“Did I really need that education?” I’ve pondered this question, as have many others. After earning my degree in digital design, I enjoyed a fulfilling career for about six years, and even continued working for two more after welcoming my first child. But let’s be honest—my degree isn’t exactly helping me navigate the challenges of parenting. Sure, I can whip up a birth announcement or a photo book, but on a daily basis? Not so much.
When it comes to parenting, however, some of the skills I picked up in school have proven invaluable. Here’s a rundown of what has actually helped me as a parent, along with a few subjects that fall flat.
Classes That Helped Me Parent:
- Basic Math: This skill is essential for budgeting. I may not be a math whiz, but I can count on my fingers to decide if I can afford that fancy dinner or if we’re sticking to peanut butter while the kids protest.
- Chemistry: You’d be surprised how handy it is to know the right vinegar-to-baking soda ratio when tackling those annoying pee odors in beds! It turns out that understanding acids and bases from my chemistry class isn’t as useless as I once thought.
- English: Reading bedtime stories and helping my kids learn to read and write? I owe it all to my English classes. Without them, my little ones would be missing out on so many adventures.
- Cooking: While I still struggle with flipping eggs, I can usually manage to keep my family fed without turning every meal into a culinary disaster. Let’s just say my skills are a work in progress, but we’ve never resorted to roasting rats—thank goodness!
- Fine Arts: Teaching my kids to draw has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Art is all about shapes, colors, and expressing oneself, and I love fostering that creativity in them.
- P.E.: You’ll get more exercise in the first few years of parenting than you ever did in high school! Whether it’s sprinting after a toddler or playing dodgeball with older kids, I’m always on the move.
- Nutrition: While I might neglect my own dietary choices, I ensure my kids get their fruits and veggies at every meal. Thanks to nutrition classes, candy corn is not part of their balanced diet!
- Speech and Debate: Negotiating with toddlers requires some serious persuasion skills. Whether it’s convincing them to wear pants or eat their dinner, those debate skills come in handy!
- Typing: My connection to the outside world is through typing—whether I’m writing to you now or keeping up with friends online. It’s a skill that never goes out of style.
- Physics: Understanding motion has its perks—like predicting how far my child will skid across the floor after tripping over a toy truck. It’s all about being in the right place to catch them!
Classes That Didn’t Quite Make the Cut:
- Physics: An object at rest may stay at rest, but toddlers? They’re anything but still!
- Algebra: I’ve never had to solve for ‘x’ when shopping. The only equations I deal with involve who threw the watermelon chunks during snack time.
- Mythology: Greek mythology was fascinating, but let’s be real—when was the last time I encountered Medusa while parenting?
- Child Development: My high school class didn’t prepare me for the reality of parenting—like how to handle a tantrum in the middle of the toy aisle at Target.
- Sewing: If only I’d paid more attention! Instead, I send everything to my mother-in-law for repairs.
- Geography: My knowledge of geography is limited to pointing out where Grandma lives. Without landmarks, I’m completely lost!
- Astronomy: Most of my conversations about the stars end with my toddler asking for candy.
- Geometry: I haven’t seen a triangle in months, and finding its area is not on my radar.
- Spanish: Though I look Hispanic, my Spanish skills are non-existent because I didn’t pay attention during class.
So, the next time someone questions the value of your education, think about how those seemingly random lessons might actually help you in ways you never expected. Skills from school can enrich your parenting journey, even if you can’t flip an egg to save your life!
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