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 about 2 years ago
Not cool, Dad.
Charles Barr Premium Member about 2 years ago
Calvin may need a bandage also.
codycab about 2 years ago
You could use some fixing yourself, Calvin.
Templo S.U.D. about 2 years ago
put a sock in it, Calvin, as your father didn’t want your advice
The Calvinosaurus That Calvin Wanted To Discover about 2 years ago
Rub some dirt on it, Dad!
rklynch about 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 about 2 years ago
So hysterically funny! Out of the mouth of Calvin …
Bilan about 2 years ago
Do they make large bandages for little kid’s mouth?
JudasPeckerwood about 2 years ago
Just like my dad — incompetent and abusive. Don’t worry Calvin, it gets better.
Johnny Q Premium Member about 2 years ago
Brutal honesty…
baraktorvan about 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 about 2 years ago
At this point, Dad’s undoubtedly wishing he’d gotten himself “fixed” before he ever got near his wife.
Captain Colorado about 2 years ago
And Calvin wonders why he’s an only child.
chuckcork1 about 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 about 2 years ago
Truth hurts, Calvin.
Little Caesar about 2 years ago
Looks like dad has the good old 3 in 1 near by.
DaveG1960 about 2 years ago
Destroy It Yourself…….
DaveG1960 about 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 about 2 years ago
Whattya know? His dad fixes things like I do.
Say What? Premium Member about 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 about 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 about 2 years ago
Apparently, Calvin has been watching too much Idiot Dad TV shows…
becida about 2 years ago
He should have told Calvin that you have to at least try, that’s how you learn.
jagedlo about 2 years ago
The only missing is Calvin asking “Is this how you build character?”
Troglodyte about 2 years ago
That sure fixed Calvin.
A Hip loving Canadian... about 2 years ago
Dad needs to read Zen and the Art of Bicycle Maintenance
wtepps about 2 years ago
FFS Karen, it’s a comic strip. Go find something else to be outraged about
John Yeager about 2 years ago
Seems like it’s very “trying” to fix the problem here.
g04922 about 2 years ago
It’s a comic, lol. try to separate real life from fantasy and enjoy Calvin’s sometimes sick humor. Thanks.
joegeethree about 2 years ago
How many looked to the left after reading the last panel? I know I did.
Jon Premium Member about 2 years ago
He’s working on the chainwheel, but the rear wheel is off. That’s no way to adjust the derailleur!
sandpiper about 2 years ago
Calvin just repeated what he heard Mom say, but he got a different reply.
SchipLvr about 2 years ago
Law of Murphy: With every home project, some blood must be spilled.
artegal about 2 years ago
Relax, Calvin. If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.
swanridge about 2 years ago
Sometimes, even adults don’t want to know the truth.
mistercatworks about 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 about 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 about 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 about 2 years ago
I feel like people are way too sensitive for this comic.
bloodykate about 2 years ago
LOL!
Dapperdan61 Premium Member about 2 years ago
I wonder if Calvin survived his childhood
hagarthehorrible about 2 years ago
Fella, you don’t bite the hand that feed you.
klapre about 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 about 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 about 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 about 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 about 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 over 1 year ago
Why is his dad throwing metal heavy objects at his own child???
star.wars.litsaber over 1 year ago
Cheer up, dad! Im sure it builds character!