On a crisp winter morning, my phone vibrated with a message from a friend. In a burst of frustration while cleaning, she accidentally knocked a piece of furniture into the wall, creating a sizable hole. Wanting to avoid her husband’s teasing about her accidental strength, she reached out to ask if I knew how to fix it. Having faced my own share of wall mishaps thanks to kids and pets, I grabbed some spackle and my reliable trowel, eager to help her conceal her “oops” moment.
As I sanded and patched the impressive hole, we discussed all the household tasks we often leave to our partners—either because we never learned or simply because they seem unpleasant. While we’ve all mastered skills like unclogging toilets or navigating the complex remote controls for our TVs, many of us are lacking in essential car and home maintenance knowledge.
And we need to change that. Let’s be honest: there’s something incredibly empowering about successfully jumping a dead car battery while juggling the chaos of kids. Knowing how to handle minor car troubles not only boosts your confidence but also ensures you can communicate effectively with your mechanic. And remember, it’s perfectly fine to consult Google or YouTube along the way—guys do it all the time without hesitation!
Here are five crucial skills every woman should learn:
- Changing a Tire
While it’s less common today thanks to advancements in tire technology, knowing how to change a tire is still essential. Whether on a lonely highway or in a parking lot, being able to use a car jack and swap out a flat could save you from hours of waiting for roadside assistance. Plus, you’ll have an epic story to share at girls’ night: “So there I was, on the side of the road, changing my tire when a guy asked if I needed help, and I confidently said, ‘Nah, I got this!’” - Shutting Off Power or Water in Emergencies
Floods and electrical fires can happen when you least expect them. Familiarize yourself with your home’s circuit breaker and main water shutoff valve. This knowledge can help you mitigate damage in a crisis, saving you time and money in repairs. Trust me, knowing these spots will come in handy when disaster strikes. - Dealing with Household Pests
Embrace your inner warrior and tackle those creepy crawlies! Whether it’s squishing a bug or emptying a mouse trap, you can handle it. If you can manage a toddler’s tantrum or deal with a sick child, you can certainly face a little insect. Let’s agree to be brave—after all, if my husband bolts at the sight of a spider, I’m left to deal with it. A shoe works wonders! - Using Power Tools
There’s a certain thrill that comes with wielding a power drill. It’s empowering to hang your own curtains or assist with home projects without relying on anyone else. Plus, imagine how many IKEA furniture pieces you can assemble in an afternoon with a power drill at your disposal—trust me, it’s a game-changer. - Basic Car Maintenance
Understanding how to check your oil, refill windshield washer fluid, and manage an overheating vehicle is vital. These skills not only promote safety but also foster independence. On those hectic mornings when you’re scrambling to get out the door only to discover low washer fluid, being able to fix it yourself is invaluable. And when the gas station attendant offers to check your oil, you can confidently reply, “I did it myself yesterday, thanks!”
As for my spackling project at my friend’s place, while I don’t envision a future as a professional spackler, I did a decent job. The medical field often follows the mantra “see one, do one, teach one,” and now my friend can confidently tackle similar projects herself. However, I’ll happily leave the lawn mowing to my husband—I’ll stick to using the gas blower to impress the neighbors instead!
For more insights on this topic, check out this article about home insemination and this inspiring story of overcoming challenges during the TTC journey. If you’re interested in pregnancy-related resources, visit the World Health Organization for valuable information.