Teen nephew driving scares aunt, makes her wonder
Dear Annie: My family has lost their minds and is letting my 14-year-old nephew drive around on open roads. He drives with his mother and grandmother.
I think this is beyond crazy. He could hit, maim or kill someone, or hurt himself.
Is this a new trend in parenting? Am I wrong to think this is extremely dangerous? Should I say something?
— Scared Aunt
Dear Scared: Every state has di erent rules for when a child is allowed to operate a vehicle. Being young doesn’t necessarily make him a reckless driver. Since you are concerned, however, we recommend you check the laws in your nephew’s state. If he is not in compliance, talk to the mother and grandmother. If they refuse to listen, please report it to the local police.
Dear Annie: Here’s a topic I don’t remember ever seeing in your column. It’s what a husband should be able to do if his wife is incapable of doing common household tasks:
1. Grocery shopping: I have seen so many men following their wives around the stores like lost puppies. Pay attention to what your wife is doing.
2. Load the dishwasher, add detergent and start it. Don’t use it to wash plastic containers that might melt.
3. Cook a meal. The Web has an infinite supply of recipes. Choose one that calls for common ingredients and is easy to follow.
4. Use the washer and dryer so you know how to set the load size and temperature, how much detergent to use and how to clean the dryer filter.
5. Thread a needle and sew on a button.
6. Pay the utility bills, balance the checkbook and use a calendar to schedule doctor appointments, important meetings, upcoming family events, etc.
7. Change the sheets and pillow cases.
8. Operate the vacuum cleaner and replace the bag.
— Jungle Jim in Indiana
Dear Jim: Thank you. You may have written this with men in mind, but every person, male or female, should be able to do the things you have listed. For every man who doesn’t know how to load the dishwasher, there is a woman who has never paid the household bills.