Dad Rules #4: Changing Priorities

Changed Priorities Ahead by: add1sun on Flickr

This is the part of a series of short posts that are meant to be like little nudges of counsel from what I’ve been able to experience with my 5 year old and my 2 year old.

I remember my Dad used to come to my bedroom every now and then with his hand streched out. He would walk on over to one of the walls and start “drawing lines” with his hand on the wall. His mouth would open and a speech would come out. Always in a loving tone and with great patience. I hated it and even though he would almost whisper (a great achievement for someone who talks loud by nature) it sounded like the world was about to stop spinning. His speech would go something like this:

“Son, there are a list of priorities in this life. Priorities which you must establish in your day, to make sure you do things the right way:

1. Do your homework and study
2. Clean up your room
3. Help your mother and I when we request it of you
4. Do your chores
5. Play

As you can see, there are other more important things you must achieve before you enjoy playtime. Everything on its own time. You will have time to play later on, but for now, there are other more important things awaiting your attention”

I used to loathe these moments. Now I realize he was right. We must put things in perspective and apply priorities so we get everything we need to do, done. Always in its own time. I’m now passing along this wisdom to my kids, just not with my hand on the wall. At least not yet.

Thanks, Dad. You always showed patience with me. Especially when I misbehaved or did things poorly. I’ve never forgotten your lessons. I still apply them.

How about you, did your parents put you up for these types of speeches. Do you employ the same words with your children? Do tell.