Handy dads

I thought this column about dads being less handy around the house these days was just a good way for the writer to fill his weekly allotment of space while looking pleasingly self-deprecating to his readers. Until I read the comments. Amazes me that some men would decline to install a light fixture or a ceiling fan, though I can understand one guy’s remark that interior painting is best left to the pros. I have done it, but the result was not so pleasing. I’ve also paid to have the privacy fence lengthened. But it’s also a good idea for Mr. Boy to see me doing chores like unclogging a sink or toilet, or installing the aforementioned light or ceiling fan. If nothing else, he’s learned a few new cuss words. But he also gets to see that tackling this stuff is not demeaning, but actually a good skill to have. Although when faced with the weekly lawnmowing in the summer’s heat–I just finished half of it, and am putting off the rest for a few hours–it’s awfully tempting to pay to have someone else do it. I’m looking forward to the day when he’s old enough to put him to it, as my father did me long ago.