Back to Basics: Gen Z and Life Skills

Hello, my Boomers and Beyond community! It’s your host, Antionette Blake, back with you with some food for thought from my latest episode of the Boomers and Beyond Podcast. In this episode, titled “Back to Basics,” we truly dig into an issue that’s been on my mind: equipping our Gen Z and millennial kids with the essential life skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

As a mother and someone who’s been navigating both the digital and real worlds, I’ve noticed how the basics sometimes get overshadowed by the digital age’s allure. I know firsthand how bright and tech-savvy our kids are—I see it in my own sons—but I’m urging us all to remember and teach the fundamental skills that are crucial for navigating life’s ups and downs. Simple tasks like changing a light bulb, sewing a button, or even understanding basic financial literacy are the compass points that can steer them right when life takes unexpected turns.

I previously addressed this topic on my blog and shared my thoughts on how vital it is for us, the Boomers and Beyond generation, to lovingly pass on these skills and wisdom. Our parents and grandparents did it for us, and it’s now our turn to step up and ensure our kids have the tools to be resourceful, resilient, and capable individuals.

So, what can we do? We start by sharing our experiences: financial literacy, home maintenance, cooking, car maintenance, online safety, and of course, plain old communication skills. Imagine the power of sitting down with your kids and showing them how to budget or fix a leaky faucet—priceless knowledge that empowers them to handle the highs and lows of the journey called life.

Let’s not forget, by teaching these skills, we’re not only preparing them for practical challenges but also creating memories and strengthening bonds with them. We have the wisdom, the patience, and the love; it’s time to put these into action.

I invite you, my dear readers and listeners, to share your own experiences and tips with our community. Leave a comment here or head over to the Boomers and Beyond Podcast, where we can keep this conversation going. Together, we can truly make a difference and empower our youth to be independent, responsible, and ready to face whatever comes their way.

Remember, the adventures of life are best navigated with love and skill, both online and off. So let’s rise to the challenge, embrace our journey, and, most importantly, empower the ones we love every step of the way.

Don’t forget to subscribe to both the podcast and the blog for more insights and inspiration. Share this with fellow boomers and beyond, because the journey is all the richer when traveled together.