You say you don’t like me when I show up at school expectantly to help motivate you in class. You say the same thing when I talk to your teachers every day about you.
You say I’m not your friend when I don’t let you stay up all night or eat anytime you want. Or insist on a proper bedtime. You accuse me of being the bad guy just because I insist that you treat mom with respect.
I understand you want to sever all diplomatic relations when I won’t take you at 11:55 p.m. the night before to get a poster for your “surprise” class project.
I’m OK with that. Because, if I have to choose between being your dad and your friend, I will take door No. 1 for now.
Because I’m your dad, I will teach you everything I know that could help you be happy. I will try to live what I teach because hypocrites aren’t cool.
Even when you express your displeasure, I will try to keep my cool. Notice I said try. When you say something to press my buttons, I will do my best to count to 10.
Because some day, I have a feeling you might need me. And I promise I will be there, as your dad and a friend.
Live from the kitchen: It's the dad!
4 comments
LaurieBee says:
Apr 13, 2010
Hang in there. This too shall pass.
mcfflyer says:
Apr 13, 2010
You can also tell them, "Some day it will be you standing here saying the same thing to YOUR children."
And I'll be sitting in the corner in my rocker, chuckling.
Steph (sahans) says:
Apr 13, 2010
Honestly… who wants to be friends with a teenager anyway?!?!? They kinda smell funny…. okay the REALLY smell funny. They spend hours in the bathroom. And they tell even more annoying jokes than I do. ;-P
brettnordquist says:
Apr 13, 2010
One of the benefits of having children later in life is learning from other's successes and trials. I've seen a number of parents err on the side of friendship and it might feel good at first but the long term consequences are not pleasant. I believe you are making the right choices now that will be a long-term friendship when your son mature into a man.