I knew a father of 14 children who worked like you describe, he was an electrician. On Sundays, he would cook a barbeque for everyone and did it all himself, none of the girls or mother helped. He did all the repairs around the house himself. He never taught the children to be electricians or anything, he wanted to do it all by himself with no help. His children are now fending for themselves scattered  all over the USA.

Reading this was a bit scary -- I hope I never make this mistake. Often men are tempted to "do it yourself" rather than take 2X or 3X as long, with hassle, getting your kids involved. It takes patience. Usually I do the right thing and "make them help", but you know how it is, sometimes you just do it yourself.

I try to pass on everything I have -- but I also realize that "nemo dat quod non habet". No one gives what he doesn't have. I can't teach my son to be a mechanic (since I'm not one myself) but I can teach him an eagerness to learn new things. I can teach him a horror for untruth. I can try to inspire him and teach him the idea that "renaissance men" are cool.

I have passed on many things I can do, for example baking. My oldest kids can bake bread with a bread machine all by themselves. Whenever I make waffles, cookies, etc. I always get them involved. The last several birthday cakes (box cakes with jello infused) they have made all by themselves.

My oldest (a boy, who is 12) seems to like cooking. He and his younger sister have a repertoire of casseroles and meals they can make by themselves. Some just involve heating things up, but others involve measuring and recipes. He is also solidly on board about being good with money. He currently earns some money mowing lawns. But he saves up for things, doesn't waste money, and I think he understands why debt/interest is bad, etc. He also learned how to operate an older (1950's or 60's) sewing machine, and made one of his sisters a skirt for her birthday. He's already a church organist, but I don't know if that's a good career to get into. It's certainly a worthy hobby or even side business, so I of course encourage this (also, we NEED an organist at our resistance chapel!)

But there are things that are good to have (knowledge of the Faith, Gregorian chant skill, writing skill) that are tricky (at best) to translate into something you can live off of.

My older girls get lots of experience taking care of babies and toddlers, because we're a big family that always has at least 1 or 2 "little ones" at all times, depending on your definition of "little one". Feeding them, cleaning them up, changing diapers, giving baths, etc.

None of my kids have shown any interest in programming.

I certainly want to ease all my kids into adulthood, by giving them increasing responsibilities as they grow capable. But I've given much thought to getting my son started in some kind of career, but I'm still at the stage of "expose him to lots of toys and hobbies, and see what he has an aptitude for, or what he enjoys".

Another point: a child's education/upbringing should be more like school or college (well-rounded) than a vocational or trade school, focused on training for just one lucrative job, and ignoring all else. Kids can always specialize when they're older, if you've given them the right foundation.

As an aside, I think living in the country and/or having a large family makes it easier to train your kids to do things themselves, as well as teaching them to work. There is so much to do, you CAN'T do it all yourself, so it forces you to stay in the right mode ("make your kids help"). My kids have set up their own tents for years now. And not just the 2 oldest, either. They love to play around in them and even sleep in them overnight when the weather permits.

but I also realize that "nemo dat quod non habet". No one gives what he doesn't have.

This is so true! and explains the sad circuмstances of many children (for example, the unfortunate whose parents lack the minimum of self-respect or common decency or are mentally unfit. How can they properly care for children if they cannot even take care of themselves?). They say "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" . I find this to be true for the most part. Of course, there are exceptions.

This is why parents should always be improving themselves in all areas of life and never give up.

Very true, Ladislaus.  My mother said the same thing: easier for me to do it, much harder to do the right thing to let the kids learn and do.

Our grand daughter, Josephine, age 7 told her mom, "I want to drive a car to help you."  God bless her.  She wants to help those who look so tired out.  So, I said, Josie, can you help grandma clear the table, put food away, fill the dishwasher, make grandpa's coffee and when all was done, we went to the park for fun!

You never know, it maybe her that takes care of us in our old age.

Sure, the old "My dad can beat up your dad" thing.  Of course it's disconcerting for the dad who's son has just pitted him against a trained boxer fifteen years younger than he with double his own muscle mass.  In which case you answer, "Yes, son, I COULD take him, but I follow the Lord in eschewing violence.  Real men fight only when they have no other choice. [i.e. if you can't run away LOL]."  But can he do calculus and differential equations like I can?  I didn't think so.  And the pen [or, these days, the keyboard] is mightier than the sword.  There are lots of ways to talk your way out of that one without losing face with the boy.  "While other fathers pass along tools and weapons to their son, I proudly bequeath to you my pocket protector."  I make twice as much money as that guy.  And, of course, in the Catholic Tradition, we value spiritual strength over physical.

If they WANTED to get into computer programming, in that case I would certainly show them the ropes and offer guidance.

Something to be said about guilds and fathers passing their trade onto their sons
In the U.S., where there is too much liberty, and people to do what they want instead of what they're good at.