I BELIEVE that I am Jack of all trades but master of none, and yet I feel it is all worthwhile. Learning is a life-long process. We must teach our children everything possible that they ought to learn in their growing years. Some affluent parents  think that children must get all that they seek, and the fleet of helpers are there to do everything for them.  Young children must be encouraged to do their own work, so that as adults, they are not dependent on either their spouse or domestic help. They must learn how to make their bed in the morning, keep clothes neatly in the closet, etc. As they advance in age, they must also learn how to cook and help in household chores.Whenever I cut a fruit or paint a wall or tighten a screw, my grandchildren would come running, saying they wanted to do it too. I never shooed them away. It is better that they learn how to handle a knife or a paint brush early. Children imitate their parents and if they are allowed to participate, they grow into well-rounded personalities. Most women lament that their husbands leave a wet towel on bed and carelessly throw about the clothes everywhere. Had this individual been groomed  to tidy his own room as a youngster, he would have followed the habit as a grownup, too. I overheard a working woman say that she would marry a man who could provide her with a full-time cook. This proves that cooking is becoming a phobia for the younger generation, more so when fast food is  easily available.I remember when I got my first bicycle, I cleaned it daily; even the spokes and the rim would shine. I felt proud riding the clean bike. Sure enough, that habit stayed with me, and even today, at the age of 71, I like to drive my scooter or car only if it is squeaky clean. I see youngsters who have all the time for their smartphones and computers, but  never bother to wash their bike (including girls). A lady  next door has been staying alone for many years for the sake of her only son’s education. He is pampered to the hilt. Often, I see her clean his scooter and provide him everything on a platter. I wonder what kind of a husband or father this boy would make! On the contrary, when we visited my cousin, she called out, “Chhotu, beta get some tea, please.” And behold, her teenaged son brought in tea and snacks for us.Children need to be taught all life skills without being too kind to them. Besides teaching them swimming, driving, cooking, or some sports, they must also help parents in various chores. Buying vegetables/groceries, managing bank account, fixing a fuse, occasional cleaning of fan/toaster, etc. are some of the things the children can help out with.