I had a good day at day-care.

Day-care days are hard right now, and I know I’m over-thinking as I write this. How do I know? I know because you so regularly DO have a good day at day-care. Drop-offs are so heart-breaking though; you don’t want us to leave and we hate having to walk away from you as you wail to the heavens.

FACT: This post was sparked by an irrational thought.

FACT: The core message is valid.

Is that your dragon, dad?

You’ve yet to show more than a passing curiosity, and this may never be an actual topic of conversation for us. In case it is though, here’s my perspective on tattoos. I may even have more before we talk further about this, and there are some things that I want you to know in case it’s something you decide to do for yourself.

Guess what? My mum and dad love me so much.

Life is a big deal. Living is a big deal. There’s so much to learn about everything, and it’s an ongoing process for the entirety of your life. That’s why it’s important to stop every now and then, and take a little break to breathe, relax and re-focus. I’m going to be adding my own version to this series, and this is the first of them. So if you aren’t already, get comfy. This is a little relaxation and rejuvenation pep-talk from me to you.

One of the best ways to relax.

I’m doing important work.

Having seen me working from home, your desire to understand, explore and be included has led you to telling us that you want to “do work.” You’ve been excited to see the computer and keyboard, and you’ll even use a scientific calculator as a medium for “doing important work.” I applaud and am proud of your initiative, my dearest daughter. I know you have no deep understanding right now about working, and what is involved with having a job or a career. For now, this is another way of you engaging with me or playing on your own in a way that helps your mind grow.

In the future, we will have a more serious conversation about working, and potentially choosing a career. I hope that I remember what I write here during that discussion, because there are a few things I need you to know.

I’m just a bit sad.

As your father, me saying that you have fantastic emotional intelligence is probably not really taken seriously by many people who hear it. Lots of people hear me singing your praises and, because I’m your father, likely dismiss it as a proud father overstating his only child’s capabilities and qualities. I don’t care though, because I know that the things I say are fundamental truths about you.

Stop – I do not like it!

From a young age you’ve known your boundaries. You’ve enforced them with strength and commitment since before you could speak, which is something that most children do instinctively. It’s a quality that I’m proud you possess, and it is something both your mother and I will support and encourage throughout your life. One of your earliest complex statements was “Stop – I do not like it!”. We’re not sure where it came from, but we’re forever grateful that you started saying it.

–DISCLAIMER– This post is not pointed at anyone. The intent of this series is to simply express my thoughts and beliefs to my daughter primarily. As a new father, I’ve put effort into discovering more about parenting and I’ve gained a lot of insight into how children’s brains develop. I’ve also come to understand that different parenting approaches will yield different outcomes, and I’ve chosen my preferred method.

I don’t know all the words.

At the moment, this statement from you is a simple reference to whatever song we’re trying to sing together. Your mum and I always let you know that it’s ok if you don’t know all the words – you can sing the parts you do know and that is perfectly fine. If you really want to, you can learn all the words later. From me to you, this is something that can be applied in many areas of life. Not knowing all the words doesn’t mean you can’t still sing.

Music is a wonderous thing. As you grow, it will find its way into your life, and it will help you in a multitude of ways. Loud, angry music. Gentle, soothing music. Loud, soothing music. Everything in between. You will likely turn to music to help express yourself, and you will have your own unique relationship with songs, artists and genres. It’s one of many facets that will make up the cosmically unique individual that you are.

Table Dancing Survival 101

For those of you who read my “About Me” section, you may have stumbled upon the mention of my awkwardly awesome left arm. Here and now I will relive the incident in the hopes of educating others – particularly young children who like to read blogs about safety (I’m envious of their ability to use the internet and iPhones before they’ve finished potty training by the way), about the occasional down side of not listening to advice given by parents. While the result is a spectacular party gross-out, I wouldn’t recommend that every 4 – 6 year old tries this at home.

In the early 1980s my family lived in Papua New Guinea. I was about 4 years old and it was an amazing place to me. We lived right across the road from the beach (yeah!) and while my Dad worked, Mum kept an eye on my brother, sister and me as we entertained ourselves in a world of trees, bushes and hand-made excitement.