Ack! Could we discuss something less controversial like handguns, knives, religion, or politics??? Seriously, that's a heck of a good question that most folks never think about - raising children seems to be haphazard these days.

Chris had good things on his list. Here's another philosophical starter list:

Specialization is for Insects

"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.? Lazarus Long (Robert A. Heinlein, Time Enough for Love, 1973)

Basic Home Ec stuff like cooking, repair sewing, housecleaning, doing laundry from sorting to hanging (pressing), Auto mechanics 101, GOOD MANNERS, love of learning, scepticisim, optimism, willingness to act instead of gripe, etc etc - at some point we run into family and social values, eh? After we have grandkids and raise them, I'll have all the answers... <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Good luck with your list!

Regards,

Tom