Rules for Dad's of Daughters

I would like to start this entry by thanking my father for being a great dad! He has been an amazing and integral part of my life and I could not imagine being who I am without him. I remember when I was about five or six, he 'taught' me how to change the oil in our car. Now, I know that this was just a ploy to keep me busy, but it's something I've never forgotten. I think we have a picture of us, his legs sticking out from under the car, me in my swimsuit holding the oil pan. Classic 1980's style. And that was the day I heard the "coca-cola" song. Really, it was "Cecilia" from Simon and Garfunkel. I don't know if he knows this, but I made sure that song played at my wedding (not super appropriate if you know the lyrics but what can you do!). It always reminds me of that day- and all that he has taught me over the years.



My parents have always had an honest and loving relationship, and I think that is what I've always aspired to. When I found this pin, I jumped on and read through a few- and yep, the tears did start to come so I had to stop. The original pin is on From Dates to Diapers, but she sources it by Michael Mitchell who writes on Life to Her Years. It's missing from his site- I'm not sure why as it is a great list. I printed the entire list and gave it to Russell to read, but here are some of my favorites.These are also probably the best ones that I received from my father (or think Russell will do an amazing job at!).

1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.

16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.

22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.

30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.

36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.