15 Forgotten Skills Our Grandparents Knew by Heart
In our modern world, many essential skills our grandparents constantly depended on are beginning to vanish. Whether they were survival skills or simply methods to reduce waste, our grandparents seemed to have the blueprint for practical living.
Once necessary for daily life, these skills have now gone the way of dinosaurs and mammoths. From the art of storytelling to the invaluable practice of gardening, these forgotten skills hold tremendous value and could enrich our lives in many ways.
What did our grandparents know by heart that today seems like rocket science? Here are a few examples.
1. Storytelling

Anyone lucky enough to spend time with their grandparents may consider storytelling one of the best parts of time with them. It has long been a cherished tradition; before the age of digital media, our grandparents wove tales to entertain, educate, and preserve family history. Their stories were rich with personal experiences (some exaggerated) and moral lessons passed down through generations.
Mastering the art of storytelling enhances communication skills. Forbes says it can also be great for career advancement. Whether captivating an audience or simply sharing family anecdotes, storytelling can bridge generational gaps and keep our heritage alive.
2. Navigating with a Physical Map

Most of us today are totally lost and blind without a reliable GPS. The skill of navigating using a physical map has become rare, if not extinct. Our grandparents (and parents) relied on paper maps to find their way, understand the terrain, and memorize routes.
Learning to read a physical map can be a valuable skill, especially in situations where technology fails. It encourages spatial awareness and critical thinking, helping us appreciate the world around us in a more tangible way.
3. Preserving Food

Before the convenience of refrigerators and freezers, food preservation was essential. Our grandparents mastered various techniques like canning, fermenting, and drying to extend the shelf life of their harvests. Today, if we get a power outage, everything is going to waste in the fridge and freezer.
Preserving food not only reduces waste but also ensures a supply of nutritious, homemade provisions. It's a sustainable practice that can save money and provide a sense of self-reliance.
4. Making Complex Meals from Scratch

Before pre-packaged meals and takeout, cooking from scratch was the norm. Our grandparents knew how to prepare intricate dishes using fresh, whole ingredients, creating delicious and wholesome meals. Cookbooks were common in homes, and slow cookers were frequently used.
It may seem like you don't have much time for it, but cooking from scratch may save you money in the long run. It also allows for greater control over ingredients and flavors. It's a rewarding experience that fosters creativity and brings families together around the dinner table.
5. Riding Horses

While owning a horse today may seem a reserve for the rich, horseback riding was once a common mode of transportation and a vital skill for many. Some of our grandparents rode horses to travel, work on farms, and even for recreation. Today, we mostly see this form of transportation in movies.
Although you don't need a horse today to get to work, research by the American Heart Association shows it can be good for muscle toning and overall health. Horseback riding enhances balance and coordination and fosters a profound bond with these majestic animals and nature.
6. Sewing

What did you do with the last garment that got a little rip? It's probably sitting in a dumpster now. While tossing out worn-out clothes is totally up to you, hand sewing was a regular chore for our grandparents before cheap fast fashion became a thing — most mended clothes and created garments by hand.
Learning to sew by hand promotes patience and precision. It’s a valuable skill for repairing clothes, making unique gifts, and even reducing waste by upcycling old fabrics. It's also great for hand-eye coordination, and you may find it quite relaxing, too.
7. How to Upcycle Stuff

Our grandparents were experts at repurposing items. Instead of discarding broken or unused objects, they found creative ways to give them new life, a practice now known as upcycling. Today, many DIY enthusiasts are stepping up the upcycling game, but our grandparents did it long before it was trendy.
Upcycling is not only a great way to reduce waste, but it also sparks creativity and resourcefulness. It's an opportunity to turn something old into something new and unique, whether it's furniture, clothing, or household items. Upcycling encourages resourcefulness and reduces environmental impact.
8. Gardening

When was the last time you planted something? For some younger folks, the answer might be “never.” Gardening was a valuable skill for most of our grandparents, who grew their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This practice ensured a steady supply of fresh produce and flavors and connected them to the natural world.
Gardening offers numerous benefits, from improving mental well-being to providing fresh food. It's a fulfilling hobby that fosters patience and a sense of accomplishment.
9. Knitting

Knitting was a common pastime for our grandparents, allowing them to create warm clothing and household items. It was both a practical skill and a form of artistic expression. Young people on social media are breathing new life into this once-cherished craft, and it's truly a beautiful sight to behold.
Learning to knit can be a relaxing and meditative activity. It’s a way to create personalized gifts, reduce stress, and develop fine motor skills. At the end, you'll have a beautiful outfit or craft.
10. Natural Treatment of Ailments and Bruises

How can you quickly treat a burn at home? Or alleviate a headache? Before the widespread availability of modern medicine, some of our grandparents relied on natural remedies to treat minor ailments and injuries. They used herbs, poultices, and other natural ingredients to promote healing. Medical News Today offers ways you can still treat some minor bruises at home; you just need to know what works for what.
Understanding natural treatments can complement modern medicine, offering gentle and effective ways to manage common health issues. It’s a skill that connects us to traditional knowledge and promotes holistic well-being.
11. Mechanical Repairs

Can you change a tire? How about changing your oil? Do you know which side of your car the fuel tank is on? Simple mechanical repairs were a fundamental skill for our grandparents, who often fixed their own cars, farm equipment, and household appliances. Knowing how to diagnose and repair mechanical issues was essential for maintaining the functionality and longevity of their possessions.
Learning basic mechanical repairs can save time and money by reducing the need for professional services. It encourages problem-solving and technical skills, fostering a sense of independence and self-sufficiency. Whether changing a car's oil, repairing a leaky faucet, or fixing a broken lawnmower, mechanical repair skills are invaluable in everyday life.
12. Soap Making Skills

DIY homemade soaps are now a thing with YouTubers, but soap-making was a common household task for our grandparents, who crafted their own soaps using natural ingredients. This skill provided a cost-effective means of maintaining hygiene and allowed for customization with scents, textures, and beneficial properties.
Learning to make soap can be a rewarding and creative hobby. It allows you to use natural ingredients, reducing your exposure to synthetic chemicals found in many commercial soaps. Making homemade soap also lets you customize it for different skin types and preferences.
13. Memorizing Things

Many of us would be lost without our phones, as memorizing phone numbers has become nearly impossible in today's world. Memorizing information was an essential skill for our grandparents, who often relied on their memory for knowledge, stories, and practical tasks. Whether it was remembering recipes, family history, or proverbs, a strong memory was treasured and honed.
The ability to memorize remains a highly valuable skill. Practicing memorization can improve cognitive function, enhance focus, and boost problem-solving abilities — techniques such as repetition, mnemonic devices, and visualization aid in retaining information effectively.
14. Beautiful Writing

Have you seen your grandma's handwritten letters? Most of them are a work of art. Cursive writing was once a core skill taught in schools. Invented in the mid-1800s, our grandparents used cursive for everything from signing documents to writing letters and taking notes.
Research shows that learning and practicing cursive can improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills and even enhance creativity. It's an elegant way of expressing oneself through the written word and allows for faster note-taking compared to print writing.
15. Carpentry

Carpentry was a vital skill for our grandparents, enabling them to build and maintain their homes, furniture, and various household items. This craft required a deep understanding of wood and the tools needed to shape and join it effectively.
Learning carpentry can be incredibly rewarding. It allows you to create customized furniture, repair home structures, and even construct small buildings. It enhances your problem-solving abilities and practical knowledge of materials and tools.