Why I'm glad my father forced me to do DIY
Do it yourself - what seemed like a punishment as a child is now a blessing. Not only am I more independent, I also save a lot of money.
My childhood wasn't much different from that of my friends: I grew up in a Swiss village, could do everything on foot and preferred to do things outside. But my sister and I were often told to stop playing by an unmistakable whistle. My father was and still is a passionate DIY enthusiast and was keen to share his hobby with his daughters. Instead of playing hide-and-seek, we soldered and sawed or helped with small house renovations.
All beginnings are hard
As a child, my joy was limited. I could really think of better things to do than crawl around the bathroom on Saturdays to help my dad replace the silicone grouting. There were also heaps of DIY gifts for family members and a few theory lessons. So I wasn't surprised to come home from school one day only to find my dad armed with a chisel, dismantling our glued wooden ceiling. Because when Dad sets his mind to something, it is realised immediately. In those moments, my sister and I immediately realised that we had to roll up our sleeves too. In for a penny, in for a pound. Once the moaning had died down and the project was completed, the pride would spread every time. It's like going to the gym. First you drag yourself there in a bad mood, only to be really happy afterwards that you've overcome your inner bastard and done something for yourself.
Moving made easy
Today, I am glad to have assisted my father. Especially since moving out of Hotel Mama, the DIY school has come in handy. For example, I know how to drill the cleanest. I also know that, in addition to wood glue, I need to use lamellas (or flat dowels) to make sure that everything is firmly fixed. And above all, I know that the right and good tools are the be-all and end-all for any DIY enthusiast. It's better to own a few high-quality tools that you know how to use than a hodgepodge of inferior tools.
A great side effect of the DIY skills you learn is a customised home. Because instead of buying new things for expensive money that are sure to end up in dozens of other flats, I can give old furniture from the corner shop a new lease of life with just a few simple steps. For example, an old chest was transformed into a beautiful bar for storing wine, spirits and glasses in no time at all.
Help yourself to help yourself
What I have learnt most from my weekends in the workshop, DIY stores or outside in the garden is how to help myself. I don't have to wait until my friend is home or a handyman has time. I can replace a light bulb, assemble a shelf or plug holes myself. Even though I swear and regularly smear myself with all kinds of substances, I don't want to give up DIY. As expected, this behaviour is supported by my immediate family. When I moved into my first flat, Dad didn't give me flowers, bread and salt, but a rechargeable screwdriver. As stuffy as that sounds, it's great. I don't have to ask for equipment every time I need it, like many friends do. I'm independent and self-sufficient - at least when it comes to DIY. And if I ever get stuck, my father's advice is just a phone call away.
What about you? What did your parents give you that you no longer want to do without?
My life in a nutshell? On a quest to broaden my horizon. I love discovering and learning new skills and I see a chance to experience something new in everything – be it travelling, reading, cooking, movies or DIY.
