fatherhood

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Dear Holly: Nobody Said You Can’t Wear Your Helmet In Public and/or Indoors

2 years, 10 months.

Dear Holly,

A couple of weeks ago when we were out buying your brother some soccer cleats and shin guards at Play It Again Sports, Mommy and I decided it would also be a good idea to buy you and your brother helmets for when the two of you play on your bikes out in the court.

We lucked out and were able to buy basically brand-new helmets for less than $10 each.

You were so proud of yours, that you insisted on wearing it in the car.

And at the mall.

And once we got home and you played in the living room.

In your mind, a safety helmet is categorized the same as any other item of clothing. And since you love clothes possibly more than toys, it was common knowledge, that of course, you would be wearing your helmet accordingly.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Playing Supermarket Sweep After Dinner

8 years, 4 months.

Dear Jack,

It has become an undeniable tradition that in our home, after dinner, you and your sister decide to play what I refer to as Supermarket Sweep.

This is when you grab your sister’s baby doll stroller, and she takes her toy shopping cart (filled with toy groceries), and the two of you compete in a series of races; back and forth literally from one side of the house to the other.

While it is a contest of speed for the two of you, I see it as a contest of who is having more fun- you and your sister.

So, it appears to have been a tie every single time!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: You Did an Amazing Job on Your 1st Speaking Part in a Play!

8 years, 3 months.

Dear Jack,

As if I weren’t already proud of you for applying my “life lessons” advice by being the one to volunteer for a speaking part in a play any chance you get, I am even prouder now that you perfectly executed your lines in your 2nd grade’s “Spring Into Music” performance.

I didn’t realize until the actual performance, that you were one of only a few other 2nd graders with a speaking part.

Mommy and I were both right in our reasoning for why we both had been separately encouraging you all year to volunteer to have a speaking part in a play:

My reasoning was that by default, boys typically don’t naturally want to volunteer for a speaking part. Therefore, those who volunteer, get chosen.

Mommy’s reasoning was that it would help you build confidence in yourself and cause you to gain new skills.

Our predictions came true.

I have a feeling you are going to be eager to volunteer to speak in a play the next chance you get!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: I’ve Never Once Seen You Act Shy

2 years, 10 months.

This week at work one of my coworkers was asking me what your personality is like, after she saw a picture of you being your happy self.

It got me thinking: I have never once seen you act shy.

You are such a happy, outgoing little girl. Wherever we go, you’re just glad to be there and you aren’t afraid to interact with friendly strangers who tell you how cute you are.

I’ve noticed you definitely aren’t camera shy, either.

Sometimes I casually ask you, “Holly, you want to be in a video with me?”

You instantly and enthusiastically agree every time.

You’re just not a shy kid.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: You Have Your 1st Speaking Part in a Play, Because You Volunteered for It

8 years, 3 months.

Dear Jack,

I’ve been telling you all week how proud I am of you for volunteering to have a speaking part in your upcoming play at school. Two students from every class in 2nd grade will have a speaking part in the play.

This is your line:

“Our first song is ‘Top of the Music to You’; in this song, we live about the orchestra, which consists of four instrument families: woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion.”

As your parent, I never know how seriously you let my life advice soak in. But for the past couple of months now, I have been telling you what an advantage it is to be the boy in your class who jumps at the chance to participate in a play. It builds confidence and provides opportunities in life; so I have learned. (This is coming from a dad who has been on national TV, of course.)

I explained that typically in elementary school, boys are afraid to get up in front of people and have a speaking part.

But not you. You volunteered and you got the part!

Love,

Daddy