Millennials Lacking in Life Skills

Millennials are their increasing education but losing life skills. In this tech savvy world kindergarteners can show you how to change the ringtone on your smartphone but most do not know to say “thank you” when someone gives them a gift.

According to Forbes’ contributor Neil Howe’s article Millennials Struggle to Pass Life Skills 101, millennials lack knowledge on traditional skills such as cooking, face to face communication and automotive repair.

High school and graduation numbers are higher than past generations but Howe’s article makes you wonder if the increase in knowledge and technology in society is leading to loss of the core American way of life.

Instead of learning how to read a map or follow a compass they simply let a GPS do the work. But what happens if their phone battery is dead and they find themselves completely off course?

Instead of getting their hands dirty to charge a tire or check the oil in the car millennials are accustomed to constantly being able to reach someone to come handle the work for them. But as in the previous example what happens when your phone fails you? What do you do if you find yourself in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire?

Instead of learning how to properly and safely cook a meal at how they order take out or visit the “Made To Go counter” at the nearest grocery store. What happens when money is tighter or they start a family, leading to more financial responsibility? Will millennials be happy serving their family unhealthy, more expensive store versions of foods they could make at home using healthy ingredients that cost less per serving?

Millennials are given grammar training to write a professional and intriguing resume, but what about the face to face skills employers look for in an interview?

Education systems need to find a way to bridge the gap between “book smarts” and “street smarts”. Practical skills are necessary to maintain culture. By learning to do tasks that have individuals been completed for generations before you, you are  keeping traditions and higher expectations alive. If we lose the ability to work with our hands and create with our own minds and instead become solely reliant on technology how will we continue to advance as a species?

Read Howe’s Article Here: Millennials Struggle to Pass Life Skills 101