Masato wrote:My son figured out how to ride his bike today with no hands, and no helmet
Terrifying lol - I don't know who to be more concerned about
As for my daughter I am trying to contemplate what sort of dad a 14 year old girl would WANT to have, what would be the best from their perspective (vs what they may hate).
I even tried to watch a bunch of old John Hughes movies. Didn't help much
Be you. With all your faults and stupid bullshit you carry around. Make sure she knows you love her and would murder anyone that hurts her.
When she inevitably fucks up, punish her. Do it with limits and explain the boundaries you have set (which means homework for you on the boundaries).
Be the dick you need to be but make sure she knows that no matter how bad she fucked up you’ll have her back because she’s your little girl.
I have no experience at all with this. My daughter turns two in August but this will be the way I deal with her (and the way I wish my parents had been with me) as she gets older.
I have been an open book with my son (with my past it was a scary and interesting experience) and he is amazing. Kids are smart, they know when you’re lying so don’t do it. Explain your mistakes and what led you to make them. Let them learn from your stupidity instead of having to make the mistakes you did.
Basically, be the parent you wish you had had and hope it works out.