I once said something similar, and my Dad looked up at me and said “If you think you can do it, then get your ass down here and do it, otherwise keep you mouth shut.”
Somehow reminds me of a notice I saw, “50 years ago a car manual showed you how to adjust the tappets, now it warns you not to drink the contents of the battery”…….
I was around Calvin’s age when this strip was published, and I can tell three things that would have happened in a situation like this between me and my dad:
1) Dad knew how to fix things; and if he didn’t know, he would’ve bought the book on what to do (we didn’t have internet then),
2) Dad would never have thrown tools at me because that’s no way to raise a kid, and
3) I wouldn’t have made a smart-ass remark like the one Calvin made because I would’ve learned the lesson well beforehand as Dad was very good at catching those sorts of things.
I agree with @richbriggs. I was a child of the ’40’s and ’50’s and we were all (or almost all) spanked by our parents, teachers, other kid’s parents if we misbehaved around them, and only one went to prison (for rape). Every one of the kids that I knew and went to school with became successful in their life. None of them rioted, broke into homes, stole by smash and grab, or hurt or killed anyone (save one person). My children were spanked and they are very successful, well-mannered, and respectful.
I have never seen a comment from any adult that was spanked as a child say it caused them problems later in life. Notice I said spanked not abused. There is a difference. Most adults that say they were spanked admit they had it coming and it did them no harm. The whiny adults today that oppose spanking just don’t realize the benefits a quick smack to the a$$ has.
This is a comic, people. Meant for a laugh and not as an accurate depiction of reality (doesn’t the live stuffed toy give that away?). Seriously- lighten up.
Yes, you should have noticed the bandage, Calvin. Though what he says to Dad says a lot about what our so called leaders, especially when they lack or don’t exercise common sense, end up with.
BE THIS GUY over 2 years ago
Not cool, Dad.
Charles Barr Premium Member over 2 years ago
Calvin may need a bandage also.
codycab over 2 years ago
You could use some fixing yourself, Calvin.
Templo S.U.D. over 2 years ago
put a sock in it, Calvin, as your father didn’t want your advice
The Calvinosaurus That Calvin Wanted To Discover over 2 years ago
Rub some dirt on it, Dad!
rklynch over 2 years ago
Calm down, dad. Hurting yourself while trying to fix things builds plenty of that character you’re always going on about….
Ivy Valory Premium Member over 2 years ago
So hysterically funny! Out of the mouth of Calvin …
Bilan over 2 years ago
Do they make large bandages for little kid’s mouth?
JudasPeckerwood over 2 years ago
Just like my dad — incompetent and abusive. Don’t worry Calvin, it gets better.
Johnny Q Premium Member over 2 years ago
Brutal honesty…
baraktorvan over 2 years ago
I once said something similar, and my Dad looked up at me and said “If you think you can do it, then get your ass down here and do it, otherwise keep you mouth shut.”
I only said it once.
Alexander the Good Enough over 2 years ago
At this point, Dad’s undoubtedly wishing he’d gotten himself “fixed” before he ever got near his wife.
Captain Colorado over 2 years ago
And Calvin wonders why he’s an only child.
chuckcork1 over 2 years ago
I do actually know how to fix a bicycle…and my limits and when to get my bike shop mechanic to help. But that isn’t much.
californiamonty over 2 years ago
Truth hurts, Calvin.
Little Caesar over 2 years ago
Looks like dad has the good old 3 in 1 near by.
BigDaveGlass over 2 years ago
Destroy It Yourself…….
BigDaveGlass over 2 years ago
Somehow reminds me of a notice I saw, “50 years ago a car manual showed you how to adjust the tappets, now it warns you not to drink the contents of the battery”…….
donlackie over 2 years ago
Whattya know? His dad fixes things like I do.
