This will be my strangest and most emotional summer as a dad.
It's the bridge to the other phase of my parenting journey. On the last day of school, I would be waiting for them to jump in the car. Then we would drive into the horizon.
This is a call to action to all dads. If you love your kids, you will be mad at me and do something about it.
Over the years, I've had a few people tell me that my daughters were smartasses. This came as a shock to me because I hadn't noticed it. My daughters and I will debate and argue, but disrespect wasn't something I ever detected.
Was my bias showing?
Does it seem like your kids never follow your directions?
What if I told you that there was a technique that would help ensure that they understood your instructions and almost guaranteed they would follow through without needing to scream like a maniac who lost his keys.
What can I say? I was a perfect dad. Or was I? Read the story below.
Haters are everywhere. Critics are everywhere.
But haters and critics aren't the same. Hate is stupid. Yet, critics and criticism have value. They provide the feedback needed to improve your craft, art, and life.
"Girls, I have a little secret to share."
They were nine and seven at the time, and it was time for a real conversation.
Despite not traveling the world- I've been able to give my girls a much larger worldview through my circle of friends and passions.
I've only been able to realize this by looking back on my life and connecting the dots.
That's a lot of damn pressure to carry. But you're carrying it whether you realize it or not.
A Facebook friend messaged me and said, "I have never heard you speak poorly of their mother."
"You're quite astute," I replied. As a rule, I never speak badly about my ex-wife (or any ex).
I chose her.
The day has come for them to go home to their mother. We've done this every year for the past 13 years; you'd think it would get easier.
It doesn't.
I'm still filled with sadness and heartache. But, I could focus on the great memories we created this past month.
Yea, let's do that.
"Hey! Hey! Hey baby!"
I'm witnessing my big girl get "hit on" for the first time in real-time.
We had arrived at the restaurant to eat dinner hours earlier. While we're patiently waiting in the car, I see another car park beside us slowly.