What did your dad teach you?
Happy Father's day to my grandfathers...
...to my father...
...and to everyone's dads out there! My sweet readers, I'd love to ask you, in honor of all dads: What's something your dad taught you? How to ride a bike? Be kind to strangers? Swear in foreign languages? xo
P.S. What my dad taught me.
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116 comments:
Happy Father's Day Alex!
Having an attitude to willingly help people : )
My dad to taught me to never do anything half-assed. He continues to teach by example that anything worth doing is worth doing big. (As a result, I'm about to send out my applications to medical school!)
My Dad has always been incredibly supportive of me, my endeavors, and my career path. He taught me that if you follow what you love you will be successful and happy. Both my sister and I have chosen unconventional careers and he's never doubted us. That's an incredible gift a parent can give their child - to let them be who they need to be.
my dad taught me how to put forth a good, deep, joyous belly laugh and how to shoot a basketball :)
My dad taught me how to use an English dictionary. He didn't teach me how to swear but I got it anyway (in two languages). I guess it's genetic.lol
My dad taught me to always say please and thank you, let others finish their sentences, treat everyone the way you wish to be treated yourself, the impact of volunteer work (he organized the planting of 700 trees in our neighborhood and fundraised for a new playground/sportfield at my middle school!) and the power of conversation. I'm almost out of highschool so I'm still able to come home each day and tell him all about it, the crazy things my teachers did, the friends that frustrated me, the amount of homework I have to do - and he just listens. He'll let me get it all out and then give me some advice or ask for help. He's also always been incredibly supportive of the effort I put in to my schoolwork throughout the years. Even if I might not get the best grade on an essay or math test, he reminds me to be proud of the effort I put in to things - not that I always need to be doing more (which I'm not saying isn't important, just that he reminds me to be proud of what I've finished). Lastly, my dad has been incredibly supportive of my dream since sixth grade to go to university in England. I love that about him, that he's so enthusiastic about my dreams as I am. :)
Happy fathers day, Alex! I hope the three of you are having a fun day!
My father was only in my life for a short time but while he was here he taught me how to change the oil in a car. He only had girls so since he we could walk he had us out with him on saturdays tinkering on cars. :D
my dad taught me a lot of stuff, he used to tell me bed time stories even if he was tired, he taught me how to ride my bike , he used to give me nice nicknames , he used to let me play with his hair when i was a kid ..and now I miss him
http://girlynote.blogspot.com
My Dad taught me all three of those things, actually. My favorite being to swear in different languages :)
he taught me that wiggly teeth can come out with a pair of pliers. makes for a quicker visit from the tooth fairy! :)
these are incredibly, incredibly sweet :)
The greatest thing my dad ever taught me was to Love God, Love Others- Simply put, but such a beautiful thing! Thanks for sharing the photos :)
H.
My dad Raúl taught me about 50% of what I know and who I am now. But my favorite things would be everything artsy and creative. Thanks to him I knew about impressionism, Picasso, Dalí (I was really scared of this one) and why Van Gogh lost his ear- at age 4. I always knew I was creative because of him.
My dad taught me that you don't live to work, you work to live. Also, that men and women can't have a totally platonic relationship: at one point or another, one or the other will want more.
My dad taught me how to camp and how to defend myself. How to drive stick shift, ride a motorcycle, and sail. He taught me the value of really listening to the elderly when they open up about their lives. And he taught me to be kind to animals. Unfortunately, Peter Pan doesn't make a good father- just a fun mentor.
To really put myself out there, he's a no holds bar kind of guy and I love that about him.
these sweet comments remind me of that sweet book, Rules for My Unborn Son: http://goo.gl/tTBf0
My dad taught me to believe in everyone's capabilities. especially my own. :) I loved him.
My dad taught me that incredible things would come if I believed in myself and worked really, really hard.
My dad taught me to be optimistic and stay positive even in difficult situations. He also taught me not to take crap from anyone and to always speak my mind. He tried to teach me to read a bike but I fired him because my poor legs were getting scratched up hehehe It was a hilarious afternoon though!
This may be gross to some people, but my dad and I would go for drives in his red little pick up truck and teach me how to burp. We could ONLY burp in the truck. My mom didn't care about it as long as we never did it in front of her. Some of my greatest memories with my dad and siblings were in that red truck, burping away!
my papa taught me how to love and be loved!! xx
My dad taught me about Bob Dylan, and how to play guitar and how to golf. He taught me honesty, and hard work and he continues to teach me what love is through his devotion to mom, my brothers and sister and me, and the many others he puts time aside for each day.
the best thing my dad taught me - was to be more like my mother.
