School In Spain Teaches Boys How To Do Chores, And People Have Mixed Reactions
Everyone should pull their own weight, do their fair share of housework, and should know how to perform essential life skills. However, in some parts of the world, household chores are still seen as something that only women do, leaving some men unwilling or even unable to do them when needed.
A school in Vigo, Spain, called Colegio Montecastelo, is fighting for gender equality with a program that teaches boys and young men essential life skills, including cleaning, cooking, and even sewing. There’s never been a better time to learn Home Economics 101.
Some people thought this initiative was spot-on. Meanwhile, others thought that it actually enforced gender roles because it labeled certain activities as ‘manly’ or ‘womanly’ instead of seeing them as universally useful skills. Still others thought that these skills hould be taught at home, not at school. Let us know what you think of this initiative, dear Pandas, and share if you had similar programs at your schools.
Male students at a school in Spain are taking part in Home Economics lessons
Image credits: Colegio Montecastelo
They learn essential life skills: from ironing to cooking and more
Image credits: Colegio Montecastelo
Image credits: Colegio Montecastelo
The goal of the program is to fight for gender equality and to make boys more independent and able to help out at home
Image credits: Colegio Montecastelo
One of the things that the students learn is arranging flowers
Image credits: Colegio Montecastelo
Image credits: Colegio Montecastelo
Image credits: Colegio Montecastelo
Sewing, a must-have skill in life, is also part of the program
Image credits: Colegio Montecastelo
Image credits: Colegio Montecastelo
Those teaching the students include volunteers from the school administration, but some of the students’ dads are also pitching in.
Bored Panda spoke about the importance of sharing chores at home and being a team that supports one another with relationship expert Dan Bacon, founder of The Modern Man. Dan highlighted that it’s not unmanly to help out at home.
“If your gut instinct tells you that you should be chipping in more to help out with chores around the house, then do it. Do it from a place of love because you love the other person and don’t want them to be under additional stress during this time,” Dan explained about the importance of everyone pitching in with chores, especially during the pandemic when some people are still working from home.
“Additionally, if a woman notices that her man is helping out more than normal, she should use a loving approach and compliment him on it, rather than just taking his efforts for granted,” he said. “The reality is, that neither a man nor a woman has to do anything at all in a relationship. It’s all a choice.”
Relationship expert Dan said that when your actions come from a place of love, support, and respect, the relationship strengthens over time and you feel happier together. So chores should never be done with resentment and anger; instead, they should be part of how you support your partner and show them respect.
Let us know which chores you love and hate to do the most, dear Pandas. Personally, washing dishes is like meditation to me, but I absolutely loathe vacuuming and dusting.
Some people thought that these skills should be taught at home (not at school), while others said that these life skills have nothing to do with gender
This should be taught in schools no matter the gender (it's not taught in Greece, I don't know about other countries). Also, First Aid, Compassion, Anger Management, Common Sense.
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dude what else do you want teachers to teach how to use the bathroom😂, school is meant for school work,it's one thing to teach boys to do stuff to fight gender equality and one to teach literlly every single life skill to children.
Dude, school is for learning and getting educated; how is learning a life skill in school not learning? I was taught how to balance a checkbook when I was six in school. You can bet your fat ass that a lot of teachers would rather be teaching kids skills they'll use everyday rather than listening to kids read. My sister is a teacher and hates that kids don't know how to survive on their own with basic skills. Would you rather a single parent who works three jobs to provide a stable home for her family depend on a child who knows how to read or one who likes to read and can also cook for himself and sew a button on if needed. Seriously.
Scott Brynildsen +
There are children starting school or preschool at the ages of 4 and 5 that haven't been toilet trained. They arrive in nappies and yes the teachers have to potty train them too. #stupid_parents_UK
Hm....40 years ago, I learnedat school how to knit (and I am male)
I attended American public school in the 1980's. All students were required to take cooking, sewing, wood shop, and metal shop. I enjoyed them all and learned valuable skills.
I'm a tad older than you--Home Ec was mandatory for girls, who were not allowed to take 'male' subjects, while the boys had the option of Shop or study hall. ('60's)
Ditto! Went to school in the 80's, and even the girls took woodworking and metal shop as an elective. We had what was called Home Ec. classes, and I also learned at home, too. (My brothers taught me about cars and basic house repairs.)
lakitha tolbert easy
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I remember shop. Had I not been in honors classes, I'd probably be a cabinet maker now. -Rev Dr M, retired professor
Im a guy, and I want to learn to knit. My grandma's both did it, my mom no. so will have to teach myself.
