Things dads should never say to their kids

Sometimes, fathers don’t know best.

Most people have a story about some bad advice they’ve gotten from their father, and how that information has led to embarrassment or financial strife. So why call attention to it? Because sometimes bad fatherly advice can help future dads understand what not to say to their children when specific questions are asked.

To help matters, here is a list of fatherly advice that has been handed down throughout the years that has caused nothing but pain and anguish. As always, the identities of these advice-givers is being kept confidential for no other purpose than to spare the family from any undue public shame.

"Oil change? That’s just a mechanic’s way of squeezing more money out of you. You do the oil change when the car tells you to."

While everyone likes to save money and avoid routine visits to the local or chain mechanic, this advice is beyond awful. An oil change is the easiest and cost-effective way of providing optimal upkeep to a car. Fathers who have bestowed this advice have also been privy to 3 a.m. phone calls from their child thanks to a broken-down car.

"A real man doesn’t need a jacket when it’s cold outside."
Unless "a real man" is another term for "homeless," then this is advice that is better left ignored, especially when the temperature starts to drop.

"You don’t need to read the instructions to put this together."
Yes you do. Unless you enjoy things like screaming and shaking your fist in the air in a blind rage because you attached the wrong part to the back of the office desk and have to start over.

"No one really needs a savings account. I’d just put your money where it belongs: in your pocket."
Given the economic situation the country is currently in, it’s difficult to think anyone would say this to their child. Then again, some dads are still giving out shoddy advice. So kids, save your money. Your dad’s probably going to need it someday.