teens and New Cars
Posted By: MQ'r on 2005-11-23
In Reply to: Do you believe parents should GIVE their teenagers a nice new car? - SM
Yes, there are probably a few nice new cars the "sweet 16's" had given to them, more so probably out of the guilt the parents felt for not spending time with them or the parents need to "keep up" their own status. My niece was one of those....daddy bought his little girl anything she snapped her fingers for, she is 23, never went to college or held a job, but has a masters degree in partying and shopping. It's finally wearing thin on ol Pops and he gripes and complains but he set the standard the first time he gave in. Kids may not like you right now, but they will appreciate it more so when it's their hard earned money and feel a sense of accomplishment.
On the other hand, my kid who is 20, is still driving a used car and he now knows the benefit of it after 3-4, 5...can't even remember the count minor fender benders, no injuries except to his pride!
Teens are just learning how to drive, insist of driving with the damn cell phones to their ears and minds on anything but the roads, and as I put it, why take something brand new and bang it up? Save it till you have more experience, more of your own money and your insurance rates are lower. If my kid and his friends had stock in Maaco, they'd be young millionaires by now!
Remind her of that old saying, which I heard a zillion years ago when I was a teen "people in h _ _ _ want ice water but they don't always get it
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oh yes, I have two teens (sm)
and they know full well how I feel about them drinking. I am not saying you can control it or stop it, but you are the one who said you didn't want to know if she was drinking at college, and to me, that is retarded! My son will be 18 tomorrow, and believe me, I'd want to know if he was drinking when he starts college in January. I guess I just have a closer relationship with my teen than you do, and for that I am sorry!
I HAD TEENS TOO
not all parents are that easy to fool, maybe you are. and 2nd and 3rd grade drinking, that is kind of rare to me. maybe your head has been stuck in the sand too long, take a look at a alot of other kids, most of them did not have to attend a tenn AA MEETING.
Teens~
I hear ya. According to my son all the kids he knows are allowed to stay up all night, talk on the phone or IM until all hours and even drink alcohol at home. I say that is wonderful for them, but that is not going to work in our house. My son is a 17-year-old senior and the past few months have been a nightmare. He was always so sweet and mild and did listen, but that all went out the window. We have sent him to a psychiatrist because we cannot figure out how to motivate him. Believe me~ you are not alone. If you get any answers, let me know, because I am at the end of my rope with this crap. 
I'd take hung any day over 2 teens that like RAP!! UGH!
I need shock absorbers for my upstairs floors while they listen to their RAP downstairs.
Don't ask why I put up with it. I do because they don't drink or drug. They write and record.
gotta pick your battles.
I have 3 teens on myspace.
Really, you need to slowly step out on the porch, down the driveway, and into the world.
Don't you realize that media will sensationalize anything to the furthest extent possible in order to raise your blood pressure?
I watch the myspace of my kids, my kids' friends, and of any anxillary friends (it's not at all hard to do if you can use a computer keyboard). Ninety-five percent are fine. A few are revealing. Heck, my 16-year old met the greatest fellow on the planet through myspace; he has become a second son.
I have a myspace myself, centered around my work and hobbies.
Don't condemn reality before you experience your first breath.
Yes, shocked here, too. As my 3 teens have
pointed out, dear Cat is sure strutting her you-know-whats. Yuck. Chris was absolutely stunned, and so were a lot of viewers. We're not even gonna bother - the remaining 3 are nice enough, but talented enough? No way!!
Yes, teens should work...
When I was in high school, I babysat and right after graduation worked in the local conveneince store. My sister worked in a clothing factory with no air conditioning, which gave her great incentive to go to college when she came home covered in lint and threads stuck to her. (Not bashing factory work, because that's where my grandmother worked. Just making a point.)
My oldest, who is now 19, worked at a grocery store and at a summer camp at our community center last summer. He had gas and car insurance to pay for after he bought a car. Right now he is attending college and working part-time at Fed Ex, loading trailers that are around 100 degrees inside. Again, another incentive to do well in school. He has rent, utilities and gas to pay for while he is at school.
