What a 15 year old needs to get a man card.. suggestions please

I hold many members here in high regard for common sense.. A little background. My nephew just turned 15.. He really wants a MAN CARD. Which I have told him he has to earn.. My brother is an addict/idiot, I raised (nephew) him and his brother for a few years. Then judge gave them back to parents but short version is we are still close. his older brother is 17 no license or job, following in father's footsteps much to my dismay...

What things does he need to do to get his uncles I'm a man card

What I have so far..

1) drive a standard vehicle
2) change tires and oil in tractor, toys and cars
3) tie a tie, because even if you don't wear one everyday it's a good skill!
4) run a chain saw and splitter correctly
5) wire a switch and outlet
6) solder in a shut off valve in half or 3/4 plumbing
7) make 1 meal I would eat (quasi healthy) for a dinner for girl
8) clean a bathroom, do laundry and dishes
9) run a screw driver, skills saw and level and build a shed
10) treat women and others with respect (including not drinking and driving etc)

just an FYI, he is 5 foot 8 and 200 lbs and not fat! built like a brick chit house! So he is capable of all these things and if he learns with me over summer he gets a inspected insured car and a MAN card laminated to show off to his big brother... So what am I missing?

 

I think you nailed it Bud

 

Kill something...clean it...cook it...and eat it. Every man should know that meat doesn't "come from" the grocery store.

 

That's a good start. I can't do the plumbing and electrical!

 

Rebuild a carburetor, make a fire without matches or lighter, raise a puppy into a dog, ride a motorcycle.

I'm sure there's more.

 

Always hold a door for a lady, all ladies.

Firm handshake.

Look someone in the eyes when talking.

Honesty, even when it hurts. Especially when it hurts because it counts the most.

Last but not least. Put the damm video game controller down once in a while and do all the things on your list.

 

Yeah I was gonna add take rifle, shot gun, hand gun hit a target clean it and put it away

I might need to learn carb oh only small one can do a holly 650 double pumper.!

 

Learn how to walk away from a fight. ..and how to fight when you can't walk away.

 

My brother in law owns slaughter house 7 miles down road... we eat deer and chicken so he can do that but your right!

 

Learn basic welding.

Go up on a roof.

Auger out a blocked toilet.

 

Oh yeah the fighting thing he got down,Won state champ in wrestling 3 years in a row then decided on football.. his brother 6'2" 225 lbs has used him for punching bag since he was 2 toughness is not his challenge... We also have talked about when to walk away.. that's still hard for him unless it's a girl... I have heard him say to a girl that kicked him low as he walked away "I wish you had a brother so I could beat chit out of him! "

 

Sounds like CBVT is going to get a lot done around the house this summer.

 

Plant a garden, tend, and harvest produce.
It's not instant gratification, and then tie that back into life lessons for his future

 

Canadian,
You're a good man. 5'-8" , 200 lbs. 15 yrs. old. Seems to have the makings of a good carpenter. Can he climb? or is he afraid of heights?

Lukem, 100% in agreement with you. Know when to walk away but know when you got to and then take it to em.

 

it's got to be tough to get otherwise not worth paper it's printed on... Which one of us would listen to a 15 Year old that said I am a man and got a card to prove it! I will sign it and put my # on back they can call me!

Oh yeah a part time job and budget! with tithe and savings in there... whether in deed or $

 

Eric he has lived with me.. this fall we blocked and split 4 cord of ash together.. he a good kid.. got some anger issues, who didn't at that age. he also is pretty good on bass guitar.. Boy got to be rounded to be a man!