So my little girl was stewing about a bad thing someone wrote on one of her phone accounts. I told her that as you go through life, you’ll meet stupid/ bitter people from time to time, and to not pay them any attention.
I’m trying to instill a sense of confidence in them as they are only 14 years old. I also tell them to always follow their heart, even if it means sometimes going against the pack.
When it comes to boys, I’ve told them they might have to kiss a few frogs before they find their Prince. I’ve also instilled in them the fact that they won’t care what others think of them by the time they are 30 years old…so why not start now?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having daughters though…I’ve been able to be a silly, creative Daddy all of these years…and I’ve left the discipline area to my Wife.
I spanked my daughter once when she was only a toddler…she was out of control. I gave her 3 light pats on her diaper…and I needed therapy for 3 weeks afterwards to get over what a cad I thought i was!
You’re just the dad I’d aspire to be!! If I ever had kids!! Good going Patrick. I feel szs can make great parents as long as they’re not too consumed by symptoms because we can be very compassionate and insightful given the right care.
One more thing I wish my parents had taught me at a young age. Just because someone is older than you, doesn’t mean they are smarter than you. I tell my girls to trust their gut/ own instincts all of the time.
I think you need to acknowledge other people’s intelligences in order to understand and add to your own. I was lucky I was 23 when I really understood how other people are smart. This made me smarter. Before that I was too inside my own head. I wish I had learned this earlier.
It was a result of hearing an owl in the woods in August of 2013. I will always remember
Kudos to you, @PatrickT It’s nice to hear of a father who is putting some real thought into his relationship to his children. 14 is a difficult age of approaching adulthood and the idea of leaving home can be scary.
You sound like a fun dad. Just one thing - it’s not fair that you leave all discipline to their mom. That’s not right. She has to be a bad guy all the time then. Discipline doesn’t have to be spanking. It can be saying no, or taking away phones for a period of time. The point of discipline is to teach your children, not to harm them. You can do that while still being a fun loving dad.
Times were simpler with parenting. Kids didn’t have smartphones. My mother occasionally broke a wooden spoon over my brother’s shoulder, or my leg. We were in 8th and 9th grade, and just laughed at her. She ended up laughing too. She was never a good time mom, but allowed me plenty of freedom.
I’ve also instilled in them the fact that they won’t care what others think of them by the time they are 30 years old…so why not start now?