My dad taught me to enjoy every second of every day. My grandpa taught me that the sign of a really good relationship is when you can sit silently together and not have to fill up the room with words. You can just be yourselves. He taught me a lot of math tricks, too, and all of the songs that I now sing to Devon and Blake.
My dad taught me a simple rule for life: "Give a little more, take a little less." I'll carry it with me forever and hope to teach the same to my kids someday.
aw, what a sweet question to ask! My dad taught me to fish, he taught me how to identify a lot of local birds and fish since I took after him and liked being a country kid (swimming in rivers, working on ranches, etc). He taught me how to wear two pairs of socks with cornstarch in between to reduce rubbing and friction on the soccer field, and he taught me how to colour. One of my most cherished memories, though, was during my sophomore year of history when my history class spent most of the year involved in an intensive study of Russian Soviet history, which my dad used to teach. I remember waiting up until 11pm for him to get home, and then sitting and talking long into the night about the importance of Sevastopol or Brezhnev's resurrection of Stalinist cult of personality. Between my dad and my teachers, that year set me on a path toward becoming a historian. =)
How to change a tire and I will never forget! He taught me to be self reliant and I can't thank him enough
My dad taught me patience, something he's always had in more abundance than my mom. He probably never realized he was teaching me that fine art, but through his calm manner in dealing with other things, such as teaching me to drive or attempting to teach me how to do math (that one never really stuck!), I learned to be calm and persistent, and how to use patience to obtain my goals. Thanks, dad!
When I was little, my dad would tuck me in at bedtime and tell me that he was proud of me and that I could always talk to him about anything. I grew up truly believing both of those things. Nowadays, he still tells me he is proud of me and he has become my best friend. I love that.
Happy father's day to every loving fathers out there!
my dad taught me to learn Buddhism and Buddhism teaches me more things after.
sydsense.blogspot.com
My dad taught me to be extremely cautious about anything following the word "I." Little statements you make about yourself define you, whether you realize it or not.
How to change brake pads, and how to clip my toenails (lol!) That it is more important to be a kind person than it is to be the smartest person, and not to marry the first person you fall in love with (which I don't quite agree with, but I think he meant not to marry the first person you THINK you've fallen in love with.) That things that you love are more important than things that you have- my parents put their 16 year old dog to sleep and then two weeks later their house burned down. My dad says that he still feels more sick about the dog than the house. That's my dad.
Two of the most important things in life - how to edit my writing and how to iron a collared shirt.
courtney, that's so interesting; i'm going to be remembering his advice!!!
I didn't grow up with a dad. My grandfather was the closest thing I had to a father figure. He taught me so many things. How to ride a bike. How to hike respectfully in the forest. How to fish and canoe (I'm Canadian, so canoeing is important lol), how to camp, and how to trick-or-treat. And since becoming an adult, he's taught me how to deal with heartbreak, and what it means to really be there for someone.
Hey dad taught me how to speak some pretty awful German :p And that MAC is better than PC!
If you do your best, that is good enough!
My dad taught me that true devotion is in the little things (like getting a cup of water for me. Every single time I wanted one. Without complaining ever. Even when he was already in bed. When I grew up, I realized that the only time I don't have a hard time being that accommodating is when I'm head over heels in love with someone. Like he was/is with me).
My dad taught me that thunder and lightning come from when clouds crash together. Thunder is the noise of all those molecules hitting each other and lightning comes from the friction. He probably told me that when I was like 6 but it stuck with me until a physical science class my freshman year of college. I was SO confused with all the talk of positively and negatively charged junk. I was like, "What about the friction??"
Kayla
Freckles in April
My Dad, wow, a giant of a man. Taught me so much, to give back in life, open your heart and love, to take time to make others feel good about themselves! These things and much more!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Be sure to enter my exciting Giveaway from the Artisans at Novica!
My dad has taught me a ton of useful things (like how to drive on icy roads, how to build a fire, and how to navigate an airport) as well as meaningful things (its important to get up in the middle of the night on a school night to watch a meteor shower, and that one of the most important decisions you can ever make is the person you marry). He has also taught me what it feels like to be loved unconditionally, which is the most valuable of all lessons.
how to dress up a store-bought frozen pizza. how to cut cucumbers. most of the kitchen-related things that I abide by to this day. i am impartial but he is the best teacher. :)
Dad taught me:
- To always poop at work, as that way you get paid to do it.
