Being a Parent... Opportunities to Turn A Bad Experience Into a Good Experience

The biggest challenge I have had to face in my own life is that of being a good parent. My kids make it hard for me to stay true to the rules of good parenting... They break everything I own... Repeatedly...

Fortunately, I do have the presence of mind to realize that as toddlers and young children, they really do not intend to break things... Instead, they are trying to get a grasp on how the world around them works.

Yep, the lego floats. I wonder what it will do if I flush it??

"Daddy! The toilet is stopped up."

So, Daddy pulls the toilet up, tries to backfeed a snake, and finally gives up. Daddy had to buy a new toilet, because he could not loose the lego stuck in its plumbing.

Of course, the kiddies never told me what they flushed. All I knew is that I could not get it out.

So, I turned it into a learning experience for my boys.

I carried the toilet to the street, and took the boys with me. I took my trusty hammer and broke the plumbing portion of the toilet to see what kind of blockage I had tried to overcome. Upon finding a lego in the plumbing, I instructed the boys that the reason they could not use their toilet is because their lego got stuck.

We have been working with the kids to teach them an understanding of the value of money. The six year old is starting to get it, but the boy who just turned four is still a bit unconcerned about such things.

I explained to the boys that we would have to spend money to buy a new toilet. And, because that requires money to be spent, I would not be able to afford to take them bowling as promised. I could have afforded to do so, but they needed to learn a lesson.

Once they calmed from losing their bowling privileges, we took a bad and made it fun.

Each boy got the opportunity to use the hammer on the remains of our toilet. The trash guys would not have picked up the toilet, because it was a big object. So, I killed two birds with one stone, so to speak.

Each boy got to take turns breaking the toilet into smaller pieces. They had a blast.

Then, we took the chance to teach them the basics of basketball. We needed the small chunks of porcelain in the trash barrel, so we set the barrel nearby and tossed bits of the remains of the toilet into the trash can, as if we were playing basketball.

It was an awesome experience overall, and my kids got to learn a few things, and try a few new things along the way.

And yes, we did wash our hands after our game of basketball.

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About Bill Platt

Bill Platt is the owner of http://thePhantomWriters.com Article Submission Services. This learning experience came directly on the heals of another unfortunate experience with his children. The people who have read the story have all agreed that they felt bad for Bill and his wife, but they just could not help themselves... As they read the story, they were overcome with fits of laughter... You can read the story for yourself and make your own judgments as to whether you want to laugh or cry: http://thephantomwriters.com/x.pl/tpw/kids/omg/index.html


And here is another random article you might be interested in...

Property Management: The Good the Bad and the Ugly

Being a landlord is not all it's cracked up to be. Think carefully of all the responsibilities that follow the purchase of an investment property for rental use. Screen your clients, run credit checks and, if you are both landlord and owner of the property, learn to deal with problems objectively, fairly and legally. Many clients will try to talk their way out of serious issues like late rent payments. Some will even present a dramatic sob story â€" be sure to stand firm and take care of your property the best way you know how. Any renter can and should be held accountable for rent they have agreed to pay. Tenants can be like children and will give you gray hairs. You may have to start coloring twice a month!

Make Sure You Have Time For DIY

Do-it-yourself (DIY) property management can be difficult if you have a career and a family. The responsibility of the landlord position can be incredibly time consuming. As the owner or manager of the property you will receive all tenant phone calls to report items that need to be fixed or complaints that need to be mentioned. Tenants can be very high maintenance. Be prepared for them to call often and for minor reasons. Also, take the time to complete quarterly checks every three months. Especially if you are a DIY property manager/owner, keeping an eye on the condition of the property is essential to maintaining your investment.

Ask Questions And Read The Fine Print

To find a property manager you must know what questions to ask. Write a list of the reasons you want to hire a property manager and be clear about what you will expect from the person or business that represents you. When you hire a property manager read the property management agreement thoroughly. Many property management agreements renew annually, unless you cancel the agreement sixty days in advance. Most property managers continue their management while tenants they have procured are still living on the property. The management agreement will hold in place until the tenant vacates regardless, of your desire to terminate the current relationship. Always, be fully aware of what kind of commitment you are making in these agreements.

Don't Let Management Companies Take Advantage Of You

If you decide to work with a property management company educate yourself about possible hidden fees that may be added to take advantage of less knowledgeable property owners. Extra fees like charges for acquiring work or cleaning estimates, procurement fees for finding new tenants and commission fees added to tenant sales are just a few examples of things to look for. Commission charges that are added to tenant sales are negotiable within the property management agreement. These types of concealed charges are typical in agreements created by larger companies that have a property management division. In general, the cost to hire a property management company should be a percentage of the monthly rent.

Tips To make Your Property Management Search More Successful

Always research and read your property management agreement from beginning to end. Don't sign anything until you feel comfortable. Take all the time you need to make a decision. Research and compare property managers. Ask them about their marketing strategy for the property. Find out how long the manager has been licensed and how many properties they have worked with. Ask for and contact references. The best property managers are found by referral through a trusted friend or business colleague.

Living By Example

As a property manager I try to exemplify the highest qualities in the business. I charge a percentage of the rent for my fee and promise not to add any hidden fees or undisclosed costs. I also require all potential tenants to allow me to do a credit check. I work to create the best situation for everyone involved. Since many rental properties eventually go up for sale, you are always building relationships with tenants who may be potential buyers. It is worth it to be smart, fair and reasonable in your property dealings.

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About Elaine VonCannon

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she specializes in retirement and relocation in the Williamsburg area. She is an Accredited Buyer's Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. Elaine VonCannon also works with real estate investors and home sellers.

vonmor1@cox.net