My daughter is 16 and ready to take her driver's test in a couple of weeks. She started working at the same store I worked at, but unfortunately they scheduled her for every weekend and then started to cut her hours back to next to nothing, like 1 1/2 hours a night. She quit with our blessing with the understanding that once she has her license, she will start job hunting, because she, too, will have gas and car insurance to pay for. She already babysits quit a bit and buys whatever extra stuff she wants and also still has some money left from her other job that she left in March.
My youngest son is 14 and has been working in his uncle's shop for several years, helping out with this and that and he makes pretty good money. Of the 3 of them, he is the one who LOVES to work. In fact, we went to see Pirates of the Caribean (sp?) this weekend, and he wouldn't go because he wanted to help his uncle, so I have no worries about him making his way in the world.
Sorry so long.
TEENS SHOULD WORK...
At some point, at least at 16, teens should work. There are too many "EXTRAS" that they want now adays and if they want them enough they should be responsible enough to work hard to get them. My husband always thought my daughter(17) should not work while in school so she could concentrate on her studies until he saw how his sister (who is 18 years younger than him) did not work during high school or college and could not find a job after college because she had no experience. My daughter has been babysitting summers for two years and now she works at a fast food place. She pays for most of her gas, any extra clothes she wants and half of her expenses for extracurricular activities at school. This summer she mainly worked to pay off an enormous cell phone bill (which she no longer has) which taught her a big lesson in responsibility and money.
So it is my opinion that teens should work, be it part time somewhere or babysitting or yard work. The big real world is competitive.
YES teens should work to help pay for what they want but don't need
so I could help with money at home. It does teach responsibility and gives a sense of pride with each paycheck. My 10 yo wants a cell phone. I told her no way til she has a job and can pay for her minutes!
We have teens, so our plan is...
...to have one big trip every few years. We did Europe with all 3 teens in 2002, then Kauai with teens and friends this past summer (oldest graduating). Next year we are going back to Europe to do more of Italy, Wales, and Ireland with #2 graduating. Luckily I have a money-smart hubby who insists we live below our means so we can do these trips.
We also have a #2 daughter involved in competitive Irish dance, so we travel about once a month for that far and wide across the U.S. I don't call these vacations, though, but rather endless flying, shuttles, and staying at hotels. Not fun.
Absolutely teens work
In this day and age of 10 year olds with ATM cards and cell phones, absolutely! How do you learn the value of money if you never actually earn it and handle it? All 3 of my kids walked dogs for $2 an hour, scooped ice cream, babysat, mowed lawns, shoveled snow, etc. As long as their grades were up, they could work part time. The deal was that whatever they saved towards college spending money, we would match. We would also help buy each a used car for college. They knew from age 12 they had ONE SHOT at college on our nickel, then they were on their own if they dropped out or flunked out. We didn't micromanage their savings -- they were responsible for it themselves all along. All 3 absolutely amazed us -- between them we had to match almost $20k. They are now well eductated, working and productive adults. My eldest son actually thanked me for our good example as parents, and giving them an understanding of the value of money. How great is that????
Absolutely and my 2 teens are ready also. sm
I have a Senior in HS and a Freshman in HS who both are board, finished their summer reading, tired of the swim club, been to the beach for 3 weeks, and they are now vamping up for their summer camps, VB and football. They both said yesterday, they are board and their brain needs stimulation.
I on the other hand, can't wait to have my space back. I sometimes feel "my space" is invaded and don't have a spot to call my own. No matter what room in the house I go into, someone is there or follows me in, especially the kitchen.
Can't wait for school to start, but on the other hand, am not that anxious as they will be 1 more year toward being on their own and leaving the house for good - college and everything. That is scary!
