Thursdays. Interactive parenting tools for budding critical thinkers?

I don’t give out much as much advice on this blog as I do opinion. Occasionally, however, I like to stick my nose out and suggest something for all the dads out there. Today is just such a day. If you read this blog because you want to discuss ideas for being a better parent then may I suggest you pull out some paper, fire up the computer, or pull out an audio recorder and write a letter for you kid. Don’t know where to start? Here’s some pointers from my own experiences.

1. Be honest. Who are you? What do you like? What bugs you? If you are confused or frustrated, don’t revel in that, but don’t hide it either. Alternatively, if you are excited about fatherhood let it show.

2. Use big words. You son or daughter will likely read this when they are an adult and so you should communicate them as if they are an adult. It is tough to get into that mindset with a little kid in your mind, but oversimplifying things now can make it more difficult to get your points across then. You are communicating with the future, here, and you need to be precise and open.

3. Always introduce yourself. We change so much month to month, year to year, decade to decade, you might not recognize yourself. How do you expect your kid to? “Hi, my name is…” is such an easy way to start.

4. Don’t speculate. Predicting the future is never very accurate. You are likely setting yourself and your kid up for disappointment. “Son, you’ll be a doctor someday.” will only come back to haunt you. Concentrate on your memories and things you recall from your time together, and forget about praising them for future accomplishments which may or may not materialize.

5. Give something. Find something you’ve created or that is important to you and bestow it to them as a gift telling them you’ll hold it until they are old enough to care for it. Keeping a journal? Promise it to them. Own a nice watch? It’s theirs. Then make sure you hold up your end of that promise when the time comes.

6. Pick an occasion. A holiday. Your birthday. Their birthday. Start an annual tradition of writing a letter, one-to-one, to each of your kids.

And most important, take the time and enjoy it. Please let us know in the comments below if you have any other suggestions for putting together a letter to the future.