Youtube can be quite helpful for this.
I'm shocked that this is a topic. I thought other European countries would teach this to both sexes.
At least Germany and Finland do. Even though I cannot speak for all German states, since federalism lets each one decide on their own.
Germany doesn't do this. Maybe in some states, but every state has a different education system.
Teaching this in the UK (to all) would make first years student dormitories less of a hellscape than they are now.
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They do. Didn't you bother reading the article? BOTH of them have to learn these things.
In my country (EU) we have gender based household lessons: Girls - sewing, cooking etc. Boys - woodworking, electronics etc.. However, every year we have few weeks exchange between these gender based classes, where boys are learning how to cook, fix holes in pants, make decorations and arrangements for home, etc.. Girls -basics of woodcrafting, working with small welders etc. In a lot of schools these lessons are open all year round for any genders if someone would like to learn something extracurricularly. From one particular middle school I know that a lot of boys are taking big pride attending extra classes for cooking and girls showing off their masterpieces from wood.
Which country is this?
i think that schools should definitely have a subject for at least 1-2 times a week where kids learn basic things like sewing, cooking, money management, fixing things, filling a car with oil, etc. and in the earlier grades (K-3) kids should be learning that more, because it's easier to learn when you're young and then practice at it until you're an adult. plus it's interactive & some kids could find it enjoyable.
I think money management and also how to do one's taxes would be a great idea.
Are Personal Finance Literacy classes really that rare? At my high school everyone had to take a semester of PFL and I thought it was just something every school did.
yes, i meant taxes under money management. all very important stuff!
It is nice to see a school Fostering solid life skills. I am currently teaching my son that a man knows how to clean and cook. I think it is demeaning to men when the women are expected to do these tasks.
As a male I only wish I had learned to cook, iron and sew (can't sew clothes, only minor repair work) earlier in life. It wasn't until I left for college that I learned to do these things. Sad society still frowns upon men doing these things in some cultures.
Bill Taylor Good response!
Bill Taylor ?
LanaRaven love
plvander good
LanaRaven yes
Did you feel frowned upon for taking the initiative and learning certain skills as you felt the need? There, there, Bill. There, there.
I support everything here except teaching about flower arrangements in school. Thats kinda silly/useless.
It'll look good on a CV if any of the students decide to apply for an after-school job (or even a post-school career!) at a florist's. Also, they'll know how to make lovely gifts for family members and potential romantic partners for the rest of their lives.
Whenever anyone buys me flowers they would die in no time around me if it weren’t for my bf knowing what to do. His mum taught him how to take care & also flower arrangement :) & I’m very grateful of that & also he’s good at icing a cake - another thing I’ve never tried
Spain has a long history of being a more "Machista" (male dominated). In places like this it makes sense that a class that places on boys learning this skills can help balance out the roles. I applaud this effort!
How did you form your opinion about Spain? Spain in the world’s top 10 for gender equality
That's a good point! I'd assume that the girls are already being taught these skills, and that the innovation is that they're being made compulsory for boys as well.
In The Netherlands every highscooler gets home ec and shop classes. Boys and girls (and other) alike. Everybody learns how to sew, to iron, the basics of cooking, how to use a power drill, to sand wood before painting etc
This is a good idea, house chores are not to be done by just women, but men as well, so men and women can help out around the house.
my son, who is now 40, was taught all this at home & later at school as well. i used to tell him there was no guarantee that he would end up w/someone or that someone would have these skills. home ec needs to be brought back to all school as it teaches important life skills & in some ways how to improvise when something is lacking.
I worked in a print shop for many years and was one of the only women on staff. One of our coworkers had a wife that would drop off treats for us to enjoy at the shop. One time she noticed that she had a flat tire in front of the shop. She was very pregnant at the time and could not change the tire so I did because I was the only one besides the pregnant woman who knew how.
I'm confused. Every one of these girls is doing the work and not complaining.
