As my son approached graduation, he was filled with excitement about the future, envisioning the freedom that awaited him. Meanwhile, I found myself reflecting on all the lessons I hoped I had instilled in him. Here’s a candid list of things I wish for him to know as he embarks on this new chapter of life.
- Don’t blindly accept everything I taught you as gospel; I made mistakes along the way.
- Conversely, don’t disregard everything I said; there’s wisdom in some of my lessons.
- I may have fibbed a bit—your hand won’t fly off if you stick it out the window, the tooth fairy is a myth, and those starving children in China? They might not be waiting for your green beans.
- Honestly, there were moments when I thought, “Is there an eBay for kids?” I never would have sold you, but the thought crossed my mind in moments of frustration.
- Remember, our relationship is a two-way street; you’ve taught me just as much as I’ve taught you. When you become a father, keep learning from your kids.
- Good table manners matter. Chewing with your mouth closed and keeping elbows off the table are signs of respect.
- I realize now that I could have allowed you to express yourself more. Standing up for your beliefs is crucial, even against authority. My bad. See point #1.
- Apologies don’t erase mistakes. If you mess up, own it.
- Shower daily—even when you’re exhausted. No one wants to be around a guy who smells like a goat, and trust me, others can smell you even when you think you’re fine.
- Always wash your hands after using the bathroom. If someone doesn’t, don’t trust them.
- Stand up for what’s right. As a young man, you may find it easier to overlook the struggles of others. Don’t let that happen.
- How you treat your mother reflects how you’ll treat your partner. So, stop joking about putting me in a home.
- If you ever find yourself angry enough to lash out, remember that I have a ladder and I’m not afraid to use it—let’s not go there.
- You’re intelligent, no doubt about it. I have the wisdom of experience; one day, you’ll gain that too. Let’s compare notes when you hit forty.
- Heartbreak will happen. It’ll hurt more than you can imagine, and you’ll feel alone. But remember, it’s not you—it’s just part of life, and it will get better.
- Avoid junk food. Today’s choices can lead to tomorrow’s problems, and you don’t want to be that guy who struggles to respond to his partner.
- Be brave. It doesn’t mean you won’t feel fear; it means acting in spite of it.
- Never text and drive, and don’t ride with anyone who does. It’s dangerous and selfish.
- When doing laundry, err on the side of caution with temperature settings. Cold water is your friend if you want to avoid shrinking your clothes.
- I’m not done making mistakes, and I’ll likely offer unsolicited advice. Remember, it comes from a place of love and experience.
- Share what you have. Never sleep soundly while others are hungry nearby.
- My love for you is unconditional. Even when I’m upset, it never wavers.
- Laughter is essential—aim for at least three belly laughs a day, and let loose; it’s good for the soul.
- Crying is healthy, even for men. Anyone who tells you otherwise is mistaken.
- I will pass away someday. While I hope it’s far in the future, know that your sister and you are the greatest joys of my life. When my time comes, remember that love is eternal.
For more insights on navigating life as a parent, check out this other blog post. And if you’re considering starting a family, you might want to look into a home insemination syringe kit from a reputable retailer. For those seeking further information, WebMD provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, these lessons encapsulate my hopes for my son as he graduates and steps into adulthood. Life will throw challenges his way, but with these guiding principles, he’ll be better equipped to navigate them.
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