Fathers hold a very special place in our lives. They are always backing us up and guiding us in the best way possible. The epitome of wisdom, their lessons really are a cheat sheet to life.
Walker Lamond – the author of Rules for My Unborn Son – listed out some advice for his son and the words will resonate with each one of us. Here they are, in his very own words:
1. There are plenty of ways to enter a pool. The stairs is not one of them.
2. Never cancel dinner plans by text message.
3. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
4. If a street performer makes you stop walking, you owe him a buck.
5. Always use “we” when referring to your home team or your government.
6. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.
7. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
8. Don’t dumb it down.
9. You only get one chance to notice a new haircut.
10. If you’re staying more than one night, unpack.
11. Never park in front of a bar.
12. Expect the seat in front of you to recline. Prepare accordingly.
13. Keep a picture of your first fish, first car, and first girl/boyfriend.
14. Hold your heroes to a high standard.
15. Never lie to your doctor.
16. Take a vacation from your cell phone, internet, and TV once a year.
17. The best way to show thanks is to wear it. Even if it’s only once.
18. Don’t fill up on bread, no matter how good it is.
19. Don’t linger in the doorway. In or out.
20. A handshake beats an autograph.
21. If you want to know what makes you unique, sit for a caricature.
22. Never get your haircut on the day of a special event.
23. Be mindful of what comes between you and the Earth. Always buy good shoes, tyres, and sheets.
24. Never eat lunch at your desk if you can avoid it.
25. When you marry someone, remember you marry their entire family.
26. Eat lunch with the new kids.
27. When traveling, keep your wits about you.
28. It’s never too late for an apology.
29. Never push someone off a dock.
30. It’s not enough to be proud of your ancestry, live up to it.
31. Don’t make a scene.
32. When giving a thank you speech, short and sweet is best.
33. Invest in great luggage.
34. Never gloat.
35. Know when to ignore the camera.
36. Make time for your mom on your birthday, it’s her special day too.
37. Sympathy is a crutch, never fake a limp.
38. Suck it up every now and again.
39. Give credit. Take blame.
40. Never be the last one in the pool.
41. Don’t stare.
42. Address everyone that carries a firearm professionally.
43. Admit it when you’re wrong.
44. If you’ve made your point, stop talking.
45. Stand up to bullies. You’ll only have to do it once.
46. If you offer to help don’t quit until the job is done.
47. Look people in the eye when you thank them.
48. Thank the bus driver.
49. Never answer the phone at the dinner table.
50. Forgive yourself for your mistakes.
51. Know at least one good joke.
52. Don’t boo. Even the ref is somebody’s son.
53. Know how to cook one good meal.
54. Be cool to younger kids. Reputations are built over a lifetime.
55. It’s okay to go to the movies by yourself.
56. Dance with your mother/father.
57. Don’t lose your cool. Especially at work.
58. Always thank the host.
59. If you don’t understand, ask before it’s too late.
60. Know the size of your boyfriend/girlfriend’s clothes.
61. There is nothing wrong with a plain t-shirt.
62. In college always sit in the front. You’ll stand out immediately. Come grade time, it might come in handy.
63. Carry your mother’s bags. She carried you for 9 months.
64. The opposite sex likes people who shower.
65. Be patient with airport security. They are just doing their job.
66. Don’t be the talker in a movie.
67. You are what you do. Not what you say.
68. Learn to change a tyre.
69. Be kind. Everyone has a hard fight ahead of them.
70. An hour with grandparents is time well spent. Ask for advice when you need it.
71. Don’t litter.
72. If you have a sister, get to know her boyfriend. Your opinion is important.
73. You won’t always be the strongest or fastest. But you can be the toughest.
74. Never call someone before or after 9 AM and 9 PM.
75. If you HAVE to fight, punch first and punch hard.
76. Be a good listener. Don’t just take your turn to talk.
77. You’re never too old to need your mom.
78. Your dance moves might not be the best, but I promise making a fool of yourself is more fun than sitting on the bench alone.
79. Smile at strangers.
80. Know the words to your national anthem.
Well, no one says it like a father does.
