On a sunny winter morning, my phone lit up with a message from my friend, Lisa. In a fit of cleaning frenzy, she accidentally shoved a piece of furniture too hard and ended up creating a gaping hole in her wall. Not wanting to face her husband’s amused reactions to her “superhuman strength” while battling dust bunnies, she texted me to see if I could help fix the wall. Having dealt with my own mishaps involving kids and pets, I grabbed my spackle and trusty trowel and headed over to assist her in concealing her “oops.”
As I sanded and filled the surprisingly large hole, we chatted about all the household tasks we often leave to our partners. Whether it’s because we haven’t learned how to do them or simply because they seem too gross, many of us are lacking in essential skills related to home and car maintenance. And let’s be honest, ladies: it’s time to change that.
There’s something incredibly empowering about taking charge of minor car issues, especially when you’re juggling kids and using Google for guidance. Not only will you feel accomplished, but you’ll also gain confidence the next time you discuss car troubles with a mechanic. Plus, who cares if you used YouTube? Men do it all the time without hesitation.
Here are five skills every woman should consider mastering:
- Changing a Tire
While flat tires may be less common these days thanks to better car technology, it’s still a crucial skill to have. Knowing how to operate a car jack, remove lug nuts, and locate your spare tire can be invaluable, especially if you find yourself stranded on an isolated highway. Imagine the story you’ll tell your friends at girls’ night: “There I was, changing my tire, and a guy pulled over asking if I knew what I was doing. I’m like, ‘Of course! Don’t let me hold you up!’” - Cutting Off Power or Water
We’ve all heard horror stories about flooded basements or kitchen fires. If disaster strikes and your partner isn’t around, would you know how to respond? Familiarizing yourself with your home’s circuit breaker and water shutoff valve can be a lifesaver—literally and financially. Take a moment to locate these essential components today; you’ll thank yourself later. - Dealing with Household Pests
It’s time to channel your inner warrior and handle those creepy crawlers. If you can manage a toddler’s tantrum or a puppy mess, you can definitely tackle a spider. Let’s be brave and take charge! Or, like me, you might end up grabbing a shoe to dispose of an intruder. Just remember to launch its remains outside with a sassy remark: “You chose the wrong house, buddy!” - Using Power Tools
I’m not going to lie—I love having the ability to use a power drill. It makes me feel unstoppable. With this skill, I can hang curtains, help the kids with DIY projects, and fix nearly anything that requires screws. You’d be surprised at how many IKEA pieces you can assemble in a single afternoon with a power drill. Trust me, it’s worth it. - Basic Car Maintenance
Knowing how to check oil levels, replace windshield washer fluid, and handle an overheating car is essential for every woman. On those rushed mornings when you’re trying to get kids out the door and realize your fluid levels are low, this knowledge is invaluable. Plus, when the attendant asks if he can check your oil, you can confidently reply, “Nope, I did it yesterday!”
As for my spackling efforts at Lisa’s place, while I don’t see a future in professional wall repair, I did a pretty decent job. The saying, “See one, do one, teach one,” rings true, and now Lisa can help a friend in need. Just to clarify, no matter how many times my husband tries to teach me to mow the lawn, that’s not happening. I’ll stick to the gas blower; it’s a cool way to impress the neighbors.
Feeling inspired? If you’re ready to learn more about self-insemination, check out our other blog post here. You can also explore resources on home insemination at MedlinePlus for helpful information. For those interested in practical tools, visit Make a Mom for guidance on home kits.
In summary, mastering these skills not only empowers you but also builds confidence in handling life’s unexpected challenges. Take the initiative to learn and grow, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.