Dear Jack: You are One Talented Kid! (And an Enneagram 4)

11 years old.

Dear Jack,

It’s not lost on me that you are incredibly smart, as well as talented. You’re the kind of person who is able to turn any project into gold.

Whether its your dedication to Taekwando, or you running and being voted as the Student Council Representative last year, or your ability to barely study yet still get straight A’s.

Selfishly, I’ll admit. That’s one less thing I have to worry about as a parent- knowing that you are an incredibly productive, and creative, person. I don’t have to motivate you- you’re already motivated!

I understand that there’s balance in everything. That especially right now as you are in your pre-teen years, one of the things I need to help you focus on is managing your emotions.

Fortunately, I enrolled this week to begin my training to become a certified Enneagram coach. Or as I like to call it- a cheaper version of a therapist!

I figure… everybody can use a little bit of therapy. I’m already learning how to be a better parent though what I’ve learned about your personality: An Enneagram 4- The Invidualist.

The Sensitive, Introspective Type:
Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental

Fours are self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are emotionally honest, creative, and personal, but can also be moody and self-conscious. Withholding themselves from others due to feeling vulnerable and defective, they can also feel disdainful and exempt from ordinary ways of living. They typically have problems with melancholy, self-indulgence, and self-pity. At their Best: inspired and highly creative, they are able to renew themselves and transform their experiences.

  • Basic Fear: That they have no identity or personal significance
  • Basic Desire: To find themselves and their significance (to create an
    identity)

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Our Friday Dinner Out for Mac-and-Cheese at the Mexican Restaurant

5 years, 7 months. 

Dear Holly,

At this point in my life, I truly do not enjoy eating out at restaurants. I like having complete control over what I eat- and I don’t want to have to pay more for food I can just prepare myself.

However, you have been asking for me to take you back to Acapulco Mexican restaurant near our house; as you declare they make the best mac-and-cheese! That’s where you had your dinner out for your 5th birthday, 7 months ago.

Needless to say, last Friday night, you completely cleaned your plate!

Plus, you were excited because when you ordered root beer with your meal, they brought it out in a real glass bottle instead of a kids’ cup.

I’m glad I could spend that time with you- as I know it meant so much to you!

And spending quality time with you is one of the most important things to me!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: A Dad’s Letter to His Son on His 11th Birthday

11 years old!

Dear Jack,

Today you turn eleven years old. This is an exciting time in your life.

Turning 11 in the 5th grade, a week before Thanksgiving, you now made it part of your identity to be a Taekwondo kid! You are so proud of your accomplishments so far, as you’ve recently earned your yellow belt. That is a big part of you turning eleven.

And then this weekend, to our surprise, you decided you wanted to be baptized- so you were!

I don’t see this as a forgettable year for you. I see it as a big, memorable year!

Happy 11th Birthday! I love you, Jack!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Maybe I’m Not Ready for You to Be Done with Plastic Toys, After All

10 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

This is my last letter I will write you while you’re still 10 years old. Your 11th birthday is now only a few days away!

I’ve kept it no secret from myself; how it’s not easy watching you grow up so fast, especially as you are now more of a pre-teen than a little boy.

As birthday gifts have been showing up in the mail, and as I’ve watched how you’ve used your gift cards from your birthday party, it surprised me a bit to see you choose… plastic toys.

I was thinking we were past that stage in your life.

Last year it was all about Fortnite. This year, it’s Roblox.

Yeah, I know. You’re just collecting more plastic that you’ll ultimately forget about a year from now.

But as for now, it’s proof that there’s still a little bit more “little boy” still in there.

I need there to be.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Your Ability to Make Friends Instantly

5 years, 6 months.

Dear Holly,

In my mind, you are a quiet little girl, outside of our home. That’s how I imagine you.

But maybe not…

Because you have this habit of bonding very quickly with other girls your age.

Like this week when we were taking your brother to Taekwondo; as we were opening the door, I heard someone shout out, “Holly!”

She ran over to you and hugged you; then she touched your hair, saying, “Look Holly, we have the same color hair!” And the two of you giggled like besties.

Turns out; she’s in your P.E. class at school.

I remember this happening after your 1st first ballet class, as well. I heard, “Holly! Give me a hug before you go!”

When we got back to the Jeep, I asked where you knew that girl from.

“From dance class. I just met her today, Daddy.”

I have a feeling this will be normal for you: The ability to immediately befriend other little girls your age.

Love,

Daddy