It most definitely is still an important skill! And one I thank my lucky stars that my Dad thought was one of the “non-negotiable” things his daughters should know! He told me when I was 14 years old “If you know how to drive a stick, you will never be stuck without transportation.” And he was right! I have driven trucks, tractors, cars, manure spreaders, etc… and never once have I been unable to drive any of them from the get go!

We are a military family stationed overseas and I know so many people who couldn’t purchase a cheap car over here, because they didn’t know how to drive a standard transmission. There’s a reason it’s called “standard”, lol. Now, those same friends are either laying out big $$s, don’t have rides (and have to cage them, or get in trouble with their command) or are horrifically grinding gears on cars and causing traffic issues.

I would also put Make a monthly budget, Plan a nice meal on a budget, shop for that meal (compare food prices, use coupons, plan for leftovers) execute the meal (cooking, plating, decorating/setting the table, serving) and clean up after the meal.

I have my own “bubble” list. It includes (but is not limited to) gaining competency in these areas: learn to swim, play a musical instrument, take a foreign language, ride a horse, play a team sport (or be a part of a team activity, if sports isn’t your kid’s thing), learn to fish and camp.