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Wednesday, 26 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 6, 2024

My Kids Return the Car on Empty

Modern Day Etiquette for the Little Frum World: My children frequently ask to borrow our car for various errands and outings. Full Story

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No 4
March 12, 2015 6:29 pm

Why should she have to give the kids money to use her car, if they dont want or cant afford to chip in and put gas in the car, they should not ask her to use her car, even if you use public transportation you have to pay for a mta card

what's the question
December 29, 2014 10:27 am

I would take my daughter/ son aside and explain that the mensch like thing to do is fill the car at least to how much has been used. Chinuch is a responsibility which never ends.

I agree
March 19, 2013 8:07 pm

I do not drive, nor do my daughters. Some people ask how i survive. I tell everyone, is it better that i buy a car then buy food?
I can’t afford it!

Chinuch at any age
February 3, 2013 10:36 pm

There is nothing wrong to educate your children and their spouses even if they are married and they are borrowing your car. Derech Eretz needs to be reminded at all times. If they do that with you, what would they do with others. It is our duty as parents and in-laws to teach them the proper ways of behaviour and not to take anything for granted. I am often flabberghasted when I see people behave with minimal consideration and pure selfishness. Although I have a friend who has mentioned that it is not common to have common sense, it is… Read more »

to #4
December 30, 2012 3:18 pm

You are out of your mind!!!!!
Who cares if its hard to do it! you borrowed OUR car and u cant fill it up!
life has expenses deal with it. to say that they should give money to the kids??? that’s ludacris!!!!!!
I hope your married already and have kids of your own cuz if i had to have u as a child in law i swear, things would not end well with your attitude

A daughter
March 28, 2012 12:58 am

Just remind them. If they don’t own a car they probably don’t think about it. If you simply say something about gas when they come to take the car, that will hopeful bring it to their attention.
p.s. when ever i borrow my mothers car and move the seat forward i think to my self to make sure to move it back afterwards but when i leave the car i always forget to move the seat back. I don’t mean to be rude, I just forget. A friendly reminder when i walk into the house will solve that issue.

Number 4
January 25, 2012 11:36 am

then let them take the train. Im sorry to say, but now a days, children are getting more and more selfish, and even if they dont have alot of money, they could put 5 or 10 dollars worth of gas.

OY VEY
December 15, 2011 12:30 am

BH
BSD
SEEMS LIKE KIDS LIKE THESE HAVE DIFFICULTY IN PUTTING INTO PRACTICE WHAT THEY LEARN IN TORAH AND CHASSIDUS……THEY SHOULD FILL THE CAR UP AND HAVE IT VACUUMED AND WASHED

effective solution:
November 9, 2011 2:26 pm

they’re your kids! starting a new life and everything, it’s probably not only time consuming, it an extra expense!
If you want them to fill it up, give them cash to do so!

Gas fillup
October 26, 2011 9:55 am

Just ask them when they take a trip to fill $10. Or if it’s empty to obviously fill it. Don’t be embarrassed to ask, just say ” You used the gas, why should I pay for it”.

#1 is right
June 2, 2011 7:49 pm

Open and straight forward discussion face to face has the best results and is most effective.

I'm not sure you would get a good response
April 28, 2011 7:01 pm

I think the note is kind of obnoxious…as a daughter-in-law- that is what I would think…
I would feel more comfortable if you just said it straight up!
Guys would you mind filling up when you see the car is on empty?
Simple

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