The Importance of Knowing How to Fix Stuff

One good thing that came out of growing up poor is that I learned to fix things. Toilets, the TV set up (OK, the new stuff I don’t get as easily), changing a flat tire, garbage disposals. When you don’t have money and you want things to work, you figure it out. Probably part of why I still ask too many questions and I need things to make sense.

Recently both headlights on my 97 Toyota Forerunner went out. Within hours of each other. I’m guessing these babies were nearly originals by how gross they were. At any rate, it’s easy to ask someone to help or bring it in to get the oil changed, smile, hold out the lights and bat my eyes, or expect Chris to do it. Not really my style, but more than that, I want my kids to know to roll up their sleeves, look things up, and do it themselves. It isn’t about affording to have someone do stuff for you — it’s about being independent and not having to have someone do it for you. It’s teaching that feeling of accomplishment, of badassness. I’m glad I can do things myself (even if it’s not a really big deal) and that my kids watched and helped. It was dirty, it was a pain in the butt, it was awkward and I had to watch the YouTube video about 5 times, but I got it done.

Originally published at https://www.momof18.com.