excerpted from
by Michael Mitchell
Apologize when you screw up. A verbal, “I’m sorry.” is good. A handwritten note is even better.
(photo: Sorry Somehow by Jody Taylor)
Trust is a complex emotion built upon countless shared experiences that take place over the course of many years… usually while mom’s not looking.
(photo: melissa shamburger)
Playing along when she drops toys off her high chair will not make her a problem child. Someday she’ll outgrow this shenanigan and you’ll miss the days when you could connect with her so easily.
(photo: Something is Awfully Funny by Psycrow)
When she’s a bit older, ask for her opinion on politics and world events. She may not be the next Margaret Thatcher, but it’s always good for her to know you think her opinion matters.
(photo: Thoughtful by Salvatore Falcone)
If you want a strong daughter, teach her to say no and then respect her boundaries.
(photo: Strong Household by [ValCo])
A chocolate milk shake is a joyful experience at any age. Never forget this.
[michael]
Michael is a thirty-something dad who blogs daily tips and life lessons for dads of daughters at lifetoheryears.com. He spends his days practicing the arts of fatherhood and husbandry, while attempting to be a man of God and a professional raiser of philanthropic funds. On the rare occasion he’s not tied up with the aforementioned and other pursuits of awesomeness, he enjoys fighting street gangs for local charities and drinking from a cup that’s half full. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.