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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My father raised me to value paying other people to complete the tasks I cannot do- either because I don't know how or because I don't have time.  He always made it clear that we were supporting a small business and that the service they were providing us was valuable and worth the cost. I don't know how to do much (unless I take specific steps to learn) BUT I also never second guess myself if I need to pay for a service.

[b]DH was raised to believe that paying someone else to do anything was unacceptable.  His father did everything that needed to be done, even if it was subpar or took him years. DH learned a few skills, but mostly he learned to feel guilty about outsourcing.  He doesn't know how to outsource- doesn't trust anyone, can't filter through recommendations, can't take a risk, hates talking to service people, etc. He doesn't ever want to outsource- but he also doesn't have time to do anything. It either doesn't get done or it is on me- to convince him, find someone, manage it, etc.[/b]

Teaching your kids what my father did is valuable.  [/quote]

This is totally my DH.  He's come around to hiring help for things but it definitely irks him to not do it himself. I could do that! He insists and then I have to insist that you don't have time to do it!  And, he's so critical of every contractor, certain he could do it better  :roll: [/quote]

I'm kind of glad that I'm not alone in this. I once suggested hiring a handyman for a home repair job that needed a reasonable amount of skill to accomplish, and it was like stabbing dh in the heart. But then the project sat for half a year since he never found the time to do it. He even doesn't trust plumbers and electricians to do a better job than he could.

Op, it's so great that you recognize this now. You have plenty of time to learn with your kids. Especially emphasize the outdoors. It's so good for mental and physical well being to have time in nature. Joining scouts for the kids and neighborhood gardening groups (ask around on nextdoor or just chat up sometime in community garden plot) is a great way to build community and learn new skills.[/quote]

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