Auto Zone

[KARNUT]

Last night at 6 Im about eat dinner while watching the latest ViceGrip garage episode my phone rings. My second daughter this is never good. Dad the CRV won’t start! Damn. I hand my plate to my wife and head out. Upon arriving my genius grandson proceeded to tell me what he thinks it is. I’ve tried many times to teach him the basics in vehicle maintenance. So I hold up my hand thinking about the crab cakes I could be eating. Pop the hood I said while holding my trusty jump box. He can’t find the release. So  reach through the open window and pop the hood. I hook it up and she starts. I point to the sticker that shows a 7 year old battery. I run old batteries, I also carry a jump box, air compressor. He proceeded to say he gets paid next week he will get a new one. I look at him like he’s an idiot like many times before. I said there’s an auto zone at the next light I’ll meet you there. It’s now 7 and I asked do you install batteries at this hour? SHE says sure no problem. It took her about 10 minutes while I hold a light while my grandson sits in the car earning her self a 20. I told him you need to ask her out. I don’t say anything anymore. You can’t change stupid. And I have less stress.

[diyer2]

I believe you have to have an interest in something, the first step. If you don't, why learn about it. 

[KARNUT]

28 minutes ago, diyer2 said:

I believe you have to have an interest in something, the first step. If you don't, why learn about it. 

I tried to teach basic maintenance and car knowledge so they can save money. That’s why you learn about it. Especially if you drive them until they drop. Basic maintenance can add many miles of service from any vehicle. I know you know this. The other reason is I’m not going to around for ever. 

[Black02Silverado]

diyer2 is right, if they don't have an interest, they will listen but it will be gone before you know it. Just no need to, to much other things they are occupied with, like whats happening on social media. Not to mention they know they have a fail safe, you.

[Atlas]

Nice way to talk about your daughter and grandson. Does he know you tell everyone on the internet you think he's stupid, and you tell people your second daughter's calls are "never good" ? No wonder they have no interest in cars.

[KARNUT]

1 minute ago, Atlas said:

Nice way to talk about your daughter and grandson. Does he know you tell everyone on the internet you think he's stupid, and you tell people your second daughter's calls are "never good" ? No wonder they have no interest in cars.

Some people seemed to need more information. I like to know how you missed that he’s unwilling to learn, you know by sitting in the car while I was holding the flashlight? My kids I guess are unique. Usually after 6 it’s bad news, before it’s general conversation.  My oldest grandson is 25 still living at home leeching off mommy. I can call him an idiot because he is. And nobody here knows who he is here. And he’s not reading this because it has nothing to do with poky-man or whatever video game he’s into. 

[TrueBlue]

I think you're spot on @KARNUT and would think that anyone that relies on getting from point A to point B in their automobile should have an interest in basic car maintenance. Either that, or be interested in making enough money to have an actual mechanic/technician on retainer.

Edited February 1 by TrueBlue

[Atlas]

I mean if you're so put out @KARNUT why not just buy your daughter and "idiot" grandson (your words, not mine) an AAA membership so they don't interrupt your consumption of crab cakes in the evening.

[KARNUT]

17 minutes ago, Atlas said:

I mean if you're so put out @KARNUT why not just buy your daughter and "idiot" grandson (your words, not mine) an AAA membership so they don't interrupt your consumption of crab cakes in the evening.

I don’t know where you got put out from. Maybe you should read it again real slow. First bad calls usually happen after 6. Second it was a testament about my grandson. And later about how nice and helpful Autozone was. And my grandson is an idiot. And if you read real close it could be considered humorous. Like usual though you provide humor trying to be negative towards me. 

[TrueBlue]

Some folks, in today's world seem to think that there is no need to take responsibility for one's own actions (or inactions as the case may be). Why should Grandpa have to buy an insurance policy to keep grandson from taking the time to be responsible for his (or his Mom's), own challenges?

Not to say there would be anything wrong with Grandpa doing so of his own accord. But sometimes tough love, and the lesson in self sufficiency that might come from it, are worth more to the recipient than a golden ticket. 

[Coastie05]

Hey, at least it was an easy fix!!

[Atlas]

2 hours ago, TrueBlue said:

Some folks, in today's world seem to think that there is no need to take responsibility for one's own actions (or inactions as the case may be). Why should Grandpa have to buy an insurance policy to keep grandson from taking the time to be responsible for his (or his Mom's), own challenges?

Not to say there would be anything wrong with Grandpa doing so of his own accord. But sometimes tough love, and the lesson in self sufficiency that might come from it, are worth more to the recipient than a golden ticket. 

 

I don't recall anyone saying mom/grandson shouldn't take responsibility for themselves and their situations. But if grandpa jumps every time they call, that might be enabling the current behavior and it could be preventing change.

 

Gifting an AAA membership might be a good way to say, "good luck, you're on your own, you can renew it or not, but don't call me!"

[KARNUT]

I’m helping a single mom because I’m her dad. The grandson is the mom and dad’s responsibility. If they ask for help with their son then I’ll jump in. He’s a typical kid of his generation. He may be an idiot, but I still like him to visit. I when asked how I would do things I’ll give me opinions and lead by example. The rest is up to them. 

Edited February 2 by KARNUT

[txab]

One thing you don't mention, are you being paid back for this battery? If not you're truly enabling him. "I'll call Grandpa and Grandpa will pay for it" Draw a line and stick to it, unless you secretly like doing this. C'mon admit it. You like doing what you're doing, which is fine.

 

My experience, leeches are forever, got to cut them loose at some point. If there are no consequences they'll never change

 

By the time I was 20 I was on my 1st new truck, second vehicle overall. My kids can do minor vehicle work, but they don't have to as they are successful enough to pay someone else to do it. They keep up with normal maintenance. My grandson 18, is the same way. I didn't give him a car he bought a car from me

[Donstar]

Cute story!  It's nice to feel needed and appreciated.