A lot of the tweets were saying that parents should be teaching this. That’s in an ideal world, but we don’t live in a perfect world, so until an educated, equal generation grows up, schools have to teach these things. When the kids who were taught this at school grow up and become parents, they will be able to teach their kids. It’s a cycle, but the cycle has to start somewhere, and obviously hasn’t started from parents yet so start from kids and schools. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk
Yes, this should be taught in school *and* at home. My single mom taught me how to cook, do laundry, sew, and change a tire. Gendered ignorance isn't fun... I saw the laundry disasters when I got to college and was shocked...
Most of those are basic life skills, and EVERYONE should be able to do them
And financial education for everyone! It's badly needed.
When I was growing up it was assumed you'd 'have a man' to do all of that--including household budgeting!
I went to a school that taught us everything, from learning how to button a button to sewing our own clothes. And it was all mixed-gender.
In the early 70s my ultra feminist mother showed up at my junior high, declared that *her* daughter would take ship classes with the boys, but no home ec, no cooking, sewing or so called feminine arts. Thus resulted in my learning to become an accomplished cook thirty five years later, and never mastering ironing anything. But I can set Linotype, make a paper towel holder, and use drafting skills. That said, 39 years ago I had a flat at 2:00 Amin the rain in a bad neighborhood. I changed the flat before aaa could get there...
Avriel Schwartz easy
Years ago I had a flat in a bad neighborhood. Within 5 minutes I had 5 guys out there changing it for me. (I couldn't lift it!) And I was properly grateful, too. They even untangled the jack and got the frozen nut loose to get it out, something I thought was impossible. (my parents had had the car for 11 years before me, and had never actually taken the tire *out*, just filled it where it lay...
This would have been incredibly helpful for my former roommate (24/M) who came to me not knowing how to cook, clean, do dishes, etc. When he left I legitimately thought I would have to replace the toilet, bathtub & sink in his bathroom. It looked like he hadn't cleaned ANYTHING in over 2 years. It was revolting.
This is nothing new. I did this back in the 70's in school.
slackjack what
In Japan, is usual in schools to learn how to cook
elia 84631 +
I did all this in the 70's in high school. Best thing we did.
I can't speak for the whole country, but in my experience w/5 children now 25 - 42 y/o, none of them had classes in school for any of this. The older two did learn economic life skills in school, but everything else was taught at home or out of necessity. It is difficult for working parents to find the time and situation. The schools here, esp the 'elite' public schools focus on test scores. Significant money is spent by the districts to provide the kids with test prep, special meals, massages, etc. When I was a kid/in school these things were normal classes (I had woodworking/shop, cooking, sewing, personal economics & accounting and had to learn other life skills because we didn't have enough $ to have other people do these things for us.
There's no reason that boys/men shouldn't be taught to take care of themselves. They're not always going to have someone to take care of them!
This should not be taught at school. School is for academic teachings, home is for life hacks of all kinds. At least that's how it is with my kids.
Yes, all very nice. People, don't be fooled. The reality is this is a "Colegio de Fomento" which means it belongs to Opus Dei. They are an ultracatholic organization that still segregates boys and girls in their schols. In the 21st century. With government money. Not very gender equal.
Altea what
EVERYONE should be taught basic housekeeping skills. I taught my kids (1 of each) how to cook, clean, do laundry, sew, how to arrange flowers and balance a checkbook. One of my proudest moments was when my son came to visit and asked to use my sewing box - and then proceeded to stitch (hem) the seam in his leather jacket. The only thing he asked of me was which needle was the most appropriate.
BRAVO! When I lived in an apartment, a college-age neighbor lost his job. I passed him one day and he had bags of food from a sandwich shop. I asked if he found a job. "No." We chatted and he had no food prep skills -- not even making a sandwich. He had spent $20 on two sandwiches, chips and one soda. We went to the store and for the same $20 set him up with fixins for a week's worth of sandwiches. Next I taught him how to boil dry pasta and make spaghetti sauce. He was blown away. We would go shopping together and he would mention something he liked to eat and we'd cook it at home. His girlfriend asked him to marry her over lasagne he made.
First off, a lot of parents are working full time or even plus. House cleaning, ironing, mending, car repairs, plumbing, are all things done most likely on the weekend, or very late at night when the parent has a moment. One of the most disgraceful things that has happened is the loss of any sort of classes in home/car/wood shop classes. Not every kid is going to college and I think that these classes showed them that not everything revolves around academics. When I left home at 18, I didn't have a lot of practical skills and learned them on the way. I made a LOT of mistakes that could have been prevented if I had only known differently.
