Fatherly Advice

Right now my daughter is nine and a half years old and still listens to my advice. She listens still, but with a periodic eye roll and an "I know" quickly following behind. Before she stops listening altogether I have decided to refine my advice. In the past I have talked with her about appropriate dress, how to act in restaurants and other public places and how to play with friends. She has asked me what I think of her art work and I have always tried to redirect it back to her deciding whether she liked it. Now I must pick carefully what I share because I know for every year she approaches her teenage years there will be less room in her brain to retain my brilliant words of wisdom. The following is a top ten list of what I hope she remembers. 10. Live life based on your beliefs and values not for what you think others want you to believe. 9. Whenever you get involved in a relationship make sure you do so only if you are truly ready to be committed to the other person. If you are unready it is not fair to you or them. 8. Don't be afraid to "fail". When you don't succeed; you learn something new about yourself. 7. Other people are neither better or worse than you; they are just different. If you are not compatible with someone that is okay. 6. Enjoy every moment you have with friends and family; you never know how long they will be in your life. 5. Do your best in school to give yourself the chance to go wherever you want for college. The chance to have your choice of schools is one that is up to you to earn. 4. Don't feel obligated to go straight into school. You can travel for a year or more or work for a while. There are many alternatives in life. Once again don't limit yourself by what others think you should do. 3. Use credit cards only to establish credit. Only charge an item that you have the cash to cover it. Avoid getting into debt. 2. Be willing to give of yourself by joining local volunteer organizations or even something national such as The Peace Corps. 1. Most importantly have fun!