OT: The kid pulled a real boner, Was I that stupid at 17? Options

[DNHunt]

Maybe, I can't remember. It's been too long.

The kid has been doing the sound board for the school musical and they are in rehersal so he's had real long days. Anyway, he leaves the lights on in his bug and drains the battery. So, mom and dad are going to bail him out and head up to the school to bail him out. I jump it and we leave my Subi. There's not much gas but, I can't shut the thing off so we make a dash for home. Guess who had a long walk?

Would it have been so hard to say we'll need gas? I could have brought a gas can full.
Anyway, then it's bring back the gas can, jump the POS and bring it home. Oh ya, the charger wouldn't charge it so, mom says why don't you get the kid a new battery? Why can't he walk for a while until he can buy a new battery?

Let's see I seem to remember calling my dad at midnight one night cause the car couldn't go. When the tow truck driver came he found a broken U-joint and said I'm going to tell your old man what you were doing. Dad never said a word.

What do you think should I bust his balls or just get a new battery?

[DBCooper]

I'm several times his age and I still forget and leave the lights on once in a while. You don't do dumb things yourself sometimes? And you want to PUNISH him for that? He already feels like an idiot, so are you thinking that punishing him is going to make him smarter or something?

That's scary, to think of somebody punishing me for all the dumb stuff I do. I have some sobering information. As you grow older you'll begin to forget things, like your son, and do other dumb stuff again. Just like you did when you were seventeen. Hate to think the geezers all gotta be punished for that.

[Hammy]

I'm several times his age and I still forget and leave the lights on once in a while. You don't do dumb things yourself sometimes? And you want to PUNISH him for that? He already feels like an idiot, so are you thinking that punishing him is going to make him smarter or something?

That's scary, to think of somebody punishing me for all the dumb stuff I do. I have some sobering information. As you grow older you'll begin to forget things, like your son, and do other dumb stuff again. Just like you did when you were seventeen. Hate to think the geezers all gotta be punished for that.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I'm 17 and if my dad were to punish me for simple dumb mistakes, well in all honesty I'd feel pretty confused. My dad has helped me out a lot on my car. And knowing that I can call up my dad for any car troubles I have is a really good feeling.
IMO:
If he's got a job then have him pay for the battery himself and possibly help him out with the cost. If he's got no income but is a good kid with good grades then I don't see any reason not to help him out. Or have him pay for the battery in chores or waxing your 914 or somethin'.
Lesson learned.