Yes, it *should* be taught at home to both genders. The results are why they have these classes! (And they should bring back home ec for *both* sexes!)
I agree on the idea to teach a lesson in schools where boys learn to take care of clothes dishes etc. & women some fixing/mechanic skills. Just to break that gender barrier I too often see once people move out of home for the first time & settle down together.
When both parents work there is very little time for home training. Also there are a lot of people who do not know enough to teach. When I was in middle school (years 7 and 8) both boys and girls were required to take home economics (cooking, cleaning sewing etc.) end shop/home repair. Back then you were taught how to re putty windows, solder, small engine repair, rewire table lamps etc. plus wood shop and metal shop.
Back in the 50s and 60s, boys were not required to take Shop (although it was encouraged) but girls *were* required to take Home Ec, and not allowed to take 'male' classes. I'm glad it changed.
At school? Usually you learned that in the Army....
Who would have thought that Spain would be taking the lead on this (or so it appears). The more you know - boys or girls - the easier it is to get along in life.
Arranging flowers, a must-have skill in life.
I do most of the housework (cleaning, ironing etc.) in our house. We divide chores by who likes or hates what more. Like clothing and a butt load of other things chores do not have to be gendered.🤷🏽♂️
We had something similar at school for everyone. Sewing, woodwork and cooking. It was for all kids, taught in mixed classes. That was in the 90s.
We had these classes at my elementary school as well during the 8th and 9th year (Czechia). One year, boys would attend the cooking/sewing/ironing/whatever class and girls would attend the workshop/hammer/saw/screw/DIY/whatever class, and we would exchange classes the next year. Thought us a lot :)
Most of adult people, parents around me, have no idea, how to do time management and budget :( Something what we need to learn in school in this case. I learnt a lot about time management, when I was in college; and budget stuff earlier from my mother. In school we learnt sewing and a little bit of cooking but woodworking was my favorite :D Few years later I made a katana prop for my cosplay, out of wood <3 It was fun! Also: I grew up in a single-parent household (three women), so there was no "man-work"...
those who believed skills like these better to be taught at home seems to be those who didn't know that there are kids that had to grew up in a negligent/absent parenthood, and it shows. not everyone has a fortune of having "good" parents/guardians.
I see both sides of this but many parents wouldn't have the time to teach these skills. And I think things like how to do taxes should be taught in school, because probably more than half of what you learn in math you don't use in real life. Multiplication, addition, division, and subtraction yes. Fractions, yes. Algebra, yes. Something like finding the circumference of a circle, NO! There is plenty of time to teach things like cooking and cleaning and math you will use in real life IF school didn't teach lots of useless math. (Among other things)
It's called being adult and learning how to take care of yourself. I wish I was taught how to fix my car back then. It's actually quite fun
We had home economics when I was at secondary school, it was compulsory for the first two years. I don't understand why this is 'newsworthy'.
These are skills everyone should have. They're very basic. Why on earth would it be considered "womens work? over there? My grandpa from England could hand sew and knit with the best of them
These really aren't mixed opinions. Basically everyone is like, kids should have all the skills. Some people think it should be taught at home, but the reality is parent might not know the full range of skills. Everyone has their strengths and weeknesses
it's good but why we only see boys doing that? should it be good to girl to learn that too? or Learning stuff usually men do too?
To make it ablut "gender equality " is f****n stupid! The guys should learn how to do household chores should be cause everyone needs to learn how to do simple cleaning. Nothing to do with equality. All this tells me, is that people expect women to do chores at home cause were women which is stupid and in my opinion, has been for decades!
ok I see your point, but the thing is gender inequality is still a thing, the fact that the school is teaching boys this is good, and a lot of ppl unfortunately do expect woman to do that, the school and this article is just acknowledging it.
because women nowadays cant even cook or clean anymore
I dropped out Year 7. So, I learned none of this at school. I moved out at 14, and hadn't learn any of this at home, either. I stopped eating meat when I was 16/17, and ate almost no vegetables before that, and couldn't cook much more than packet pasta, sausages or steak (badly). Now, I do a little sewing if I need, or I might take it to a tailor/mending service. I cook most of my own meals, and worked in kitchens for 15+ years. I do all my own housework, and maintenance. If someone didn't learn, they either didn't care to or didn't need to. I don't see the need for this. But, if they wanna, then go for it. I see this obsession as just another aspect of feminine narcissism or inferiority complex. No one needs to learn this. It can help, but it's not necessary. Nothing should be forced on anyone. But, people might benefit from the opportunity to learn a variety of skills. Women have got to learn to let s**t go. This is a complete non-issue.
