My mom always taught me as I was growing up, to always be able to depend on myself, not a man.

The 3 things she always said a woman needed to be able to do on her own is

   1) Be able to drive

  2) Be able to manage her money / keep a check book

  3)Be able to swim.

I never really understood why those were so important, or that women had been so oppresed, and denied so much.Times have really changed,alot of the problems still exist to some degree, some not. So, as i grew up, things made more sense to me.My mom was always an independent, free thinker,assertive woman and mom.She didn't fit that "typical woman" role.Later, in life, when she became an R.N., she added CPR to her list.

I later asked her why the swimming was so important, unless to swim away from someone.She said swimming is an independent act, and could save your life or others.It really not only applies to women, but everyone.But in an age where women didn't have all the rights as today, it makes more sense to me.

Aww crap. I don't know how to swim! LOL

Good post. My mom taught me the same things. But I had to learn to drive a manual shift transmission as well. She would always say you never know what could happen. I have passed this on to my 15 year old daughter.  

Marsha 

Great post, Pezzy! So very true! Also, women need to be able to defend themselves and not feel ashamed to do it. There are several programs out there. Do yourself a favor and take one. This is a great idea for moms and daughters to do together and a great thing for a Girl Scout troop to do. We had to before our troop's trip out of the country.

My father would not allow me to learn how to drive a car until I could change a tire. I had to undo the nuts or lugs, bolts or whatever their called with that thing that removed them. I had to hammer that thing to unscrew the nut,lug or bolt things.  I still believe to this day all of us should learn this. Opps  Forgot .... you must put the emergency break on before you do any of the above.                                          Joni