孩子离家前，我要教会他们的40件事

　　…that no matter what the fashion is at the time, when it comes to an interview, work or special occasions — grab an iron. Walking around all wrinkled and creased sends a message of laziness.

　　不论潮流如何，面试、工作或者特殊场合——找把熨斗。穿着皱皱巴巴的衣服，说明你很懒。

　　…how to grow and care for a plant. This is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to instill responsibility. I’d start with an easy to care for houseplant like an umbrella tree or amaryllis or a potted tomato plant out on the deck.

　　如何种植照料植物。这种灌输责任感的方法简单而又便宜。我会从易于照顾的盆栽如伞树或桂顶红或盆栽番茄开始。

　　…how to change a car tire so that when they get a flat they are less likely to be stranded on the side of the road not knowing what to do.

　　如何换汽车轮胎，这样当有只瘪胎时，他们就不会束手无策地站在路边。

　　…to drive responsibly and to be acutely aware of the consequences of drinking and driving, even if they are the passenger.

　　开车时负有责任心，要很了解酒后驾驶的后果，哪怕仅仅作为一名乘客。

　　…that they can save money on books if they frequent the library.

　　如果他们经常去图书馆，就可以省下买书钱。

　　…how to do standard maintenance on their cars like change the oil and various filters as well as top up fluids and replace light bulbs.

　　如何维修汽车，比如换滑油和各种过滤器，如何加油加水，更换灯泡。

　　…how to read a bus schedule so if they aren’t in a position to afford a car they can still get around with public transportation.

　　如何读懂公交站牌，这样，如果他们买不起车，也一样可以利用公共交通工具四处行走。

　　…that they can have a lot more fun if they build things from scratch. I’m thinking birdhouses, step stools, go-karts, kites and paper planes.

　　如果他们从头开始自己做东西，就会享受很多乐趣。我能想到的有鸟屋、梯櫈、小型赛车、风筝和纸飞机。

　　…how to tie a variety of knots so whether they are tying up a boat or pulling a car out of a ditch or snowbank they are better armed.

　　如何打各种各样的结，这样当他们想把船系牢或者把车拉出沟渠或雪堤时，就会有备无患。

　　…how to barbecue a perfect meal paying particular attention to pre-grill prep and special recipes.

　　如何作出美味的烧烤，要格外留心烧烤前准备以及特殊烹饪秘诀。

　　…the importance of reading food labels. Not only to become aware of individual ingredients but to also know the quantities of sugar, additives and types of fats they contain.

　　阅读食品标签的重要性。不仅要理解各种成分，还要了解食品中所包含的糖、添加剂和各种脂肪。

　　…how to hem pants, sew on buttons and mend socks.

　　怎么给裤子锁边、缝扣子、补袜子。

　　…how to type properly with both hands on the keyboard. In a society where computers are used for nearly everything, learning how to type properly will increase their efficiency and productivity.

　　如何两只手打字。在这个计算机无处不在的社会，学习正确打字可以提高效率和生产率。

　　…the concept of compound interest. Who doesn’t want to make interest on interest?

　　复利的概念。谁不想用复利赚钱啊？

　　…how to create an effective budget that allows them to live within their means and continually increase their net worth.

　　如何计划有效的预算，既能保证生活，又能使净资产持续增加。