Might we use the term "toxic femininity"?
Why should guys have to live up to female standards, but reverse that statement and you're oppressive? Is it truly the case that to be female is to be a thorough hypocrite? I know some great girls who don't think like this, but they're not squeaky wheels. They don't make much noise. Toxic females are the noisy minority, but they act like they think it's their way or no way. Just f**k off.
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Pussies.
Latarian Milton III +
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How many times can you misspell programme in one article?
Americans spell it "program".
My british aunty calls shows that
Nicholas Zaal easy
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Do the schools teach girls these things? I didn't think so, and time at school shouldn't be wasted on stuff that should be learned at home.
It's not being learned at home. We can't expect it to be. Would you rather deal with reality and teach kids essential skills at school or would you rather they grew into adults who don't have the skills to teach Their Own children? Your attitude seems callous and divorced from the reality for many, many kids.
Scyth, I doubt the life skills are being taught daily. In my elementary school, "non-school" subjects (art, crafts, music) were taught once a week. That still left plenty of time for math, language skills, etc. If there's an issue with boys and men not helping around the house and parents aren't addressing it, then it's fine for the school to do their share.
This should be taught in schools no matter the gender (it's not taught in Greece, I don't know about other countries). Also, First Aid, Compassion, Anger Management, Common Sense.
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dude what else do you want teachers to teach how to use the bathroom😂, school is meant for school work,it's one thing to teach boys to do stuff to fight gender equality and one to teach literlly every single life skill to children.
Dude, school is for learning and getting educated; how is learning a life skill in school not learning? I was taught how to balance a checkbook when I was six in school. You can bet your fat ass that a lot of teachers would rather be teaching kids skills they'll use everyday rather than listening to kids read. My sister is a teacher and hates that kids don't know how to survive on their own with basic skills. Would you rather a single parent who works three jobs to provide a stable home for her family depend on a child who knows how to read or one who likes to read and can also cook for himself and sew a button on if needed. Seriously.
Scott Brynildsen +
There are children starting school or preschool at the ages of 4 and 5 that haven't been toilet trained. They arrive in nappies and yes the teachers have to potty train them too. #stupid_parents_UK
Hm....40 years ago, I learnedat school how to knit (and I am male)
I attended American public school in the 1980's. All students were required to take cooking, sewing, wood shop, and metal shop. I enjoyed them all and learned valuable skills.
I'm a tad older than you--Home Ec was mandatory for girls, who were not allowed to take 'male' subjects, while the boys had the option of Shop or study hall. ('60's)
Ditto! Went to school in the 80's, and even the girls took woodworking and metal shop as an elective. We had what was called Home Ec. classes, and I also learned at home, too. (My brothers taught me about cars and basic house repairs.)
lakitha tolbert easy
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I remember shop. Had I not been in honors classes, I'd probably be a cabinet maker now. -Rev Dr M, retired professor
Im a guy, and I want to learn to knit. My grandma's both did it, my mom no. so will have to teach myself.
Youtube can be quite helpful for this.
I'm shocked that this is a topic. I thought other European countries would teach this to both sexes.
At least Germany and Finland do. Even though I cannot speak for all German states, since federalism lets each one decide on their own.
Germany doesn't do this. Maybe in some states, but every state has a different education system.
Teaching this in the UK (to all) would make first years student dormitories less of a hellscape than they are now.
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They do. Didn't you bother reading the article? BOTH of them have to learn these things.
In my country (EU) we have gender based household lessons: Girls - sewing, cooking etc. Boys - woodworking, electronics etc.. However, every year we have few weeks exchange between these gender based classes, where boys are learning how to cook, fix holes in pants, make decorations and arrangements for home, etc.. Girls -basics of woodcrafting, working with small welders etc. In a lot of schools these lessons are open all year round for any genders if someone would like to learn something extracurricularly. From one particular middle school I know that a lot of boys are taking big pride attending extra classes for cooking and girls showing off their masterpieces from wood.
Which country is this?
i think that schools should definitely have a subject for at least 1-2 times a week where kids learn basic things like sewing, cooking, money management, fixing things, filling a car with oil, etc. and in the earlier grades (K-3) kids should be learning that more, because it's easier to learn when you're young and then practice at it until you're an adult. plus it's interactive & some kids could find it enjoyable.
