Comments for D is for Dad

Comment on Those things that shape you by Tara R.

Tara R. — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:03:38 +0000

What a horrible memory. Breaks my heart.
My son just turned 15 and I can only now allow him to ride his bike to his friends house… probably 5-6 miles away. Kills me… now he wants to get his learners permit to drive. Letting go with him is so much harder than it was with my daughter.

Tara R.s last blog post..Random Wednesday - love thine enemy

Comment on Those things that shape you by Chuck

Chuck — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:11:13 +0000

Hi Kim. I hear you. Paralyzed is an apt description.

Regarding the answer to your question… my pleasure. I have to admit it was not easy and probably took more thought that the other questions. It required me to really consider where I stand.

Comment on Those things that shape you by Chuck

Chuck — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:07:22 +0000

Thanks Matt. I’ve got 4 kids in all age groups and what you say is very true, though I hate it. I hate being helpless in so many instances. The fact that you can’t protect them from everything, or anything depending on how broad the discussion. Thanks for your contribution. Always appreciated!

Comment on Those things that shape you by Kim

Kim — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:21:59 +0000

Chuck, you are so dead on that past experiences still haunt us to this day. I am paralyzed sometimes at the thought of every action, every experience that my kids encounter will have an impact on them.

I really enjoyed this post.. great job.

PS. Thanks for your incredible answer on my question today and the interaction with other commenters. It was a leap of faith to actually “open” my views and discuss them in such a public forum. I normally stick to safe on my blog.
Kims last blog post..DiscoveringDad.net - What Dads Really Think

Comment on Those things that shape you by matt

matt — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:53:42 +0000

The truth is, there’s nothing we, as fathers, can do to protect our children completely from witnessing or, god help us, experiencing things like what you saw. But the fact that you’re looking out for him, ensuring his safety will benefit him for the rest of his life. Its funny how certain things from our pasts haunt us forever. Sometimes they are seemingly random…sometimes not. But those experiences make us better parents in the long run. Some day, maybe your boy will write an article entitled “the day my dad followed me to the market”, and will thank you for being a good dad. The main thin is that he went there, did what he said he’d do, and came back. The mark of a good dad, no? Nicely written.

matts last blog post..Top Ten Tips for Encouraging Your Toddler To Go In Her Diaper.