Parenting Pointers - DIY Skills in Kids Survey

 With shop and home ec classes disappearing from school curricula, how are kids today learning to be handy around the house?

A new survey of 1,000+ U.S. parents finds that 72% are now teaching DIY skills (plumbing, appliance repair, and painting) at home, starting around age 7. But 60% worry their kids won’t be as self-sufficient as past generations, citing school budget cuts and digital distractions.

Notably, 35% say their child’s school doesn’t offer any practical skills classes, like home ec or machine/wood shop. And while 80% of parents say they’re “handy” enough to teach, a third admit they weren’t taught enough themselves.

There’s a clear gender gap too: 17% of parents say they’re teaching more DIY skills to sons than daughters.