I think money management and also how to do one's taxes would be a great idea.
Are Personal Finance Literacy classes really that rare? At my high school everyone had to take a semester of PFL and I thought it was just something every school did.
yes, i meant taxes under money management. all very important stuff!
It is nice to see a school Fostering solid life skills. I am currently teaching my son that a man knows how to clean and cook. I think it is demeaning to men when the women are expected to do these tasks.
As a male I only wish I had learned to cook, iron and sew (can't sew clothes, only minor repair work) earlier in life. It wasn't until I left for college that I learned to do these things. Sad society still frowns upon men doing these things in some cultures.
Bill Taylor Good response!
Bill Taylor ?
LanaRaven love
plvander good
LanaRaven yes
Did you feel frowned upon for taking the initiative and learning certain skills as you felt the need? There, there, Bill. There, there.
I support everything here except teaching about flower arrangements in school. Thats kinda silly/useless.
It'll look good on a CV if any of the students decide to apply for an after-school job (or even a post-school career!) at a florist's. Also, they'll know how to make lovely gifts for family members and potential romantic partners for the rest of their lives.
Whenever anyone buys me flowers they would die in no time around me if it weren’t for my bf knowing what to do. His mum taught him how to take care & also flower arrangement :) & I’m very grateful of that & also he’s good at icing a cake - another thing I’ve never tried
Spain has a long history of being a more "Machista" (male dominated). In places like this it makes sense that a class that places on boys learning this skills can help balance out the roles. I applaud this effort!
How did you form your opinion about Spain? Spain in the world’s top 10 for gender equality
That's a good point! I'd assume that the girls are already being taught these skills, and that the innovation is that they're being made compulsory for boys as well.
In The Netherlands every highscooler gets home ec and shop classes. Boys and girls (and other) alike. Everybody learns how to sew, to iron, the basics of cooking, how to use a power drill, to sand wood before painting etc
This is a good idea, house chores are not to be done by just women, but men as well, so men and women can help out around the house.
my son, who is now 40, was taught all this at home & later at school as well. i used to tell him there was no guarantee that he would end up w/someone or that someone would have these skills. home ec needs to be brought back to all school as it teaches important life skills & in some ways how to improvise when something is lacking.
I worked in a print shop for many years and was one of the only women on staff. One of our coworkers had a wife that would drop off treats for us to enjoy at the shop. One time she noticed that she had a flat tire in front of the shop. She was very pregnant at the time and could not change the tire so I did because I was the only one besides the pregnant woman who knew how.
I'm confused. Every one of these girls is doing the work and not complaining.
A lot of the tweets were saying that parents should be teaching this. That’s in an ideal world, but we don’t live in a perfect world, so until an educated, equal generation grows up, schools have to teach these things. When the kids who were taught this at school grow up and become parents, they will be able to teach their kids. It’s a cycle, but the cycle has to start somewhere, and obviously hasn’t started from parents yet so start from kids and schools. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk
Yes, this should be taught in school *and* at home. My single mom taught me how to cook, do laundry, sew, and change a tire. Gendered ignorance isn't fun... I saw the laundry disasters when I got to college and was shocked...
Most of those are basic life skills, and EVERYONE should be able to do them
And financial education for everyone! It's badly needed.
When I was growing up it was assumed you'd 'have a man' to do all of that--including household budgeting!
I went to a school that taught us everything, from learning how to button a button to sewing our own clothes. And it was all mixed-gender.
In the early 70s my ultra feminist mother showed up at my junior high, declared that *her* daughter would take ship classes with the boys, but no home ec, no cooking, sewing or so called feminine arts. Thus resulted in my learning to become an accomplished cook thirty five years later, and never mastering ironing anything. But I can set Linotype, make a paper towel holder, and use drafting skills. That said, 39 years ago I had a flat at 2:00 Amin the rain in a bad neighborhood. I changed the flat before aaa could get there...
Avriel Schwartz easy
Years ago I had a flat in a bad neighborhood. Within 5 minutes I had 5 guys out there changing it for me. (I couldn't lift it!) And I was properly grateful, too. They even untangled the jack and got the frozen nut loose to get it out, something I thought was impossible. (my parents had had the car for 11 years before me, and had never actually taken the tire *out*, just filled it where it lay...
