In a recent BUST magazine (thanks to a dear friend for bringing it to my attention and loaning me the issue) there was a fascinating article about the evolution of Home Economics. One of the things that it brought out was that it originally started out not as a class for budding Martha Stewarts, but as a program to bring scientific methods to women setting up households*.

It dovetailed nicely with a recent conversation at my canning class – the canning instructor (who rocked, thank you again!) was saying that she was preparing a class for basic household skills to teach through the Parks and Recreation.

I think back to my (ongoing) struggles to teach myself household management and wonder how we as a society have ended up without passing these skills along generationally (and this is not a slam on my mother at all, in fact, I’d daresay she struggled to teach me and I just plain didn’t listen). I see the pendulum swinging back towards these home arts being important and find that many of us are self-teaching, or seeking out classes. Honestly, though, I’ve not seen this within schools or for our younger generations – I’ve seen it of those who are my age. I am certainly not phenomenal at it with my own kids – but I am blessed with a husband** who not only is a full partner (or even the more than half partner) on these issues, but kids who are familiar with the kitchen.

Of course, I should note, I misplaced my most recent issue of Mary Jane’s Farm before reading it. I do so wish it would turn up.

Anyway, I look forward to others thoughts, shared struggles, etc on this issue. And tips and tricks are always welcome!

*I'm actually reading a delightful cozy mystery series set in early 20th Century New York City where this need is evident.
**This is clearly not an exclusively new trend, I always tease Susan Sophia and James that they are living my husband’s childhood.

(photo from May 2007's National Wear an Apron Day - my kitchen has new flooring now, and my hair is shorter. I still wear and love that apron, though! Thanks Kitchen Madonna!)