I am ‘adapting’.</p>
<p>At colleges, they have some Wall Street Journals and US News in print, and the school paper. However a lot is digital too, and most kids look to ignore the print versions. When DD comes home, she picks up the papers for me.</p>
<p>We bought a Sunday paper today for an obit in it. I’ll buy the NYT Sunday paper next and show DD how to manage it. There are techniques. Not that she’ll likely ever touch another newspaper again. Sigh. </p>
<p>P.S. Did just explain to her how the Sunday puzzle is the hardest and the Monday is the easiest. I worry about her cultural literacy. </p>
<p>FIL loves doing crossword puzzles, and DD1 enjoys them some too. </p>
<p>Now it is getting the news from radio, TV, MSN and USAToday online. So much pop culture and sound bites.</p>
<p>Is our cultural literacy and all literacy going down the tube?</p>
<p>S asked the other day where he could go to mail his absentee ballot. At home, outgoing mail goes in the home mailbox with the little flag up. He’s gotten mail at school (packages, mostly, I’m guessing, since his bank statements are still coming here) but never sent anything. Anyway, he didn’t have a clue about how/where to mail something. I suggested he ask the RA or at the front desk of the dorm or in the student center, or look for an outgoing box wherever he picks up his mail. Apparently he figured it out because he said he mailed them.</p>