Storytelling

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: I Negotiated With You So We Didn’t Have to Go to the County Fair!

11 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

Something that was well established since our family’s (infamous?) Walt Disney World trip last Christmas was this:

I DO NOT do well in large crowds. It’s one of my personal living nightmare scenarios.

Therefore, when Mommy and I finally had to give in to you and your sister asking to go to the County Fair last weekend, I was definitely dreading it.

The anxiety and fear were building up.

Then on Saturday morning, as we had already waited nearly 20 minutes in a line just trying to get off the Interstate exit to get to the parking lot of the fair, Mommy kindly asked, “Jack, are you SURE you want to go to the fair today? We could do something else instead…”

At that point, I chimed in: “For the amount of money we would spend on you and your sister at the fair today, I will gladly give you both a stipend to spend at Target. Plus, we can go out for pizza first, at Mellow Mushroom.”

Like comedian John Mulaney says, “It is 100% easier not to do things than to do them, and so much fun not to do them- especially when you were supposed to do them.”

Officially, our entire family had more fun by cancelling our plans than going to the fair!

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, People, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: Your 1st Week of Junior High (6th Grade)

11 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

With this being your first full week of 6th grade, it became apparent to me after your first day:

Your version of 6th grade is truly Junior High… as compared to my version of 6th grade 30 years ago for the 1992-1993 school year.

The way you constantly change teachers for every single class actually reminds me of high school. When I was in 6th grade, I only remember switching teachers for 3 subjects.

But for you, you already have elective classes that change throughout the year.

And you love it! You are so happy to be in Junior High!

 

Love,

Daddy

1 Comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: Your 1st Week of 1st Grade

6 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

It’s official: You love first grade!

One of your best friends from your Kindergarten class just happens to be in your class this year too.

And despite not having your brother there with you at the same school, you are very confident in what you are doing.

A specific major change I see this year is that you don’t have your brother to boss you to the bus in time. So I have to pay attention to the clock now, to be sure you don’t miss the bus.

You are learning to become a little more independent and I am very proud of you!

 

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: Orientation for Starting 1st Grade

6 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

Last night was a big deal for you.

We went to go meet your teacher for 1st grade. When she asked you if you are looking forward to the new school year, you were surprisingly honest.

With a smile, you told her, “I’m actually a little bit nervous about it.”

She responded, “You want to know a secret? I’m a little nervous too!”

Your brother confirmed that you actually have the best 1st grade teacher at your school.

And really, I think that’s the reason you’re nervous:

Because unlike last year, your brother won’t be at the same school as you; now that he’s starting Middle School.

But I know you will love 1st grade once it starts!

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: Orientation for Starting Junior High – 6th Grade

11 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

I’m honestly surprised I was able to get you to smile for this picture last night at your 6th grade orientation.

Like clockwork, you’re switching over to the mindset that your dad isn’t cool.

Granted, your main reason in feeling this way is because I am known for talking to random strangers about Enneagram and you’re tired of hearing about it!

Fair enough.

But I do know that you are truly excited about the challenge of starting Junior High.

It was a family affair as we took you to try out the lock on your locker.

And this begins you constantly changing classes for every period.

I am excited for you!

Even if I embarrass you now simply for being your dad!

Love,

Daddy