This would have been incredibly helpful for my former roommate (24/M) who came to me not knowing how to cook, clean, do dishes, etc. When he left I legitimately thought I would have to replace the toilet, bathtub & sink in his bathroom. It looked like he hadn't cleaned ANYTHING in over 2 years. It was revolting.
This is nothing new. I did this back in the 70's in school.
slackjack what
In Japan, is usual in schools to learn how to cook
elia 84631 +
I did all this in the 70's in high school. Best thing we did.
I can't speak for the whole country, but in my experience w/5 children now 25 - 42 y/o, none of them had classes in school for any of this. The older two did learn economic life skills in school, but everything else was taught at home or out of necessity. It is difficult for working parents to find the time and situation. The schools here, esp the 'elite' public schools focus on test scores. Significant money is spent by the districts to provide the kids with test prep, special meals, massages, etc. When I was a kid/in school these things were normal classes (I had woodworking/shop, cooking, sewing, personal economics & accounting and had to learn other life skills because we didn't have enough $ to have other people do these things for us.
There's no reason that boys/men shouldn't be taught to take care of themselves. They're not always going to have someone to take care of them!
This should not be taught at school. School is for academic teachings, home is for life hacks of all kinds. At least that's how it is with my kids.
Yes, all very nice. People, don't be fooled. The reality is this is a "Colegio de Fomento" which means it belongs to Opus Dei. They are an ultracatholic organization that still segregates boys and girls in their schols. In the 21st century. With government money. Not very gender equal.
Altea what
EVERYONE should be taught basic housekeeping skills. I taught my kids (1 of each) how to cook, clean, do laundry, sew, how to arrange flowers and balance a checkbook. One of my proudest moments was when my son came to visit and asked to use my sewing box - and then proceeded to stitch (hem) the seam in his leather jacket. The only thing he asked of me was which needle was the most appropriate.
BRAVO! When I lived in an apartment, a college-age neighbor lost his job. I passed him one day and he had bags of food from a sandwich shop. I asked if he found a job. "No." We chatted and he had no food prep skills -- not even making a sandwich. He had spent $20 on two sandwiches, chips and one soda. We went to the store and for the same $20 set him up with fixins for a week's worth of sandwiches. Next I taught him how to boil dry pasta and make spaghetti sauce. He was blown away. We would go shopping together and he would mention something he liked to eat and we'd cook it at home. His girlfriend asked him to marry her over lasagne he made.
First off, a lot of parents are working full time or even plus. House cleaning, ironing, mending, car repairs, plumbing, are all things done most likely on the weekend, or very late at night when the parent has a moment. One of the most disgraceful things that has happened is the loss of any sort of classes in home/car/wood shop classes. Not every kid is going to college and I think that these classes showed them that not everything revolves around academics. When I left home at 18, I didn't have a lot of practical skills and learned them on the way. I made a LOT of mistakes that could have been prevented if I had only known differently.
Yes, it *should* be taught at home to both genders. The results are why they have these classes! (And they should bring back home ec for *both* sexes!)
I agree on the idea to teach a lesson in schools where boys learn to take care of clothes dishes etc. & women some fixing/mechanic skills. Just to break that gender barrier I too often see once people move out of home for the first time & settle down together.
When both parents work there is very little time for home training. Also there are a lot of people who do not know enough to teach. When I was in middle school (years 7 and 8) both boys and girls were required to take home economics (cooking, cleaning sewing etc.) end shop/home repair. Back then you were taught how to re putty windows, solder, small engine repair, rewire table lamps etc. plus wood shop and metal shop.
Back in the 50s and 60s, boys were not required to take Shop (although it was encouraged) but girls *were* required to take Home Ec, and not allowed to take 'male' classes. I'm glad it changed.
At school? Usually you learned that in the Army....
Who would have thought that Spain would be taking the lead on this (or so it appears). The more you know - boys or girls - the easier it is to get along in life.
Arranging flowers, a must-have skill in life.
I do most of the housework (cleaning, ironing etc.) in our house. We divide chores by who likes or hates what more. Like clothing and a butt load of other things chores do not have to be gendered.🤷🏽♂️
We had something similar at school for everyone. Sewing, woodwork and cooking. It was for all kids, taught in mixed classes. That was in the 90s.
