Manners

My boys are just wonderful. Really, the best little guys. When they misbehave, I have to consider any time I've ever been in a store. Children in general lack manners. And they're very very loud. And disrespectful. And loud. I see that and want to rush home and tell my boys how proud I am of them. No clue where they get that. They're just wonderful boys.

Seriously, manners is one of the easiest things to begin teaching children. Also possibly one of the hardest to deeply instill in them. Who says "thank you" and "please" all the time? Who would want to? And how would a child be expected when to and when not to. Not easy. But the simple part is beginning the thing - saying thank you when someone hands you something. Adding the word please when asking nicely for something. That's a start. Not sure my boys were ever taught that so much as just knowing it. Maybe I've mentioned it - they're phenomenal children.

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Apologizing

This is a tough one. Well, they're all tough ones. But I recall having to apologize as a child and not really liking that. I'm not sure a parent should force an apology if it's not genuine, that's asking your child to lie. The key is to gently nudge them toward it. Every instance is different, and every child is different. My four year old will apologize in a different manner - and timeframe - than his six year old brother. But their little disagreements generally end quickly - "I'm sorry for..." followed by "I accept your apology...".

But then I'm fortunate. My children are very nearly perfect ;)

the joys of simplicity

I have the most wonderful children on earth. Really. Interesting, fascinating in fact, thoughtful, creative, bold yet sensitive, so very well behaved yet a bit mischievous. Absolutely wonderful boys. Obviously most parents feel the same and wouldn't be wrong. A smile, a hug, a joke, a playful gesture, a short conversation. These little insignificant aspects of each day are not at all insignificant. They are what matter the most.

reading is fun

Always, always always read to your children. This is one of those unquantifiable gifts. For both the parent and the child. Reading a new one is great. Returning to old favorites is great as well. Shel Silverstein is my six year old's favorite. That's just because he hasn't yet experienced Le Petit Prince. It's what you do each and every day. Read to the kids. It will open worlds of possibilities.

the wisdom of a six year old

After seeing fireworks on the 4th:
"...and I saw a guy that had on the latest summer fashions..." - noting the amount of visible underwear showing above someone's pants.

When pausing just a second to clear my throat while reading Shel Silverstein:
"that's enough Dad, carry on"

In response to the question "what are you giggling at?"
"I was just remembering the beauty of SpongeBob"

Who is this child? What kid of six years speaks like this. What an awesome little guy.

Intro

When I found out I was going to be a father for the first time I just knew the child was going to be a girl. Knew it. Knew it many years prior. Baby boy, seven pounds even. Two years, 4 months later, again, this one would have to be a little girl. Obviously not. Two wonderful sons. And I wouldn't change a thing.