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[quote=Anonymous]You’re not alone. I am a woman and really handy and outdoorsy, but my DH is the child of immigrants from an urban place where everything is hired out by anyone who isn’t truly impoverished. He has zero skills, indoors or out. I feel embarrassed about it and it’s annoying to do everything myself or hire stuff out.

I worked at a sleep away camp and my children will go to that camp when they are older. As others have mentioned, it’s a great environment in which to learn not just outdoor skills but life skills. My camp director used to say that the most important thing she could teach any of her campers was how to plunge a toilet. I know how to do a lot, but when I get stuck I get a library book and watch YouTube videos. If I hire something out, I often get helpful tips for future projects of my own, like painters who showed me which roller covers to use on my own upcoming project when they overheard what I’d planned. I watch what others do, ask questions, and take notes: when we moved to a different region, I observed gardens, watched when people planted, and asked my neighbors for advice. On a quiet day when no one is rushing around, ask a neighbor how to use your mower. I would happily help my neighbors learn. I started when I was 12 and that was “old” where I grew up. A small woman can do it!

There is nothing wrong with not knowing this stuff, but personally I think there’s something wrong with not being brave or curious enough to at least give it a try. So good for you for giving it a go! You’re doing a great job and your kids will admire you! [/quote]

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