- That the reason male ballerinas had such large "bumps" in the front of their tights is so the lady-ballerina can use it as a step when he has to lift her above his head.
I know, he's gross but hilarious.
generosity and to make choices in life to make YOU happy!
My dad taught me how to swim, he taught everyone how to swim. It's his thing.
My dad taught me how to play volleyball, how to be generous, and how to jump off bridges, and how to love. He's the greatest man I've ever known.
-Casey
My Dad loved languages so he started teaching me English when I was four. And I'm an English teacher now :)
I had too much to say about my dad so blogged about him.
http://nehakamath.blogspot.com/2011/06/happy-fathers-day.html
to always pay people back and cover people's shifts
I love everyone's comments here... how neat (especially the one about "I" statements and then the other one about male ballerinas and pooping at work!)
My Papa taught me that:
+ the use of the imagination is the most powerful way to create and learn. (he's a scientist/ me an artist)
+ there's no shame in being an affectionate father
+ there is great virtue in a great work ethic
+ he's proof that Columbo, Clark Griswold and Eugene Levy had a love child
+ the goodness of Benny Goodman on vinyl and mini pancakes on a Sunday morning
+ love and friendship and compassion keep you sane.
My father is an extraordinary and brilliant human. I love him dearly.
My father taught me to play the piano and how to recognize the difference between Bach and Beethoven and the Clash and the Rolling Stones. He taught me to hike and to start a fire in a camping stove and the basic theory of how to drive a stick shift. He taught me about finding lovely things in the world and being happy and always being real - being your true self no matter what.
I love my father... so much
windeater.blogspot.com
My father taught me to play the piano and how to recognize the difference between Bach and Beethoven and the Clash and the Rolling Stones. He taught me to hike and to start a fire in a camping stove and the basic theory of how to drive a stick shift. He taught me about finding lovely things in the world and being happy and always being real - being your true self no matter what.
I love my father... so much
windeater.blogspot.com
My Dad taught me how to grow veg, how to draw a tree, to appreciate all kinds of food (thanks Dad!) and a little bit of fencing (the type with swords!) - Among many other things.
my dad taught me how to say "will you go home with me tonight" in german. haha.
he also taught me that there is always someone worse of than you and to be thankful for what you have. when i was a sophomore in high school, my dad had recently gotten a second divorce and was absolutely broke. i was visiting him that weekend and he had scraped up enough money to take me to burger king for lunch. when we were leaving, a clearly homeless man was asking for money and my dad handed him a $20 bill. i gasped - that was probably my dads food money for the entire week. he turned to me and said, "there is always someone worse off than you." in that moment my dad became my hero once again.
http://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com
My Dad taught me how to properly shoot a basketball. He would be outside shooting hoops with me and my brother all day, if that's what it took. Perhaps he's the reason why I won 2 basketball state titles in high school :)
My dad taught me never to take shit from anyone. When I was little and somebody had done something to me, I always wanted to let it go. My dad refused. He knocked on the door of a boy in my class after he had hit me on the way home from school, and told the boy and his parents that he wouldn't tolerate that kind of behaviour again. He made a huge scene at the mall when he witnessed a shoplifter in action. He never hesitated to say how he felt about rude people.
Boy, was I embarrassed a lot. But I also learned that it's important to stand up for yourself and your loved ones.
PS! He is the most polite and calmest of men in all other settings.
hmmm...My Dad taught me to have a dirty mind and lots of fart humor. I always love looking at your old family photos. You have great ones.
My dad taught me to think for myself, follow my heart and recognize the wisdom of Bob Dylan songs.
I hope your family had a wonderful Father's Day!
My dad taught me how to work hard, no matter what! Happy Monday everyone!
That having a Dad is the best thing in the world xxxxx happy fathers day Jo to you and your family xxxx
My dad taught me to dance, every Sunday night when his favorite radio program (The Bone Condition Music Show)would play the kind of music guys like my dad (baby boomers who grew up listening to the mixed up Detroit radio stations)love and we would dance around the living room with my brothers and my mom. But it was really all about the two of us dancing and to this day when we are at a wedding we always dance at least once and strangers always stop to tell us what nice dancers we are,that is all because for more than 20 years on Sunday nights when were both free we'll take a few spins around the living room listening to the radio!
to roll the tent up toward the door, not away from it. otherwise you've got a big bubble of air that can't escape. i had to teach my husband that one over the weekend!
he taught me how to put the needle on the record/turntable ever so gently..=)
Never to pass by a magpie without saying "Good morning Mr Magpie". (If there are two, you have to say good morning to the missus as well.)
