Life Rules and a Father's Response

Recently, my 9 year old daughter handed me a list of rules.  Her life rules.  Rules that say she's not a little kid anymore (at least in her eyes). Rules that are less about what can or can't happen, but more about what growing up looks like to her.   

1.  That's just good advice.  As a matter of fact, I am so supportive of that rule I'm going to reinforce it with every single boy who happens to come within a 100 foot radius of my daughter.

2.  See #1
 
Now we're entering into some very sensitive dad territory. You see, all evenings and fair number of mornings have been our time.  Just Ella and I....talking, laughing, sometimes sneaking treats, usually me pleading to hurry up as we've already missed bedtime or I'm running late to get to work.  
 
3.  I'll miss putting her to bed.  She's told me before she's getting old enough where she doesn't want me too, but has always come running to me in the last moment to tuck her in.  A lot of good things have happened during that time.  She'll tell you she learned the Lord's Prayer the RIGHT way at nighttime, and not the crazy version she hears on Sunday now. 

4.  The good morning song is a Bart Kesner original.  Sort of a mashup of scat, rock, and rap - Kid Rock meets Ella Fitzgerald.  It was then she learned the stuffed animals not only talked, but would sing.

5.  And the stuffed animals.......many good times were had with the stuffed animals.  Sometimes they would try to eat each other (and get into A LOT of trouble) or play hide and seek.  My hope is Ella remembers the stuffed animals don't stop talking, people just stop listening.

6.  Think cheekers.  You know, the back of your front. Sometimes they mock you and have to be pinched!
 
Bart’s Rule 7 - Remind myself growing up doesn't mean growing apart. ​​​

---