I think teaching pre-teens how to do laundry
I think 10-12 year olds can help do some laundry - it helps them develop a work ethic and shows them that if they go out on their own, what they will have to do....well, the ones who don't continually bring their laundry back to their mothers. *LOL* AND they love eaning $$$ - it's a great way, instead of *tossing* allowances at them.....chores/laundry/etc. = few dollars in their little pockets *S*
It's all about deals and contracts w/kids I think....and I'm a pro...on the subject, as I have some....*lol*
Not me - love my 2 teens at home! Enjoy it while you can.
I realize my house doesn't have to be perfect all of the time, their rooms do not need to be clean all of the time, and I enjoy them so much. Soon, my son will go to college and I will be left with my one daughter, and then she will go to college and I will have an empty house with just me, hubby, and our golden. Boy, I dread those days. I am enjoying all the noise, fighting, messiness and laughter as much as possible. I love when they have friends over. They are so funny and a delight!
Really, don't wish it away too quickly.
I don't think she means adults. She is talking about teens
nm
Just turned 40 last week, Not on myspace and won't allow my teens either. sm
I have a very fulfilling life with my husband, family and friends - don't see the need for myspace for folks my age.
As for the teens - there is just too much temptation on their for them to get in trouble. They are forbidden and I check the web as well as their computers, cookies, etc. every week to be sure they are in compliance. To much danger there for my son and daughter.
cars
What colors ....Any corvette is great but that stang is it
cars
I leased for 3 years and then bought a brand new one! Love the concept, that way I knew exactly what i wanted to buy!
38, female, married, 2 teens ages 16 and 14. Started tMT when I was 17. nm
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Dog chasing cars
I have a little pomeranian. She is only little in size. In her doggy mind, she is a big bag dog and no car is too big for her. In the car, she will bark at big trucks, I am talking semi's like they better not mess with her. It is really funny to see. She also barks at her reflection. I sometimes feel like barking at my reflection too, so that we have in common. Your dog sounds great.
Cars on EBAY
I live in Georgia and already, drowned cars from Lousiana and Miss. are showing up as "good buys". Beware, once these cars are cleaned up, you will NEVER know they've been submarines in earlier lives. On the other hand, my son bought an awsome Audi out of Tampa, but that was before the hurricaines.
Story about cars
My ex and I were divorced when my son was 11. We lived in the country so in order for my son to even get a job, he needed a vehicle. I bought him a used truck for about $2,000 which was all I could afford. It was a stick and he had a lot of trouble driving it. He was responsible for the gas and the insurance. When he graduated from high school, his dad gave him a card with a professionally made gift certificate in it that said "Good for one vehicle of choice." He even had it notorized and signed by an employee of a car dealer. He gave him the card at his graduation party in front of everyone so he (the dad) could look important. After the party, he called my son to tell him that that did not mean he could go out and buy a Corvette or anything like that. To make a long story short, when it came time for my son to get his car, he wasn't allowed to pick anything that he wanted, his dad decided on the vehicle, color, extras etc. I do not think we owe are kids a car though, just could not help sharing my story.
hybrid cars--anyone have one?
I'm looking to purchase a new car soon and being as how gas is already at $3 per gallon where I live, I'm certainly wanting to get something economical. I've been doing some research on the hybrid cars and am particularly interested in the Toyota Prius, as that one seems to be the best according to what I've found.
I'm just curious....Do any of you MTs have a hybrid vehicle and/or know someone personally who does? If so, do you like it?
rental cars
I am in Arizona and I usually have my best luck with Avis. Hey where are you in Arizona??
those cars are so cute
nm
Maybe she should have stayed in America where Americans look for drunken teens everyday.
If you go to a foreign country, you are under their laws and their policing. If you don't like it, DON'T TRAVEL OUT OF THE COUNTRY! In the meantime, TEXAS TEAM IS SEARCHING IN ARUBA WITH PERMISSION AND ARE VERY HAPPY WITH COOPERATION FROM ARUBAN GOVERNMENT!
So do you do that a lot? You own a big house? Have nice cars?
what-ever..big money my butt.
