Father knows best: Modern youngsters are more likely be taught how to cook and clean by their dad than ever before

tunisante June 10, 2016 Health

Dads are less likely to teach their kids how to change a tire or read a map than any generation before, according to a new survey of 1,000 Americans
Instead, skills such as cooking and cleaning, are the kinds of things being taught to their children today
More than a third of youngsters were taught cooking from their dad compared to just a fifth of over 45’s.
Just one in seven people under 25 said their dad had taught them how to read a map – compared to over a quarter of over 45’s

James Gordon For Dailymail.com

Published:
14:01 EST, 10 June 2016

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Updated:
14:01 EST, 10 June 2016

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Forget changing a tire or reading a map, modern dads are more likely to teach you how to clean and cook than ever before.

For generations, with women traditionally taking on the role as homemaker, kids would learn important life skills such as cleaning and cooking from their moms, but these days, dad’s the one to teach you those can’t-live-without crafts.

The alcoholic beverage brand Not Your Father’s Root Beer asked 1,000 American to reveal what skills their father taught them about, growing up – and some may find their answers surprising.

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Taking over: Dads are now taking the lead when it comes to basic life skills including cleaning and cooking

Dad’s dinner: More men are in the kitchen and taking on roles traditionally occupied by moms

In a short video, New Yorkers tell the camera what they’re grateful for. This woman told her dad, ‘thanks for putting up with me’

More and more fathers appear to be teaching their children domestic skills like cooking. A third of those surveyed who were under 25, said they owed their culinary competence to their dads.

But the roles seemed to shift for older generations. For those who were more than 45-years-old, just a fifth had been taught how to create dishes in the kitchen.

When it came to other practical skills such as reading a map, just one in seven under 25’s said their dad had taught them how to navigate – compared to more than a quarter of over 45’s who were taught by their dad.

The research also found that cleaning skills, once traditionally passed down from mothers, were now being picked up from fathers with a quarter claiming they learned how to vacuum, mop and wipe from their dad.

How often should you REALLY wash your clothes? Guide reveals…

‘They’re in the bath and beauty section getting cooking…

Here’s how it’s done: Of the younger generation, fewer than a quarter were shown how to change a tire by dad

‘I love you and look up to you’, this woman told the camera when speaking about her father. ‘I learned how to be dependent on my own’, said this man as he recalled what he dad taught him

Role reversal: Cleaning and cooking is the order of the day for fathers these days

There is also a rise in emotional help now coming from dad. Those under 35 are more likely than those in their forties or fifties to have received help on dealing with stress or other problems.

And across the generations, dads are teaching their children how to manage money and better organize.

‘It’s inspiring to see an increase in the frequency of emotional bonds between 20-somethings and their dads,’ said Beth Marr, Brand Marketing Director for Not Your Father’s Root Beer.

‘We’re all about shared experiences that create wonderful memories.’

The research suggests that there is also decline in dads teaching their children to ride a bike and give driving lessons.

When it comes work and play, more than two-thirds of fathers taught their kids to always give their all, followed by never give up and work smart, not hard.

TOP 10 SKILLS TAUGHT BY DAD

How to ride a bike

How to drive a car

Repair and maintenance

Decision-making skills

Money Management

Change a tire

Leadership

Read a map

How to deal with stress problems

Cooking

From fixing cars and leaky faucets to plumbing and even sewing, over half of those who responded said it was their father who taught them DIY tasks.

But while dad may have taught many to sew, their advice on fashion and hygiene wasn’t always the best.

‘Dress to impress’ wasn’t a saying most fathers were fond of – they preferred to teach their kids to dress however they want, no matter what they look like.

Nearly half say their dad’s simple hygiene lesson was: ‘Wash up – you don’t want to be known as the smelly kid.’

Rather worryingly, five per cent said their pops taught them that it’s okay to wear the same underwear more than once without washing it.

Dads sent mixed messages when it comes to dieting and eating habits. Nearly one in five said their father taught them that ‘you should eat whatever you want because you only live once.’.

Eight per cent learned how to hide junk food from mom, and one in seven learned about the joys of drinking beer from the old man.

However, more than a quarter said their dads taught them to always maintain a healthy diet.

‘This research reinforces what we already know,’ concluded Beth. ‘There’s something special about dad and it’s important to find ways and occasions to celebrate that unique relationship.’