We had these classes at my elementary school as well during the 8th and 9th year (Czechia). One year, boys would attend the cooking/sewing/ironing/whatever class and girls would attend the workshop/hammer/saw/screw/DIY/whatever class, and we would exchange classes the next year. Thought us a lot :)
Most of adult people, parents around me, have no idea, how to do time management and budget :( Something what we need to learn in school in this case. I learnt a lot about time management, when I was in college; and budget stuff earlier from my mother. In school we learnt sewing and a little bit of cooking but woodworking was my favorite :D Few years later I made a katana prop for my cosplay, out of wood <3 It was fun! Also: I grew up in a single-parent household (three women), so there was no "man-work"...
those who believed skills like these better to be taught at home seems to be those who didn't know that there are kids that had to grew up in a negligent/absent parenthood, and it shows. not everyone has a fortune of having "good" parents/guardians.
I see both sides of this but many parents wouldn't have the time to teach these skills. And I think things like how to do taxes should be taught in school, because probably more than half of what you learn in math you don't use in real life. Multiplication, addition, division, and subtraction yes. Fractions, yes. Algebra, yes. Something like finding the circumference of a circle, NO! There is plenty of time to teach things like cooking and cleaning and math you will use in real life IF school didn't teach lots of useless math. (Among other things)
It's called being adult and learning how to take care of yourself. I wish I was taught how to fix my car back then. It's actually quite fun
We had home economics when I was at secondary school, it was compulsory for the first two years. I don't understand why this is 'newsworthy'.
These are skills everyone should have. They're very basic. Why on earth would it be considered "womens work? over there? My grandpa from England could hand sew and knit with the best of them
These really aren't mixed opinions. Basically everyone is like, kids should have all the skills. Some people think it should be taught at home, but the reality is parent might not know the full range of skills. Everyone has their strengths and weeknesses
it's good but why we only see boys doing that? should it be good to girl to learn that too? or Learning stuff usually men do too?
To make it ablut "gender equality " is f****n stupid! The guys should learn how to do household chores should be cause everyone needs to learn how to do simple cleaning. Nothing to do with equality. All this tells me, is that people expect women to do chores at home cause were women which is stupid and in my opinion, has been for decades!
ok I see your point, but the thing is gender inequality is still a thing, the fact that the school is teaching boys this is good, and a lot of ppl unfortunately do expect woman to do that, the school and this article is just acknowledging it.
because women nowadays cant even cook or clean anymore
I dropped out Year 7. So, I learned none of this at school. I moved out at 14, and hadn't learn any of this at home, either. I stopped eating meat when I was 16/17, and ate almost no vegetables before that, and couldn't cook much more than packet pasta, sausages or steak (badly). Now, I do a little sewing if I need, or I might take it to a tailor/mending service. I cook most of my own meals, and worked in kitchens for 15+ years. I do all my own housework, and maintenance. If someone didn't learn, they either didn't care to or didn't need to. I don't see the need for this. But, if they wanna, then go for it. I see this obsession as just another aspect of feminine narcissism or inferiority complex. No one needs to learn this. It can help, but it's not necessary. Nothing should be forced on anyone. But, people might benefit from the opportunity to learn a variety of skills. Women have got to learn to let s**t go. This is a complete non-issue.
Might we use the term "toxic femininity"?
Why should guys have to live up to female standards, but reverse that statement and you're oppressive? Is it truly the case that to be female is to be a thorough hypocrite? I know some great girls who don't think like this, but they're not squeaky wheels. They don't make much noise. Toxic females are the noisy minority, but they act like they think it's their way or no way. Just f**k off.
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Pussies.
Latarian Milton III +
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How many times can you misspell programme in one article?
Americans spell it "program".
My british aunty calls shows that
Nicholas Zaal easy
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Do the schools teach girls these things? I didn't think so, and time at school shouldn't be wasted on stuff that should be learned at home.
It's not being learned at home. We can't expect it to be. Would you rather deal with reality and teach kids essential skills at school or would you rather they grew into adults who don't have the skills to teach Their Own children? Your attitude seems callous and divorced from the reality for many, many kids.
Scyth, I doubt the life skills are being taught daily. In my elementary school, "non-school" subjects (art, crafts, music) were taught once a week. That still left plenty of time for math, language skills, etc. If there's an issue with boys and men not helping around the house and parents aren't addressing it, then it's fine for the school to do their share.