Questions From An Overprotective Father
I just returned from my first parent-teacher conference ever for my daughter, and it was a humbling experience. It is odd to see the child that you have spent the better part of 5 years molding and developing reduced down to a couple of strengths and weaknesses (not the words they used but that’s really the point). Overall, there were no surprises, but I was prepared to fight tooth and nail to make sure my daughter wasn’t unfairly criticized. Of course, I’ve already known for some time that I’m going to be a pain of a dad…That being said:
1. Who are the people in your life that you would fight to the end to protect? Is there anyone on that list who isn’t family?
2. Just so I can prepare myself, what is the appropriate age for kids to date nowadays? My background in juvenile corrections has left me with a skewed and cynical perspective on teenage dating. Please center me…
3. What’s the best age for kids? Is it when they’re cute babies, rambunctious toddlers, functional youth, or when they’re 18? I kinda like the whole 4-7 age period.
4. If someone gave you a chance to go back in time and relive your entire childhood, would you do it? I’m talking from 3-18….You couldn’t pay me enough…
5. So much of what we do is teach our kids with a reflection of our own values, biases, and interests. That being said, if you knew that your child would develop a passion for only one band or singer that you love, which band or singer would that be?
deepintheheart said:
1)This question creates a few grey areas for me: Who wouldn’t I fight to the end to protect? What does it say about me if my family memebers do not even make the list? I would have to make it a case-by-case decision.
2)I think kids should be allowed to “date” at 16 years old. I think kids from 14 to 16 should have the chance to socilaize with their paramour in controlled settings like movies or group outings that are public. Parents need to knwo what their kids are doing and who they are doing it with. Cellphones, Myspace, Facebook etc. are great indicators of what they are really up to.
3) My favorite time was when my daughter was 8 to 12. She was making her own decisions, exploring her personality boundaries, and generally cool.
4)No. It all seemed to go the way it did for a reason (or reasons). Much of it is not worth remembering. It might be fun to send a few others back to three years old and force them to relive it all over.
5)White Stripes.
November 29th, 2008 at 1:44 pm #
Dino Corvino said:
Heart…did the 14 to 16 concept apply to us? I am unsure about chronology in my life.
November 30th, 2008 at 2:52 pm #
Cheryl Mathis said:
1. Yes. But not many. That probably makes me a little cruel.
2. My 15yo nephew has a girlfriend. That freaks me out a little. I’m okay with 14-15 group dates. 16-18 solo dates.
3. I’ll let you know when I’ve experienced it all.
4. Never. Not a chance. Not even if you promised me daily cherry cheesecake and only the best, most fashionable clothes to wear.
5. Hell. I can’t answer that. I would hope they would NOT become passionate about Madonna or Jesse McCartney.
December 1st, 2008 at 6:44 pm #