Challenged by a Ten-Year Old Girl...

[Stormstaff]

My Dear Friends,



No kidding there! Sure, I am 'Dad', but I am also her friend. There is nothing like the feeling of a child that is genuinely excited to see you when you get home, a child that truly wants your company and likes having you around.

My daughter already knows how to evaluate the characteristics of the guys she thinks are "cute" - even at age ten she values kindness, a sense of humour, consideration, intelligence, and loyalty. Ask her and she will tell you - her Daddy has never lied to her. She has 100% faith and confidence in me because I have never given her a reason not to.

Find time for your kids, my friends, while they still *want* to spend time with you. Soon enough their friends and activities will take priority (which is realistically as it should be) and you'll find you will be the one they don't have the time for - enjoy them now. Connect with them and be the one they run to when they have a problem. Be someone they can trust.

Be the parent to them you wish that you had when you were growing up.

--------
Hannibal

Umm...... amen brother!

 

[Hickory67]

That is really great, Hannibal. My 11 year old son wants to go with me as well. My daughter, not so much - but if there's a tent and marshmallows involved she'd be game.

Very wise words - many thanks for this post.

 

[glefic]

Dr. Hannibal Lecter Please keep me in formed on this I might be willing to do a little somthing for this