2 days ago
My Dad's "Don't Stretch the Springs" Rule Goes 3 Generations Deep (It's So Clever!)
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In the early '90s, my mom and dad brought home these toys called Portable Parents, which were little battery-operated voice boxes — one for each parent — with buttons that cycle through typical parental sayings at the time. The 'mom' device would say things like, 'you're gonna put somebody's eye out with that thing!' or 'the answer is no!' while the 'dad' device would say things such as, 'when I was your age, I had to walk to school' or 'I'll give you something to cry about!'
Some of these phrases are desperately outdated, but if you're a millennial like me, you've probably heard all of them multiple times. In my case, though, my dad (Ray) had a few extra phrases he threw in there on repeat. While they were maybe a little annoying at the time, they are now valuable lessons I've brought with me into adulthood to guide me in running my own household. So, in honor of my dad and all the other dads out there, here are my dad's Ray-isms and what they mean to me.
I remember it like it was yesterday: A big comfy recliner for my dad was delivered to the house and set up in the family room. Of course my two siblings and I all wanted to sit in it — so we did. And as we each leaned back in the chair, I heard my dad quickly yell, 'Don't stretch the springs!'
That phrase showed up so often in our household that when we grew up and my niece and nephew were younger, we said it to them every time they sat in the recliner. 'Don't stretch the springs' has become a running joke in the family now, but whether it's silly or not, it's a really good point. And not just for the recliner, but for everything you spend a good chunk of change on.
Big purchases for your home (especially items that will be used daily) must be cared for. Otherwise, you'll find yourself either wasting money to rebuy everything or with a bunch of broken garbage that used to be something nice.
To be fair to Dad, we did pretty regularly use up all the batteries in the flashlights in the house, or take them out and use them for something else — and we rarely, if ever, replaced them. But what kid thinks far enough in advance to the next time you might need the flashlight? We certainly didn't. So every time the power went out or if someone just needed extra light, my dad would ask, 'Who killed the batteries on my flashlight?'
Today, this phrase is a reminder to me to be prepared for emergencies. Have an emergency kit and regularly check the items in it to ensure they're working. If you don't have items you need ready to go when you need them, you're setting yourself up for a disaster that will just compound whatever you're already experiencing.
To every exasperated child hearing this phrase for the millionth time, you should really listen! It's good advice.
Leaving the door open with your air conditioner or furnace running isn't just a waste of energy, it's a waste of money as well. Homes are destined to cost you money you weren't planning to spend (just ask my friends who recently learned their house is sinking).
If you don't proactively save your dollars by doing things like closing the door when the heat or air is on, or turning off lights when you're not in the room, you'll be paying so much in monthly bills that you won't be able to afford emergency repairs and necessities.I know my dad will love to hear this, so here goes: You were right. About a lot of things. And I'm forever grateful for the lessons I learned from you. And to kids today: Listen to your parental figures. They know what they're talking about (at least sometimes). Oh, and don't stretch the springs.
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