Say What? Premium Member over 2 years ago
I was around Calvin’s age when this strip was published, and I can tell three things that would have happened in a situation like this between me and my dad:
1) Dad knew how to fix things; and if he didn’t know, he would’ve bought the book on what to do (we didn’t have internet then),
2) Dad would never have thrown tools at me because that’s no way to raise a kid, and
3) I wouldn’t have made a smart-ass remark like the one Calvin made because I would’ve learned the lesson well beforehand as Dad was very good at catching those sorts of things.
tripwire45 over 2 years ago
That’s usually me trying to fix something, only my kids are now adults and I don’t throw tools at them. I ask them to help me instead.
jrankin1959 over 2 years ago
Apparently, Calvin has been watching too much Idiot Dad TV shows…
becida over 2 years ago
He should have told Calvin that you have to at least try, that’s how you learn.
jagedlo over 2 years ago
The only missing is Calvin asking “Is this how you build character?”
Troglodyte over 2 years ago
That sure fixed Calvin.
A Hip loving Canadian... over 2 years ago
Dad needs to read Zen and the Art of Bicycle Maintenance
wtepps over 2 years ago
FFS Karen, it’s a comic strip. Go find something else to be outraged about
John Yeager over 2 years ago
Seems like it’s very “trying” to fix the problem here.
g04922 over 2 years ago
It’s a comic, lol. try to separate real life from fantasy and enjoy Calvin’s sometimes sick humor. Thanks.
joegeethree over 2 years ago
How many looked to the left after reading the last panel? I know I did.
Jon Premium Member over 2 years ago
He’s working on the chainwheel, but the rear wheel is off. That’s no way to adjust the derailleur!
sandpiper over 2 years ago
Calvin just repeated what he heard Mom say, but he got a different reply.
SchipLvr over 2 years ago
Law of Murphy: With every home project, some blood must be spilled.
artegal over 2 years ago
Relax, Calvin. If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.
swanridge over 2 years ago
Sometimes, even adults don’t want to know the truth.
mistercatworks over 2 years ago
My Dad broke his nose while repairing a leaf spring on our car. He did not stop fixing our cars; he did not have a choice.
jfpaugh1959 over 2 years ago
I agree with @richbriggs. I was a child of the ’40’s and ’50’s and we were all (or almost all) spanked by our parents, teachers, other kid’s parents if we misbehaved around them, and only one went to prison (for rape). Every one of the kids that I knew and went to school with became successful in their life. None of them rioted, broke into homes, stole by smash and grab, or hurt or killed anyone (save one person). My children were spanked and they are very successful, well-mannered, and respectful.
mindjob over 2 years ago
What dad lacks in mechanical skills I hoped he made up for in accurate throwing, but it doesn’t look like the case. He must be good at something!
BiggerNate91 over 2 years ago
I feel like people are way too sensitive for this comic.
bloodykate over 2 years ago
LOL!
Dapperdan61 Premium Member over 2 years ago
I wonder if Calvin survived his childhood
hagarthehorrible over 2 years ago
Fella, you don’t bite the hand that feed you.
klapre over 2 years ago
I have never seen a comment from any adult that was spanked as a child say it caused them problems later in life. Notice I said spanked not abused. There is a difference. Most adults that say they were spanked admit they had it coming and it did them no harm. The whiny adults today that oppose spanking just don’t realize the benefits a quick smack to the a$$ has.
smsrt over 2 years ago
Almost every day I thank the Lord that I had a daughter like Suzie, instead of a son like Calvin. Small miracles.
HonourWest over 2 years ago
This is a comic, people. Meant for a laugh and not as an accurate depiction of reality (doesn’t the live stuffed toy give that away?). Seriously- lighten up.
Otis Rufus Driftwood over 2 years ago
Yes, you should have noticed the bandage, Calvin. Though what he says to Dad says a lot about what our so called leaders, especially when they lack or don’t exercise common sense, end up with.
smorbie the great and beautiful over 2 years ago
As a former professional brat, I can tell you daddys quickly lose their sense of humor when working with anything mechanical
Bob da croc about 2 years ago
Why is his dad throwing metal heavy objects at his own child???
star.wars.litsaber almost 2 years ago
Cheer up, dad! Im sure it builds character!