It is now a week after I had posted the 'Sad Reality' blog (further below) and I had been thinking about . . . 'How best to talk with your teen?' and as an older Dad (with grandkids now), I remembered back to those years when my wife & I had our kids who were becoming teens. I found what helped me then, were the notes that I would write and leave for our daughter to find. It is in that mode that I am going to use myself & our kids (back then) as examples to share.
So, to level set – an author shared insights for his daughter on the 'guy she may pursue'. In the weeks past and I'll do so over the weeks ahead, I've shared his words as a challenge for Dads to ponder, to see if they would trigger ideas on talks or whatever that they would pursue with their teen(s). Here is my example of me using his words, to hopefully help her *. You get to see that and to determine what you will either do or not do.
W . . . Dad here again and I know you are busy but I hope you get a chance soon to read and to consider this. And yes, if you have any questions – let Mom and or me know.
As to the what? I read some good words on Patience for teens to be looking for and I wanted to share this with you.
Patience is a virtue, and it's great when the one you care for has it. By that I mean, he understands that good things take time and doesn't rush you or your relationship. He's patient with you and with life, handling setbacks and challenges without losing his cool. His patience means he's understanding when things don't go as planned. He's flexible and doesn't put unnecessary pressure on you or the relationship. His calm demeanor helps keep things balanced and stress-free.
You both are young and there is so much yet before you both. Which also means that you need to make sure you understand and embrace patience as well. Easy? No, not really but when we have it, we can see that we handle the ups and downs of things so much better. So, thanks for reading this and pursuing it as you deem best. Mom and I are proud of the life you're pursuing. Your learning and turning into such a great young woman. And bring xyz over to the house when it works best, it would be great to meet and talk with him. I'll be nice : ) All my love, Dad | With that above example, you can see that I wrapped some of my own words around the ones I picked up. Now, I also know that when we have more then one kid, they all are different. That then means what we do for one, may not work for the other(s). |
* = Our daughter is now a Mom and with her husband, they have 3 kids of their own (their oldest just became a teen this Spring). Back in her teen years, I was just trying to figure out how to be a good Dad. That is all you have to do as well – try to be helpful, encouraging and don't forget, you're a role model.