Recently I read that the millennials (whoever they actually are - 18 to 35 years old or something in that range?) are not survival oriented. The article stated that the upcoming generations have lost the "old time" skills necessary to provide for themselves and would be helpless in the event of a wide spread loss of government services and grocery stores. That they would be unable to survive since they have no clue how to take care of themselves. They might as well be marooned on a desert island with no chance of making landfall.
Or up the proverbial creek with no means of propulsion!
That being said I'm not sure that most of them would actually either curl up and whine for mommy or go out and start picketing for the return of Big Brother to take care of them but it is a truism that probably most of them aren't prepared to actually start from scratch to survive.
So exactly what do I expect "us" to do about it? I don't think we can retro-fit an attitude of preparedness in an entire generation. But perhaps turn our efforts to the next batch?
How about take one of the pre-millennials under our wing the next time we decide to resurrect our canning jars and make pickles. Or for the manly among us why not teach one of the up and comers how to build something - like perhaps a garden frame? In other words, lets start a new generation of people who do know something about the old skills.
And, harking back to my last post on the basics, perhaps we can help our children and grandchildren understand what is actually necessary to get through the day. Children are endlessly curious if given half a chance. So how about gather them up, shut off the electronics (ignore the moaning) and go to a farm. Yup, a farm - let the kids see a real live chicken that isn't in a plastic package. Let them see a milking shed where the milk isn't already on a grocery shelf. I don't mean that we all have to go out and start raising chickens or get our own Bossy the cow, but at least show the sprouts where our food comes from. And help them realize that it doesn't spring full blown onto the grocery shelves complete with cooking instructions.
And aside from cows and chickens there are things we can do. If you don't have the room to have your own garden, explore the possibilities of community gardens in your area. Introduce the children to the fun of putting a seed in the ground and, wonder of wonders, having it turn into food! I suggest radishes as a good starter plant - hard to fail and good to eat!
The old time skills and foods and techniques are valuable and should be remembered and practiced - even in small doses. If nothing else it promotes a sense of accomplishment and self confidence. So, as someone once said, teach the children well and if the occasion ever arises when they need to, they will be the ones who understand what it really takes to get through the day.
P.S. For that matter perhaps a few chickens wouldn't be such a bad idea!
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