My kid called me out for letting the car idle while I checked my phone

He said, 'Dad, you're just making the air dirty for no reason.' I felt pretty dumb and now I turn the engine off even for a quick stop. Anyone else get a simple comment that made them change a habit?

3 comments

3 Comments

bethwhite2mo ago

My friend's daughter, maybe seven years old, saw him toss a banana peel out the car window. She just asked, "Daddy, why did you make the road messy?" He said it hit him that he was teaching her littering was okay. He hasn't thrown a single thing out the window since, not even an apple core.

miabennett2mo ago

Yeah, kids notice everything. My nephew saw me flick a cigarette butt once and asked why I didn't put it in the trash like he has to. Felt pretty bad. Now I keep a little bag in the car cup holder for any trash, even gum wrappers. He checks it sometimes, so I have to keep it clean. It's a good system.

wesleybutler14d ago

Oh man, that banana peel story hits hard! It's wild how kids don't just call you out, they make you think about the long term impact. My nephew saw me peeling off a price sticker and dropping it on the ground at a gas station. He asked if worms could eat it. I had to explain that no, plastic stickers don't break down like leaves do. Now I carry a little pouch in my pocket for any trash I make when we're out. I even find myself picking up litter when we're on walks because he's watching. It's like having a tiny conscience following you around that doesn't let you get away with anything.