I copied him for so long that I didn't think to ask whether it was for good luck or just proper English politeness. Now every magpie reminds me of him!
Do your best & F the rest. That's probably my most-used life-lesson ;)
Growing up, every time I would leave the house my dad would say, "Be good, but not too good," with a little twinkle in his eye. He knew that my tendency was to be really careful and well-behaved and that I needed the encouragement to break loose every once and awhile. I now think these words all the time...it's the times that we aren't "too good" that we have the most fun and make the best memories!!
xo Emily
My dad taught me that when the going gets tough to be frustrated for no more than five minutes and then buck up and fix the problem. Initially this was his method for helping me get through my (seemingly) torturous math homework when I was in school but it has proven to be pretty invaluable advice for dealing with just about every challenge that life has thrown my way :)
My dad taught me to drive between "packs" of cars, never feel guilty for eating a whole pint of Ben & Jerry's, that bluegrass music is the greatest and the fine art of shipping for my mom. I love him more than anything.
Off the subject but can you recommend a good lingerie shop in Manhattan?
thanks
G
My Dad taught me to take care of myself. Because he didn't take care of HIMSELF. & now he's no longer with us.
My Dad taught me that people may not love you the way you'd like, but they'll love you the way they know how.
My Dad taught me that you can do plenty of wrongs, & make tons of mistakes but your family will still love you. Because I still love him.
@princessgeeta
My Dad taught me how to be silly: he used to do a dance with the spatula he'd have in hand to flip pancakes; 'the pancake dance'. Humor always saves the day. And now that I am married...humor always saves the day. ;)
love to get my daily 'cup of jo'. thanks much for that. Sue
NEVER give up!
My sweet Daddy is currently battling throat cancer. He has told me that every single chemo treatment he has his eye on the prize and is determined to finsih the race.
He is looking forward to one day walking me down the isle, grandbabies, and many wonderful years sitting on the back porch growing old with my mom.
I couldn't be more inspired and determined from what he has taught me. Whenever I think something is unbearable I just have to keep on going and never give up.
If my superman Daddy can do anything... so can I!
I was a very shy girl growing up and my Dad taught me to not care about what other people think...to simply do what makes you happy. A perfect example would be singing in the car, as loud as you want, no matter who's watching :) I also apply this to dancing!
Oh, and he also taught me how to play a mean game of tennis!
My Dad taught me how to ride a bike, throw a softball, bowl, hit a golfball. He helped me with my Math homework every night. He taught me how to be myself. My Dad was always the same person no matter who he was around. He was humble and funny. I used to find him in a public place by listening for his laugh. The same laugh that embarrased my mom at the movies. He died two years ago this month and I miss him so much, especially on Father's day. But I'm so thankful that God gave me such a wonderful Dad.
What a great post. My dad taught me that you can have flaws but still be a good person.
I'm having a giveaway for a cute
leather bracelet on my blog...head over to enter!
♥
www.suite4e.com
My dad taught me to drive - I have fond memories of driving down backroads together, eating peanut m&ms and listening to music.
And as much as we fought growing up, he taught me that family should always have first priority in your life. And he taught me that if you believe something, your whole life should reflect it. And through the years - especially after I left for college - our relationship has changed and we've grown closer, proving to me that love can change people.
So thankful for the example he & my mom set for me.
I love all of these comments! My dad taught by example how to listen, how to show compassion to others, how to think before speaking, how to be confident without being arrogant, and how to have a realistic, but not pessimistic outlook.
The older I get, the more I appreciate his steadiness, kindness, and wisdom.
Happy Father's day, Alex!
My dad taught me- he is a great role model. I am a part of him. He is just a beautiful human being who is kind, generous and thoughtful. He taught me to be a nice person just like he is by role modeling. I think they were the most precious gifts from my dad!!
My dad taught me, through his indirect actions- how to break a cycle. Now a new, positive cycle has begun.
My father that faith is what is in my heart, not what the contents of a recited prayer.
My dad taught me how to make risotto when I was about 15.
to exhibit character and honest in good times and bad... especially bad...and always be optimistic!
My dad taught me how to surf!!!
My dad taught me to change my car's oil, check the air in my tires, and clean out the wheels with a toothbrush (he's a car guy.)
He also taught me to fend off depression through projects and that "life is too short to stay angry." Probably the best lesson of all.
my dad taught me morse code, how to play tennis, to love animals. he also taught me about hard work, modesty, and kindness.
