Sadistically Smiling in the Window
filed in Raising Teenagers on Feb.08, 2010
When I first learned to drive my father made me learn how to change a tire. I remember thinking ‘you are NOT serious!’. I was sure he hated me…for why else would he put me through so much physical exhaustion? So, for about 2 hours….I struggled…me & my 90 pound frame… jacking up a car and struggling with lug nuts. Covered in dirt and grease. I bet he had a great laugh watching from the window.
While he wanted me to be prepared….my thought was…why don’t I just drive to a gas station and have them fix it?
Now that I have my own children to torture raise….I sorta see his point. Although I’m not making them learn how to change a tire (because that’s why we have things like AAA…. and dads), I do have my girls maintain the vehicle and keep track of the air pressure. Especially in cold weather, when…tires lose air. This is my Middle Child filling up her tires which were 5-10 lbs. low. And now I’m the one sadistically smiling in the window.
*footnote: I’m also very horrible because the girls also must fork out the dough on car maintenance…as well as filling out their own tax returns.

February 8th, 2010 on 12:57 am
This is awesome! I feel so old when I say it, but kids these days aren’t taught how to do this stuff. I still think changing a tire is important to know. What if the cell phone isn’t working (out of range/dead battery/whatever) and dad isn’t around. Just sayin…ya never know. Anyway, good for you!!

Shady Lady´s last blog ..Percussion
February 8th, 2010 on 1:08 am
Two things…One I don’t think that’s horrible, I think it teaches your children responsibiity. Two, I think I last weighed 90 lbs when I was 11.
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February 8th, 2010 on 1:21 am
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February 8th, 2010 on 6:45 am
What a meanie! LOL. I have only needed to change a tire once, many years afo, and i tried, but the nuts, or whatever they are, were so rusted they wouldn’t budge, and I had to ask for help.
I am goshawful about car maintenance, and when I finally do take it in, the scruffies at the car place scold me, and then i want to stay away even more.
Being girly and being single has its pitfalls!
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February 8th, 2010 on 7:14 am
Yep–being the parent has it’s moments! Today I get to call my oldest son, 22, and wish him a happy first-day-at-work. Now he gets to pay taxes, deal with other people’s crappy attitudes, and enjoy the pride of a job well done.
Namaste
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February 8th, 2010 on 8:15 am
My Dad did the same thing with me…but not with either of my other two sisters. I was his “boy”.
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February 8th, 2010 on 8:37 am
You are doing the right thing! I wish my parents had taught me anything at all. I was so naive when I moved out!
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February 8th, 2010 on 8:45 am
I agree they need to know all of it…I used to fix my own car…muffler , fuel pump..you name it…Im very mechanically inclined…the hubs doesnt like it though..Im not needy enough..LOL..any way Im working on having my kids do the same , but they are rebelling big time….AAA, cell phones, DAD,,, why should they know this stuff..? …because I said aso..thats Why…!!
February 8th, 2010 on 8:49 am
Oh yes my Dad did the same thing to me. I also had to take my car for maintenance, etc. Now hubs does it all, its wonderful.
Jenna @ Newlyweds´s last blog ..Winter Garden week 16
February 8th, 2010 on 11:05 am
better that they learn now…one day they will need it and they will be thinking much happier thoughts then, hopefully. smiles.
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February 8th, 2010 on 11:33 am
I think these are good lessons.
I’m not so good at all that teaching. My girls have no jobs and really, no money, so the car they share is fueled, insured and maintained by us. I know, we are not teaching good life lessons.
I make them clean their room………does that count?
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February 8th, 2010 on 11:44 am
I love it! I think more teens should learn how to do this stuff!! Good job mom!
February 8th, 2010 on 12:16 pm
Those are good things to know b/c you never know when you’ll need to take care of things.
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February 8th, 2010 on 1:35 pm
That is an excellent idea!
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February 8th, 2010 on 2:26 pm
yeah, I’m finding myself doing & saying things my parents did that made me totally nuts at the time, which now makes me nuts in a whole new way. Oh well!, at least I know I’m passing the crazy on!
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February 8th, 2010 on 3:16 pm
Car maintenance is a good thing to know. You are doing them a favor! Although I have to say that I learned to change a tire but when it was “go time” I had to call my brother-in-law after I bent the underframe of the car with the jack.
February 8th, 2010 on 4:13 pm
My parents did the same. It’s good to know…especially as a young woman…you don’t HAVE to rely on a man. That’s and important lesson. Of course, I’d much rather a guy take care of all that crap, but knowing I can do it on my own…priceless.
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February 8th, 2010 on 8:54 pm
My parents did the same thing. They even made me learn how to do engine maintenance. I could change the oil, if necessary, and replace the alternator. On a 77 Buick LeSabre, that is. Good times.
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February 8th, 2010 on 10:44 pm
Good for you and your girls!
My Mae spent the whole day yesterday out in the shed with my husband working on the tractor. When she finally came in she smelled like the wood burning stove and was covered in grease from head to toe but she had a great time and was a huge help to the huz. Plus that gave me a quiet day with only one kid in the house!
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February 9th, 2010 on 9:56 am
Oh man. I remember how miserable it was doing this as a teen in hot, humid Florida weather. HOWEVER, I KNOW that bitter, bone chilling cold weather is WAY worse!
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February 9th, 2010 on 3:58 pm
I don’t think that is horrible either. Your kids should lean how to maintain their own vehicles. I don’t know what I am going to do when my oldest is old enough to drive. She’s turning 13 in a couple of weeks so she’s getting close. If she does pass her drivers test and she gets a car I’m going to make sure she knows how to maintain it.
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February 9th, 2010 on 5:56 pm
Good for you for raisin’ responsible youngens’!
From the hills and hollers of the Ozarks, ya’ll have a wonderfully blessed day!!!
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February 9th, 2010 on 9:03 pm
I think it’s great to teach your kids responsibility. They will be so much more prepared when they are out there on their own!
February 12th, 2010 on 6:17 pm
You’re a good momma. And your dad was a good dad to you about changing a tire.
And I’m eating a chocolate chip cookie.

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