Wow! I just looked outside to see five cop cars parked
in front of my house. The one neighbor's teenager moved out, so I know it's not that. I wonder what's going down? Should I be ducking? LOL
No way, my DD has JUST started going in cars w/boyfriend. nm
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i use GM mastercard w/rebates on new cars.
We have saved something like $8000 over last 10-12 years in rebates. We put most everything on there, gas, groceries, etc and it adds up. But we only have one card and pay it off every month too, so not sure about interest rates, etc. Can go to gmcard.com and see if it works for you.
Ever had a dog that "chases" cars "in the car?"
We just adopted a dog last month from the SPCA. She's a great dog, very young but past puppyhood, spayed, housebroken, sits, stays, everything you couuld ask for when getting a "used dog." BUT.... We've discovered that her hobby in the car is sitting by the window until a car passes and then "chasing it." She will take breaks and lay down and sleep for a while, but then gets back to her hobby. When we leave her in the car, she just sleeps, so she's basically a pretty good passenger other than the chasing. Anybody ever heard of this before?
I have leased 2 cars and have never had a bad experience. (sm)
Presently I lease a Trailblazer. No down payment, payments of $448 a month including an additional rider I chose for wear and tear coverage. 5 year lease. I can turn it back in 18 months early if I choose to. It's a nice way to get a higher end price car for lower payments.
There you go, lets have a thread about old cars!!!
yeah.
lines at the pumps, 2-3 cars long.
Yes, we swapped cars. DH drives my 4 cyl his 13 mi to work and I keep
x
There is also a limit. People in expensive cars
pulling up to stand in line for free money. Doctors and lawyers, supposedly respected business owners, etc who really did not lose that much, at least not to the point where they can't recover on their own. Help the ones who can't help themselves but the ones who can help themselves should be ashamed!
Go ahead and post stuff about your cars
but I doubt many people are interested in it, who knows, but I am sure that many many people want to talk about their animal companions, so if it does not interest you, SKIP it. That is why this is called the main board, many other boards on the left for you to get information on MTing, other than just the main board.
that's true, many new cars now offer great
I have a Toyota Corolla and my gas mileage is even better than the impressive Civic! I don't remember exactly what it is but I want to say around 38-41 MPG.
However, I would also love to eventually get away from traditional cars and more towards Hybrids or whatever else they come up with that will transition us away from oil dependency.
Car dealerships use dryer sheets in used cars.
After wiping what you can with the alcohol as suggested, put a few Bounce dryer sheets in the sealed trashbag.
So, this future generation of MT's all live in their cars?
Because don't forget - MT wages never go up, only DOWN, if any change at all. And cost of living keeps going up. What has gotten cheaper during the recession? NOTHING. What will get more expensive once the economy improves? EVERYTHING.
opps - I meant how will WE buy cars. Tired.
xx
babies are easier than teens and older children. they sleep and you can hold them and type. nm
;
My Rottie did that too, she sit in the back of my SUV and jump at the cars that passed or followed u
You'd hear her teeth hitting the window as she crashed into the glass. Then she'd get tired and lay down.
rich skanks dress better and have nicer cars and homes.
Good grief.. Fortunately ours is only chasing oncoming cars, so just
s
I can't stand it when parents spoil their kids with brand new cars....sm
especially since a lot of times the teenager ends up wrecking it because they don't care. Those I've seen that have taken better care of their vehicles and drove them properly were those that had some investment in a good used vehicle. They had to work to pay for the gas and insurance at minimum. That's what I did when I was a teenager and the only reason I got a car then was because I had an after school job and it was easier for my parents to help me get a vehicle than drive me back and forth.
Most men can't hear the tiny tings, noises that cars make, and things like
an alarm clock. A doctor I used to work for did the same thing in the bathroom too. But, I never heard a plop! Thank Goodness.
Definitely an eye-opening read. Having my teens read it, too. nm
s
Since dont know of any cars that dont use
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