parenting

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Dear Jack: I’m Not Sure If You Still Believe in Santa, But…

11 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack,

This past weekend we visited Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in Bell Buckle, Tennessee; about an hour from where we live.

I was surprised how willingly you went along with it; knowing it was really more for your sister to experience.

You and I have never had the conversation about Santa, but I get the feeling you simply see him as a holiday tradition; not as an actual person.

Either way, you totally went along with it; including getting your picture made with him.

Really, I think you were just there for the free hot cocoa!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: I Finally Was Able to See You at Gymnastics!

5 years, 7 months.

Dear Holly,

When this school year started, you began gymnastics and your brother started Taekwondo. Mommy always been the one to take you to gymnastics, which happens to be at the same time as when I am taking your brother to Taekwondo.

But this week, it worked out better for me to take you instead. You being in gymnastics makes a lot of sense!

You are very energetic and daring. So for an hour, twice a week, you get to run and jump, and challenge yourself- specifically with the balance beam.

As much as I loved watching you in your dance recital earlier this year, I definitely see how gymnastics could be the better fit for you… at least for now.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: You are Still Planning on Marrying Brooks, From Preschool

5 years, 7 months.

Dear Holly,

Seven months ago, when you were finishing up preschool, is when I became well aware of your boyfriend (?) Brooks from your class.

He even said right in front of me one time, “Holly, remember… I’m going to marry you one day!”

Well even though you’re halfway through Kindergarten now (a different one than him), you still haven’t forgotten what he said- despite not seeing him since August.

In the mornings before school, you often like to draw pictures. This week, you drew one that made it to the fridge; as it proclaims, “Brooks and Holly Get Married.”

This is going to be hilarious if you and Brooks ever cross paths again. I don’t even know his last name!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: You Made a Stunt Double for Yourself

11 years.

Dear Jack,

I had just got done talking to you downstairs in the living room. Then, I walked upstairs and saw what appeared to be you… already there!

I immediately questioned how it was possible. Then I realized it was actually a stunt double (or should I say stunt dummy?) you had arranged in your chair.

You began laughing downstairs, as you figured out I had just discovered your creation.

“I made that last night before I went to bed,” you explained.

You and your sister named it “Jackson”.

Jackson literally took the fall for you, as you and your sister gave him a toss down the stairs to see how he would hold up.

Nicely done!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: You’re So Chatty! (And Likely an Enneagram 7, Like Me)

5 years, 7 months.

Dear Holly,

This morning when I woke up at 5:55 AM to go to the gym (which was later than normal for me), you were coming down the stairs.

Normally, I give you a big hug, then you run into the bedroom to talk to Mommy.

But today, you immediately initiated would what become an hour long conversation with me, and would ultimately be the reason why today would be my one day off from the gym this week.

While the majority of your questions for me were light-hearted and hilarious (like, “Daddy, how many bucks will the Tooth Fairy even give me, though?”), I noticed some of them had a darker undertone, alluding to fear and anxiety.

As I’ve begun my certification training this week to become an Enneagram coach, I recognize your behavior, because it’s the same as mine! I think you may be an Enneagram 7 like me.

“Daddy, when I lose a tooth, will it hurt?”

“Daddy, if my toe breaks off, will it grow back?”

“Daddy, how can a skeleton believe in Jesus?” (This makes the 2nd time you’ve asked me this one.)

“Daddy, what can break a board? A person’s hand?”

“Daddy, what can break open a person’s head? Maybe if a house falls on them?”

You are an unbelievably bright, sunny, and optimistic person. You make people laugh and you are constantly moving- and talking!

Ultimately, if you’re like me, this is an attempt to outrun our secret anxieties and fears about how the world actually works.

We’re in this together! I know exactly what it’s like to have a brain that works like yours!

THE ENTHUSIAST
Enneagram Type Seven

The Busy, Variety-Seeking Type:
Spontaneous, Versatile, Acquisitive, and Scattered

Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.

  • Basic Fear: Of being deprived and in pain
  • Basic Desire: To be satisfied and content—to have their needs fulfilled

Love,

Daddy