9 Basic Skills 70s Teenagers Had That Today’s Teens Rarely Do
If you grew up in the 1970s, you probably remember learning all sorts of practical skills just to get through daily life. Technology wasn’t everywhere, so you had to figure things out with your own hands.
Many of these basic skills were second nature back then but are much less common among teens today. Looking at how things have changed can make you realize just how different growing up is now.
Cooking meals from scratch
Back in the 70s, making dinner from basic ingredients was just part of the routine. Fast food and takeout weren’t as common, so you learned to cook real meals at home.
You got used to following recipes and working with simple kitchen tools. This made you comfortable in the kitchen and confident about preparing your own food.
Today, with busy schedules and endless meal options, cooking from scratch often gets skipped. Still, being able to cook is a valuable skill that can save money and help you eat healthier.
Learning to cook also teaches patience and planning. It’s a skill that sticks with you and helps you feel more independent.
Changing a flat tire
If you drove in the 1970s, you probably knew how to change a flat tire. Getting stuck on the side of the road meant taking care of it yourself.
You’d find the spare, use the jack and lug wrench, and swap out the flat tire. It was a basic part of being able to drive.
Now, most people just call for help with an app or roadside service. But knowing how to change a tire can really come in handy in a pinch.
This skill gives you confidence and helps you deal with car trouble without stress. It’s a simple way to be more self-sufficient.
Writing and balancing a checkbook
Teenagers in the 70s learned to write checks by hand for all sorts of things. You had to fill out the date, amount, and signature carefully.
Balancing a checkbook meant tracking every check, deposit, and withdrawal in a register. This was how you kept tabs on your money.
Every month, you’d compare your records with your bank statement to catch mistakes. This taught you to manage your finances responsibly.
Most teens today use apps or online banking instead. But the old way gave you a better grasp of how money moves and how to keep it organized.
Sewing basic clothing repairs
Sewing was a skill many teens picked up at home or in school. Fixing a loose button or patching a hole was just something you did.
You probably had a sewing kit ready for quick fixes. This helped your clothes last longer and saved money.
If your jeans tore or a button came off, you’d fix it yourself instead of tossing it out. Today, a lot of people don’t know where to start with a needle and thread.
Being able to handle small repairs on your own is still a useful skill. It helps you take care of your things and be more independent.
Getting around in the 70s meant using a paper map. You kept one in the glove box or backpack and learned to read it carefully.
If you missed a turn, you figured things out by asking for directions or recognizing landmarks. This built your sense of direction and made you more aware of your surroundings.
Planning trips meant estimating distances and picking your own routes. Phones do all this now, so teens today don’t get as much practice.
When your phone battery died, you had to rely on your memory and map skills. Navigating without technology gave you a real sense of accomplishment.
Operating analog cameras
Using a camera in the 70s was a hands-on process. You had to load film carefully and make sure it was wound right.
You needed to set the focus and choose the right exposure. There was no instant preview, so you had to trust your instincts.
Getting your pictures meant waiting days to develop the film. Each photo counted, so you put more thought into every shot.
Knowing how to use an analog camera taught patience and attention to detail. It made taking pictures a more meaningful experience.
Hand-washing and ironing clothes
Hand-washing clothes was a regular chore. You learned to sort laundry, pick the right soap, and scrub out stains by hand.
Ironing wasn’t just for special occasions. You had to set the right temperature and avoid burning the fabric.
Taking care of laundry this way gave you pride in your clothes. It also made them last longer and look better.
Today, machines do most of the work, but there’s still something satisfying about knowing how to care for your own things.
Budgeting with cash envelope systems
Managing money in the 70s often meant using cash envelopes. You’d divide your money into categories like groceries or entertainment and put cash in labeled envelopes.
Once an envelope was empty, you stopped spending in that category. This made it easy to see where your money went and avoid overspending.
Using cash envelopes helped you build good habits around saving and spending. It was a simple, hands-on way to stay on top of your budget.
Even with digital payments everywhere now, understanding this method can help you feel more in control of your finances.
Maintaining household appliances
Back in the 1970s, it was common to roll up your sleeves and handle household appliance issues on your own. Fixing small problems like a leaky washing machine or a faulty toaster was just part of everyday life.
People knew how to clean and maintain their appliances to keep them running longer. Tasks like changing vacuum cleaner bags or replacing light bulbs were handled without a second thought.
These days, appliances can be complicated, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many folks end up calling a professional at the first sign of trouble.
However, learning some basic upkeep can save you both time and money. It also helps you feel more in control of what goes on in your home.
Being careful with your appliances matters too. Paying attention to things like strange noises or not overloading machines can help you avoid bigger issues down the road.
