This Web site was designed using Web standards.
Learn more about the benefits of standardized design.

Quick Links

Parent Information: Parent Resource Center: Health & Wellness

E-mail Article Print Article Post Feedback


Story image 1_0

'Meanest Mom on Planet' Sells Son's Car

Des Moines, Iowa (AP)

January 10, 2008

Jane Hambleton has dubbed herself the "meanest mom on the planet."

After finding alcohol in her son's car, she decided to sell the car and share her 19-year-old's misdeed with everyone -- by placing an ad in the local newspaper.

The ad reads: "OLDS 1999 Intrigue. Totally uncool parents who obviously don't love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for three weeks before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat. $3,700/offer. Call meanest mom on the planet."

Hambleton has heard from people besides interested buyers since recently placing the ad in The Des Moines Register.

The 48-year-old from Fort Dodge says she has fielded more than 70 telephone calls from emergency room technicians, nurses, school counselors and even a Georgia man who wanted to congratulate her.

"The ad cost a fortune, but you know what? I'm telling people what happened here," Hambleton says. "I'm not just gonna put the car for resale when there's nothing wrong with it, except the driver made a dumb decision.

"It's overwhelming the number of calls I've gotten from people saying 'Thank you, it's nice to see a responsible parent.' So far there are no calls from anyone saying, 'You're really strict. You're real overboard, lady."'

The only critic is her son, who Hambleton says is "very, very unhappy" with the ad and claims the alcohol was left by a passenger.

Hambleton believes her son but has decided mercy isn't the best policy in this case. She says she set two rules when she bought the car at Thanksgiving: No booze, and always keep it locked.

The car has been sold, but Hambleton says she will continue the ad for another week -- just for the feedback

'Meanest Mom on Planet' Sells Son's Car

Post your feedback on this topic here

Date Subject Posted by:
01/10/2008 I am proud of this parent. It is... Cara Weichman
01/13/2008 Yep this is the way more parents... Lisa
01/13/2008 Ok that mom found beer in her kids... Tony
01/15/2008 At first, I thought WOW that seems a... Tammie
01/15/2008 Oh my gosh! I'm keeping this idea... tina
02/19/2008 I dont think that she should have... ?

Sign up for the News Update.


Back To Top