Parenthood. It’s tough when kids are little, but it grows even tougher when they hit the teen years. It gets even tougher when they ask for the keys – and it’s raining – and it’s dark – and they won’t be home until late. You really worry despite knowing that it doesn’t do any good.
But this weekend we’re buying my 16 year old daughter her first vehicle. Buying half of it anyway. I’ve told her and her sister and her little brother that I will pay half of their first car and I’m sticking to my word. Time to pony up for old dad!
And trust me, it isn’t about the money, it’s about my baby girl getting behind the wheel of a car. Oh, boy …
Leave me some encouraging words in the comments – please – and check out these great posts and articles I read this week.
Great Investment Opportunities for Investing Beginners. I guest posted over at Organizing Your Way about getting started in the investment world.
Cash4Gold or Cash4Suckers? You probably already know my stance on gold. Don’t make things worse by falling for one of those TV commercials.
Your Role As “Keeper of the Home” from The Confident Mom – who was recently invited to join the Life Skills Network!
The Art Of Saying No. It really is an art and it requires practice to get really good at it – but you’ll never regret limiting your commitments to those you CAN and WANT TO keep.
The Secrets Of Living A Debt Free Life. I love reading David’s posts. He cuts through all the fluff and gets to the meat of the matter. You’d do well to read his articles and read them often.
Installing Hardwood Flooring Yourself to Save Money. As someone who has worked in the flooring business for the past 7 years, I can say that PT is da man.
Ask for a Financial Smack in the Head NOW! We could all use a smack now and then, though I rarely have to ask for one. LOL!
My Dining Out and Grocery Budget Compared to My Neighbors. Jeremy introduced me to Bundle, a really COOL application that combines census type data with your finances.
Entrepreneurs That Follow Their Passions to Make a Killing Online. Following your passion is the key – it really doesn’t work otherwise.
Manage Your Money Pre-Challenge Post: On Paper On Purpose. You can’t be an enemy of debt without a budget!
By the numbers:
- 5 Ways Twitter Can Make You Rich
- The Bachelor’s 5 Point Mini-Guide to Investments
- The 5 Second Rule: A Frugal Necessity at Our House
- How To Painlessly Save a $100,000 Nest Egg
- 9 Tips to Stretch the Life of Common Household Items
- 5 Ways to Reduce Financial Clutter
- 29 Semi-Productive Things I Do Online When I’m Trying to Avoid Real Work
- My Ten Most Addictive Sounds
- Improve Yourself! Week 8: Don’t Accept Mediocrity!
{ 1 trackback }
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Good luck with that car purchase, and more importantly dealing with a driving daughter. My baby girl just turned one….I’m trying to slow time down over here myself.
Thanks for linking out to the flooring article. It’s been so long ago I’ve forgotten how hard it was.
Reply
Hey Ron thank you very much for the mention sir! I appreciate it!
I feel for you on your daughter getting behind the wheel of a car man. If I were you I would pray a lot, make sure she understands all of the dangers involved with her new responsibility, and have faith in your parenting up to this point. With a Dad like you, I am sure she is more responsible than most kids her age.
Reply
Good luck with the car purchase Ron! I don’t have any kids but I’ll be buying my 16 year old sister a car by the end of the year so I feel your pain. The older she gets, the older I feel.
Reply
HOORAY! A parent that stick by his word AND is showing his daughter one of the best life lessons – things don’t come for FREE. We offered the same deal for my now 17 year old daughter, that we would chip in half of whatever she “earned” for a car. That did not count her allowance we gave her, but what she earned outside the home. Unfortunately, she still does not have her own car yet……being a blended family you don’t always have control of what goes on – her dad bought a car for her to use. So, now I don’t really see the motivation for her to buy her own! GEEZ!
Honestly, I loved having another driver in the house, saves me a lot of time because she knows part of her family responsibility is to help out with driving (sports, grocery runs, appointments). Encourage her and don’t let on to her that you are nervous and worried! I am sure you have prepared her well.
Reply
I was 16 only 6 years ago so I know exactly how she feels. My only advice would be to ensure that she’s aware of all of the relevant costs and maintenance needed! Young people often forget that their car needs to be taken care of (tune up, oil change, etc.). Also ,hopefully she has an income coming in because she won’t be too happy when she realizes how much gas and insurance can cost.
P.S. Thank for the link.
Reply
Oh man! My oldest just turned 10 (going on 18). She’s already asking who will teach her to drive. I tell I will – when she’s 35!
I’m sure your daughter is responsible and level-headed. These are the points in life where you have to trust how you raised them.
Reply
Such a scary time but honestly, if you trust that you raised your daughter to be the young adult that she is- you have nothing to worry about. However, just remind her that driving is a huge responsibility. Any implications will have major consequences. Sometimes life-death consequences as well.
Reply
Thanks Ron
Reply