I wasn’t going to respond to today’s Daily Prompt because I enjoy too many different aspects of life to want to make the decision on which one skill I would like to master, which one I’d like to attain perfection.
However, while commenting on the Cheeky Diva’s response, an idea did come to me that trumps the rest and pushed me to share with my faithful readers.
Sure, I’d love to become a master in drawing and painting. I’d relish being a master of writing and editing. Beat matching, track selection, pitch control? I am a dj after all and to be the master of those skills would be fantastic. I love sport too and would be thrilled if I were a master of volleyball or soccer (football). You see my initial dilemma? How do I pick from that list?
What trumps all of those ideas?
As many of you know, my wife and I are expecting our first. Fatherhood… Being a parent… That’s it, right?
As Cheeky Diva explained to me, there is no way to be a perfect parent, there is no way to guarantee that mistakes won’t be made – and making mistakes and learning from them is probably an essential part of being a parent. She is right, of course, you don’t get to be a Diva without knowing such things.
But, as the pressure of the unknown, the weight of uncertainty, collapse upon me, the desire to know that I will make all the right decisions is tempting to say the least. To be a master at parenting, to always know what to say, to always have the answers, to always make the right decisions and choices, to be strong when needed and forgiving when required, to be the disciplinarian when called upon and a champion when accolades are warranted…
If I could be master of any skill in the world, how could I choose anything else?
The Matticus Kingdom 
Ah the joys of parenthood, you are going to have the experience of your lives. My dad gave me one piece of advice when our daughter was born, that I realize was worth more than any other. There is no parenting manual included with babies, because each one is unique.
Makes sense to me, I don’t like it, but it makes sense. They at least come with a name tag though, right? “Hi I’m _____, please handle with care.”
Yup that’s the right name tag, fill in th blank 😛
LOL, clever, very clever…. Hmm, I don’t think the wife will approve “blank” but maybe.
Ah you will be brilliant. There is no better joy in the world than becoming a parent. It has hard times of course but the good times far outweigh them. Huge congratulations to you and your wife.
Thank you! I’ve heard that rumor about the good times outweighing the less than stellar times. I guess I’ll find out the truth of it in a couple months.
Just from reading your posts I can tell that you will be a great father! 🙂
I hope so. (I think I’ll be a good parent too, but, I also think that most parents think they are going to be good.)
I’m so glad you decided to tackle this. I was trying to leave you another pithy and wise comment about parenting, when WP just decided to close my window for me without asking. GRRR! I had planned to say that your instincts will guide you. You’ll see that new baby, and all you’ll want to do is love, protect and teach your new addition to the world. As long as you do all of these things with patience, kindness, forgiveness and a sense of humor, you’ll do just fine. Letting them try it on their own and maybe or maybe not failing, when all you can offer is support, is the hardest thing of all. That’s where I am now. They’re all grown and gone, but I l worry and think about them all the time. Congratulations, I have no doubt that you’ll be a wonderful father. Your concern for wanting to be the best dad you can be is a huge head start.
Thank you! Silly WordPress *knowing head shake.* Once a parent, always a parent even when they no longer need or want to be parented… I’m not looking forward to that part – but, maybe I’ll be ready for that when the time comes.
Now, they stay away in droves so I don’t nag them all about getting married and having a bunch of grandkids for me to spoil and fuss over. 🙂
You. Nail. Head. This is undoubtedly the one area of mastery that would enhance my life the most. The burden lifted! The shoulders relaxed! The dark eye circles lightened! If only it were possible…
If I figure it out I’ll let you know – nothing is impossible, the solution just hasn’t been discovered yet.
Me thinks you are going to be a most wonderful parent – look at what a good job your own parents have done…a good example to follow 🙂 When is the prince or princess due?
We will be welcoming the prince or princess (we are going to be surprised) into the kingdom at the end of March! Yep, wrote a post a week or so ago about my parents being good at their jobs… I hope to follow their example.
I remember the post about your parents, hence my comment today. Just around the corner then 🙂
You sound as though you have the right ideas – now wait for the infant to confound `em!
Best laid plans of mice… or something like that. 😛
Congratulations on becoming a dad. May the wisdom of parenting come easily to you.
Oh, I like it, thank you!
As the father of four, let me just say I pray you become a master at learning from your mistakes. All the best, my friend.
Oh, I’ve got that one covered already. I’m also really good at learning from other people’s mistakes too (thanks big bro).
Well, from what I’ve been reading here so far, most good advice has come your way. I don’t think you need any more…but this topic I just can’t leave without …this will be the best time of your life! Never forget to cherish it and be with your children as often as you can.i don’t believe in the talk about short time but quality time. They will need you more than you understand…
Congratulations!
Thank you! Completely agree – it’s not about quality time it’s about quantity of time. And my plan is to give them every bit of mine.
Ahwz.. I am sure you will be an awesome parent! I hope I am not polluting your blog with this but you might like this one:
Thank you for sharing that. Amazing!
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