My dad passed away four years ago, when I was 18 years old. From him, I learned to cherish every second of life that I have and to always have a sense of humor, even in the face of death :)
I wrote a little about it here: http://gravityplan.blogspot.com/2011/06/fathers-day-still-miss-you-dad.html
To stay true to myself. Stay humble and never let someone else define me.
Hope Alex had a great Father's Day with you and Toby! :)
The first day I ever met my dad, the day my mom brought him to meet us, he taught me how to ride a bike. I fell over onto the sidewalk and he picked me back up and got me back on the bike. He patiently cheered me on and I was soon flying on my own.
I was about 5 and that was 20 years ago.
My biological father hasn't been around since I was about 3 or 4.... but I've never lacked for a dad. My dad is the best. Simple as that.
And I love our father/daughter story. Last year I found an amazing bicycle print at a nearby gallery and had it framed for Christmas. It was one of the few times I saw him cry and he recognized the memory.
My dad taught me what patience looks like. How to find adventure and how to laugh.
my dad taught me how to bait a fishing hook, to respect my elders, and to dream big. i loved reading through all of these responses!
my father taught me to be driven, to enjoy and take advantage of every opportunity, how important education is, and that in the end you don't fall off the 'cool/trendy/mainstream' bandwagon, 'you jump the hell off.' Thank you Dad for giving me a thick skin and real appreciation for life.
Love your father post. I saw you this weekend at the park, but was too shy to walk up to you. You looked very happy with your family.
My dad once told me "you can't win an argument with an ignoramous." Such simple words, but I can't tell you how many times those words have prevented me from getting into petty fights.
My dad taught me how to talk (and argue!) with grown-ups, mostly by getting into nice long debates with me. He always had a reason for something when I asked "why?" about a billion different things, and if he didn't know we would go look it up in the encyclopedia.
Happy belated fathers' day Jo/Alex/Toby!
My dad is definitely the reason why I'm such a driven individual. He taught me by example that no matter what anyone says, dyslexia can't stop you from achieving your dreams. Also, religious belief comes from the heart, not from any books.
He also taught me to swear in Zulu. :/
My dad taught me the lyrics to our favorite Beatles songs, how to cook fried rice, and to love unconditionally!
sewn, you are so sweet! i would have loved to meet you!! xoxo
these comments are so adorable, i want to cry! all these lucky dads + daughters :)
i had my heart broken this father's day - but my dad taught me how to see through it, learn and move forward. I am so glad he's there for me.
mimi, that is so sweet. i hope you are feeling ok. and TC -- "He also taught me to fend off depression through projects" -- that is such great and interesting advice!
my dad taught me how to tie knots, how to change a tyre and how to poach eggs. Pretty much all a girl needs to get by :)
My dad taught me how NOT to live. I had to grow up fast when I was young. It may sound like a downer but I don't look at it that way. My negative experiences with my father helped mold me into a strong independent person.
My dad taught be how to be rock and roll.
http://liveandletrock.com/post/6691961460/this-one-goes-out-to-my-dad-thanks-for-teaching
Say if you have $100 you give all but what you need for the next meal away to others. And, "Don't complain, Don't explain.” If someone genuinely wants to learn – you teach them. Everything you know.
I used to think, when I was young, he was a simple man. Now I believe he is one of the most complex, generous souls I’ve ever known. I've had the astounding, amazing and frequently challenging privilege of working with my dad for 20 years. He's taught me to never give up, to always smile - even when the person talking has NO idea what they are talking about (!) He taught me to have faith and value family above all else. And, he makes a mean poached egg and toast combo. I love you so much dad!
My dad taught me that happiness comes from helping others, and to love and care for books.
Daddy taught me that happiness was a choice.
And to always say I Love You.
I may be biased, but my dad is the greatest ;)
I did a little post dedicated to him last year:
http://gemmifer-jennifer.blogspot.com/2010/06/happy-fathers-day.html
I got picked for shot put for sports day because no one else wanted to o it (there's very little glamour in shot put especially women's shot put). I was a skinny, bespectacled geek. My Dad put me in training , we practiced in the garden with a cricket ball. I was still rubbish at shot put but bless him for trying! He also taught me the importance of being able to talk to anyone 'dustman to duchess' as his Dad had taught him.
everything i learned from my fahter is not because he actually taught me anything, but because i saw him everyday and realised that i didnt want to be like him.
see dns records for blogspot.com
http://dns.domaintasks.com/blogspot.com
Here what i found -> vision correction
My dad simply taught me how to ride a bike and he gave me my first English language lessons! :) R.I.P dad!
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