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29 Lessons My Kids Taught Me

While Father's Day is often about families letting Dad know just how special he is with breakfast and cards, it's always nice to receive a little extra wisdom from him. Many of us believe we have all the answers before having kids only to find out that there is so much more we can learn about the world and ourselves.

A son teaches you:

Use positive words: Choose your words carefully, he will repeat them.
Look for opportunity everywhere: Everything you see and do is a chance to learn something new.
Accept mistakes: Nobody gets everything right the first time.
Pay attention to the details: You might miss something important if you don't.
Stop complaining: How can you expect him to stop complaining if you're complaining?
Be consistent: If you're consistent it will lead to less chaos in every area of his life.
Keep experimenting: It's the best way to learn.
Pride is addictive: Take pride in what you do and others will follow.
Don’t Yell: It hurts everyone.
Disappointment is painful: Try not let it show too much.
You will lose tools: When he uses them.
It won’t be right: Get over it, he will do it his way, not yours.
Let them take risks: Life, Health and Freedom - if it's not at risk try not to worry.
Don’t try to “keep up”: The older you get, the longer the recovery.
Organized sports are good: They keep the mind off the girls – a bit.
Take your time getting to where you are going: It is easier on everybody.

A daughter teaches you:

Be inclusive: Use their ideas, it’s not all about you.
Be the best man you can be: Quietly lead by example.
Be Patient: Stay calm and never let them see you sweat.
We are all amateurs: Give space for both challenges and opportunities.
Be available: Always.
Be spontaneous: Keeping things exciting to keep learning fun.
Be there: As required, not all the time.
Don’t be too hard on yourself: You are not a perfect parent and that's okay.
You don’t always get what you want: See “boyfriends”.
Set a standard of expectations: Treat your daughter with the utmost respect, it will pay off – see "boyfriends".
How to Belly Laugh: Always there to make you laugh.
Memories are better than things: Spend as much time as you can together.
Take your time getting to where your going: it is easier on everybody.