As millennials age in the modern world, they wish they had inherited certain skills from the generation that came before them—the Boomers. While millennials have grown up in a digital age, they often crave their predecessors’ practical wisdom and hands-on abilities.
From interpersonal communication to financial management, here are 15 skills millennials wish they had learned from Boomers.
Home Maintenance
Boomers have a knack for home repair and maintenance, tackling tasks from fixing leaky faucets to patching up drywall with ease. Millennials often rely on professionals for even the most straightforward repairs, wishing they had the DIY skills of their Boomer counterparts.
Basic Car Maintenance
Changing oil, replacing spark plugs, and rotating tires are second nature to Boomers, who excel in essential car maintenance. Millennials, however, often struggle with these tasks and rely heavily on mechanics for routine upkeep.
Financial Planning
Boomers prioritize saving for retirement, investing wisely, and living within their means, skills millennials wish they had learned from their elders. Facing student debt and economic uncertainty, millennials often wish for the financial planning education of the Boomer generation.
Gardening and Landscaping
Millennials living in urban environments or rental properties, wish they had the gardening knowledge of their Boomer counterparts. It’s easy to see boomers have green thumbs and can cultivate lush gardens and maintain beautiful landscapes.
Cooking from Scratch
While millennials are accustomed to takeout and frozen dinners, they wish they had inherited their Boomer predecessors’ culinary skills. Boomers had no choice but to grow up cooking from scratch, whipping delicious meals without relying on pre-packaged foods.
Handwritten Correspondence
Boomers appreciate the art of handwritten correspondence and understand the value of a thoughtful letter or thank-you card. Millennials, immersed in digital communication, wish they had learned the importance of handwritten notes from their Boomer counterparts.
Time Management
Millennials often must balance multiple commitments, family time, and leisure time. They wish they had inherited the time-management skills of their Boomer predecessors. Boomers excel at time management, balancing work, family, and leisure activities easily.
Conflict Resolution
Boomers have honed their conflict-resolution skills through years of navigating relationships and workplaces, especially in face-to-face interactions. They excel in communication and empathy. Many millennials lack these skills because of growing up behind a screen and using technology to communicate.
Sewing and Mending
When making things last in a disposable society, boomers possess valuable skills such as sewing and can easily repair clothing and household items. Millennials, who are often quick to discard damaged items, wish they had inherited the sewing prowess of their Boomer family members.
Woodworking and Carpentry
Modern society is surrounded by mass-produced goods and prefab houses, so much so that most places are “move-in-ready” furnished with various flooring styles and prebuilt furniture. Boomers weren’t so fortunate when purchasing houses and building their own.
Home Cooking Techniques
Boomers have mastered traditional cooking techniques, from canning fruits and vegetables to baking bread from scratch. Millennials rely on convenience foods, such as pre-made heat-and-eat meals and food delivery, whether boxed or from a local restaurant.
Outdoor Survival Skills
Growing up before widespread technology, Boomers possess outdoor survival skills like navigation, fire building, and foraging. On the other hand, millennials are accustomed to relying on GPS and smartphones, making learning these skills obsolete.
Etiquette and Manners
Boomers are well-versed in etiquette and manners, understanding the importance of politeness and respect in social interactions. They were brought up when respect for their elders was fundamental and face-to-face interactions were daily. Millennials, navigating a digital world, seem to either lack or disregard traditional social norms regarding etiquette and manners.
Handcrafts and DIY Projects
From knitting to woodworking, Boomers excel in handcrafts and DIY projects, finding joy in creating things with their own hands. Millennials are often disconnected from tangible creation because everything can be built online. They now lack the skills and presence to create something by hand, especially if it takes time.
Outdoor Recreation Skills
Boomers grew up “living” outdoors. From sun up to sun down, many Boomers spend much time outdoors rather than sitting on their couches. Due to this, Boomers have a wealth of outdoor recreation skills, from fishing and camping to gardening and hiking.
15 Things You Should Never Ever Share With Anyone
While sharing personal information has become increasingly common, it’s essential to recognize that not everything is meant to be shared with others. Some aspects of our…
15 Things You Should Never Ever Share With Anyone
15 Things So Expensive People Are Now Making Do Without
Today’s economy is harsh! The cost of living continues to soar, rendering once-commonplace items unaffordable luxuries for many. From everyday necessities to small indulgences, some simple…
15 Things So Expensive People Are Now Making Do Without
The 15 Hardest Parts of Growing Old That Everyone Refuses to Talk About
Growing old is a natural part of life, but it comes with its own set of challenges that aren’t always openly discussed. From physical ailments to…
The 15 Hardest Parts of Growing Old That Everyone Refuses to Talk About
15 Attractive Qualities That Make A Man Stand Out From The Others
Certain qualities distinguish exceptional men from those who seek recognition, success, and material possessions. Whether it’s their confidence, integrity, or empathy, these traits leave a lasting…
15 Attractive Qualities That Make A Man Stand Out From The Others
Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.