Things I Will Teach My Son
Lately I have been thinking about the things my father never taught me and I had to figure out on my own. In light of this I decided to write a list of 10 things I will be teaching my son.
Lesson #1
You can tell me anything and come to me with your problems anytime. I maybe strict sometimes and you will disagree with me but I am there for you, even at 3 o’clock in the morning when you need a ride home drunk or when someone’s going to kill you. Remember your old Dad has walked in those shoes and lived to tell about it.
Lesson #2
When someone tells you that you aren’t capable of doing something in life they are just jealous that you have goals. It is a perfect chance to prove to yourself that you CAN do it.
Lesson #3
You NEED to finish school, if you don’t you will regret it, even if here in reality the degree isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. The experience is worth it and a University degree does open doors that are otherwise tough to get open. Don’t believe everything the teacher tells you but know that the classroom is not the place to correct them. You will earn more respect and avoid the possibility of threatening their social value by approaching them when others are not listening.
Lesson #4
In general people do not do as much as they need to do, they are lazy. People do enough so that they don’t get fired and employers pay just enough that they won’t quit. Be the best, you don’t want to follow the leader and be like everyone else, not in the style of clothes you wear or the things you do. You are unique so BE unique. We are living in a world where you can be the difference.
Lesson #5
Talk with confidence and use proper English. The confident leader always attracts more people and gets you more in life then being shy and letting others walk all over you. Say please and thank you and always show that you have manners.
Lesson #6
Money isn’t everything. Friends and family are what will make you happy in the long run. Learn to see when others are using you and walk away from the relationship immediately.
Lesson #7
Alcohol and drugs will keep you from your goals and mess up your life. I expect you to experiment but avoid the hard stuff like crack, cocaine and heroin. If you do these drugs I will know and you will learn just how badly I can hurt you.
Lesson #8
You need to exercise and eat right. You will always feel better if you do. Just look at all the obese people on the street and in the fast food chains. McDonalds is NOT food.
Lesson #9
Learn to fix everything you can and always have a thirst for knowledge. It will come in handy when you’re down on your luck.
Lesson #10
The world is a big place. Travel to as many places as you can. Learn the native culture and languages. Take a cooking class while your there or learn something that is specific to that location. You will then be able to better understand and interact with all people.
August 4th, 2007 at 2:06 am
I think you have hit the nail on the head with this one. Life is tough, and I wish my parents would have taught me some more of these things. All I was really taught growing up is that I can do what ever I want. I didn’t learn there was boundaries to that though. You have covered all of those here. Great write up man. I know your son will grow up to be a great person.