The essential DIY skills you NEED to teach your children now
How many Gen Zs – aged 18 to 27 – does it take to change a lightbulb? None, apparently. According to new research from Halfords, a quarter said they wouldn’t know how to change a ceiling lightbulb, one in five didn’t know what a spanner was and many claimed that going up a ladder was “too dangerous”.
How has this happened? Surely, in the lightbulb universe, everyone should know the difference between a bayonet and an Edison screw. Ditto calling a plumber to change the washer on a tap – rather like getting Gordon Ramsay round to boil your egg. It’s embarrassing and it’s expensive. As Good Housekeeping’s new homes columnist, I show readers how to boost their interiors skills - and I firmly believe that tackling simple jobs around the house are basic life skills and it’s our duty to pass these on to our children.
I’ve always liked tinkering. My favourite toy as a child was my cousin’s Meccano set – and my mother was a do-er. It wouldn’t have occurred to her to delegate the changing of a plug. It took too long. She preferred to get on with things.
Growing up in the 1970s gets a bad rep, but by the candlelight of the three-day week we got pretty practical – partly because 24-hour plumbers and electricians didn’t exist; partly because, for most people, money was tight.
Some of these skills were on the school curriculum (why were they dropped?). Others were picked up by watching your parents. None of us are above the basics of DIY. What use is your mastery of computer coding if you can’t wire a plug? And is there anyone left who hasn’t faced up to the shame of fast fashion? Don’t we all need to buy better and mend?
Money is tight, again… and professionals are time-pressed and expensive. So, do it yourself. Teach your children what they need to know – and in the absence of a handy family member, there are dozens of courses in practical skills across the UK and online. If you can’t pass on the skills yourself, gift your child a day in the classroom making a mess in overalls. Maybe it’s a group activity, the location of their next birthday party with a bunch of friends instead of paintballing. Who knew plumbing could be such a laugh?
If you’re tempted to jump right in and show them yourself, remember to be your own Health and Safety Officer. As any A+E doctor will tell you, most accidents happen in the home, so don’t be cavalier around dangerous stuff such as electrics. I’ll change a plug but leave the rest I’m not sure of to the professionals. And I’d balk at going up a ladder taller than me. But being able to achieve simple tasks speeds you through your day, saves you money and the dopamine hit from doing it yourself is addictive. Your children will thank you for it.
The essential DIY jobs you need to teach your kids now
Basic electrics. It goes without saying that we should ALL know how to change a lightbulb, identify key tools such as spanners and know the difference between a flathead and a Phillips screwdriver. But, beyond that, Gen Zs and millennials will really benefit from knowing how to change a light socket and wire a plug. This is important as it means you can fix anything faulty and change boring plastic light switches for something much more interesting. It will also save you a fortune on electrician fees.
In-person courses in basic electrics are run across the country, or thegoodlifecentre.co.uk offers an online basic electrics course.
Basic drill skills. Learning how to drill will empower your Gen Z to become confident when drilling into wood, brick and tile without the fear of damaging walls or hitting water or electricity. They’ll also be able to hang anything on any wall – curtains, hooks, blinds, pictures, shelves and even heavier objects such as TVs and cabinets.
As well as basic electrics, thegoodlifecentre.co.uk offers a Drills Skills course – online and at their London base.
Basic plumbing. This is very important as blockages in sinks and cold radiators could well be easily fixable without costly plumber fees. Everyone should be able to descale their appliances, balance the pressure in their boiler, unblock a sink or a loo (without chemicals) and bleed a radiator. For these basic skills, search YouTube – and look on craftcourses.com for classes nationwide.
Basic sewing. Not strictly DIY, but replacing a button neatly and stitching a hem are key life skills. Give your Gen Z a fully stocked sewing box and access to your machine; if your sewing skills are lacking, advise them to contact superprof.co.uk, who will locate a specialist teacher in their area to meet in person or online. I got six suggestions for at-home lessons in basic sewing from locally based teachers in my remote area of Cornwall.
For next steps, find inspiration in Mend!: A Refashioning Manual And Manifesto by Kate Sekules, a costume historian with a passion for refashioning.
Lastly…
In emergencies, my bible is the glossy hardbacked DIY: Know-how With Show-how, a fantastic reference book with step-by-step guides and clear images, now sadly only available secondhand. Alternatively, try the comprehensive Collins Complete DIY Manual.
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