We just got back from spending a day in Charleston with my daughter. Mom had to be there for an all day meeting, so we decided to have a daddy and daughter day and act like tourists. Now I didn’t wear black socks with my shorts or hang a huge camera around my neck. We have been to Charleston many times, so we kind of know our way around. We did a lot of walking, through the Old Market, down side streets to look at the pretty houses and a good bit of time eating and drinking coffee.
During one of our pit stops to eat, my daughter decided it was time to ask my about my early dating life. She’s 17 now and starting to wonder about what to look for in a guy. She was very sweet in saying what a good guy I was and was wondering what I was like at her age so that she would have a mark with which to measure.
This is the kind of conversation that strikes fear and panic, mainly fear, but also a lot of panic. I had two thoughts go through my head at once. And if you know me, that can be dangerous. First thought…how much do I tell and how much do I leave out? Second simultaneous thought…O My Gosh…I wish I had done some things differently!
Note to all of the young guys reading this: Keep in mind that those things you are doing today that seems like a good idea or really cool…one day you’ll have to explain to your daughter!
It actually went pretty well once I calmed down. I was able to share about a couple of serious relationships and what happened. Most of all, it gave her a glimpse into the mind of a teenage boy and reinforced what I had been saying all along…boys are stupid. Now before you go off on me, I was a boy and we raised a boy, so give me some credit.
All in all, she’s a good kid and she’s had a good example (me!), so I think she’ll be okay. Plus we pray for her, have a good talking relationship and since I know all the tricks that boys have up their sleeves, she has nothing to worry about.
During one of our pit stops to eat, my daughter decided it was time to ask my about my early dating life. She’s 17 now and starting to wonder about what to look for in a guy. She was very sweet in saying what a good guy I was and was wondering what I was like at her age so that she would have a mark with which to measure.
This is the kind of conversation that strikes fear and panic, mainly fear, but also a lot of panic. I had two thoughts go through my head at once. And if you know me, that can be dangerous. First thought…how much do I tell and how much do I leave out? Second simultaneous thought…O My Gosh…I wish I had done some things differently!
Note to all of the young guys reading this: Keep in mind that those things you are doing today that seems like a good idea or really cool…one day you’ll have to explain to your daughter!
It actually went pretty well once I calmed down. I was able to share about a couple of serious relationships and what happened. Most of all, it gave her a glimpse into the mind of a teenage boy and reinforced what I had been saying all along…boys are stupid. Now before you go off on me, I was a boy and we raised a boy, so give me some credit.
All in all, she’s a good kid and she’s had a good example (me!), so I think she’ll be okay. Plus we pray for her, have a good talking relationship and since I know all the tricks that boys have up their sleeves, she has nothing to worry about.
2 comments:
Thanks dad :)
Wow... I can't believe "little" Anna is all grown up. You're a good daddy, I'm sure of that. After all, I did get to observe for 3 years. :)
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