"自分が産んだ人には決して車を貸さないこと。"

Let’s break this down. The essence of the quote is a humorous but wise piece of advice: don’t let your children borrow your car. It’s a playful way to remind parents that lending their car to their kids can often lead to trouble.

Historically, this might have been said by someone who learned the hard way that kids—often inexperienced and sometimes careless—can accidentally damage your car. The same person is probably speaking from personal experience, or at least a collection of anecdotes from other parents who ended up regretting their choice.

Alright, imagine this: You’ve just got a brand-new car. It’s your pride and joy, shiny, with that new car smell. Now, picture handing over those keys to your teenage son who just got his driver’s license. You trust him—sort of—but within you, there’s that gnawing worry. Next thing you know, he’s calling you, voice shaky, telling you he’s had a minor fender bender. That new car of yours? Not so pristine anymore. This is a perfect example of what the quote is getting at—kids and cars can be a risky mix.

Now, how do you apply this bit of wisdom in real life? First off, it's not saying you should never trust your kids. It's more about recognizing certain risks and finding ways to manage them. Maybe instead of handing over the keys to your precious new car, you help them buy a used one. That way, any mistakes they make are learning experiences—without giving you a heart attack.

Here's a story for you. Think about your friend, Sarah. She’s a single mom who works hard and just bought herself a new SUV, which she needs for her job. Her teenage daughter, Emily, just passed her driving test and desperately wants to borrow the car to go out with her friends. Sarah, wanting to reward Emily’s hard work, reluctantly agrees. One night, Emily accidentally reverses into a mailbox while trying to park. The SUV’s rear bumper is dented, and Sarah has to pay a hefty repair bill.

Sarah learns a valuable lesson: it's crucial to set boundaries. She decides that Emily will only drive the SUV under supervision until she gains more experience. Sarah also starts saving up to buy an older, more affordable car for Emily. This way, both get peace of mind.

So, when you’re faced with a similar situation, remember Sarah’s story. Think twice before you let your kids borrow your car. Sometimes, it’s better to be the “bad guy” temporarily rather than dealing with potential long-term headaches and expenses. Instead, help them find a safer, more practical solution. Maybe even use the opportunity to teach them about responsibility—saving up for their own car, maintaining it, understanding the value of hard work.

In the end, it’s all about balancing trust with wisdom. Your kids might not thank you now, but they’ll appreciate the lessons learned down the road. Plus, your car stays intact—a win-win!