Father’s Day is a mix of pancake breakfasts and barbecues for me, tinged with a bit of nostalgia. While I cherish the joy of creating new memories with my children, I can’t help but reflect on the three decades of moments I wish I had shared with my dad. He was a treasure trove of wisdom, and I love recounting stories about him to my kids. Even though there were times I tried to tune him out—probably with my earbuds in—his advice was like a sponge absorbing into my brain without me realizing it.
So, to all the parents out there thinking your little ones aren’t paying attention when they roll their eyes and scroll through their phones—think again! Here’s a collection of 20 nuggets of wisdom from my father that still resonate with me today:
- Your Name is Your Brand: Always protect your reputation. Say and do things that uphold your good name. In the age of oversharing on social media, this is more important than ever.
- Spread Joy: Make an effort to put a smile on someone’s face. Politeness and kindness go a long way, no matter who you’re dealing with. Remember to say: “Please,” “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry.”
- Dress to Impress: Avoid those frumpy ‘boy repellant’ clothes! He had a specific idea of what looked nice, which meant no gaudy nail polish or bold lipstick. Funny enough, I still prefer a more understated look.
- Be a Go-Getter: There are three types of people: those who sit back and watch, those who make things happen, and those who are clueless about what just happened. Be the one who takes charge!
- Invest in Your Mind: Looks fade, but knowledge lasts. He made reading fun, and we spent countless hours enjoying books together. He even created vocabulary lists to sharpen our minds—pop quizzes at dinner were quite the challenge!
- Create a Musical Home: We might not have been maestros, but our house was always alive with music.
- Generosity is Key: Always tip well; it could be you on the receiving end someday.
- Faith Matters: He instilled in me the importance of believing in something greater.
- Welcome Guests: Being a gracious host is essential. Make sure everyone feels at home.
- Get Out There: If you want to make friends, you have to put yourself out there; don’t be a hermit!
- Choose Wisely in Love: Marry someone who is intelligent, kind, and hard-working, and who respects their family.
- Play It Cool: Don’t make it too easy or flirt too openly—let them come to you! My dad believed in the art of playing hard to get.
- Words Matter: Be careful with what you say; your words can hurt others. I learned this one the hard way during some of our classic debates.
- Be a Good Pal: Show affection, be generous, and take care of your friends.
- Value Money: Money doesn’t grow on trees, so don’t be wasteful. Although he did enjoy splurging on nice meals and great atmospheres!
- Give Back: Contribute to your community and do it frequently.
- Family First: Always prioritize your family—love and honor your parents and siblings, and don’t forget to reach out to grandparents.
- Honesty is the Best Policy: Lying is too stressful; it’s better to be truthful. Also, don’t act like you know everything, and avoid bragging.
- Patience is a Virtue: “One hot day doesn’t make it summer,” he would say. Don’t be so quick to judge people or situations—there’s more to the story.
- Indulge in Chocolate: Nothing bonds a parent and child quite like sharing chocolate, whether it’s late-night TV or just a simple chat over homemade cookies.
Do you have any fatherly wisdom you’d like to share?
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In summary, my father’s lessons have shaped who I am today. Whether it’s about kindness, knowledge, or family values, these principles are timeless and worth passing down to the next generation.