Every summer, my parents used to physically drag my little sister and me on long bike rides. I pedaled behind my dad's bike on a tagalong attachment, while toddler Julia rode behind my mom in a yellow netted trailer.
These outings were not just about casually heading over to the local 7-Eleven. My father would tightly lace up my sneakers, snugly fasten the scratchy strap of my helmet beneath my chin, and apply thick layers of white sunscreen on each noticeable freckle before we embarked on our lengthy journeys along the White Pine Trail in West Michigan.
After a few miles, he would shout, "Don’t deprive your body! Don’t deprive your body!" as though he sensed my thin legs trembling uphill. I’d just roll my eyes.
My father, who is a psychologist, believes that taking shortcuts usually leads to subpar performance.
But my childhood did have room for error: I didn't get straight As, was a terrible violin player and frequently forgot my homework at home. Still, my dad once gave me a one-man standing ovation at a figure skating competition, even though I didn't land any jumps.
Errors were anticipated and pardoned with affection, yet surrendering without effort was not permitted. In my second year of high school, I attempted to justify a poor report card by claiming I would skip college and become part of Disney On Ice instead.
Perhaps you will," my dad replied. "However, you should allow yourself the choice to pursue both options.
Lots of dads want their kids to be honest, hard-working and well-rounded, research shows , but mine is particular about prioritizing our well-being and passions.
My sister and I took cues from our father: Even though he juggled two jobs, he always found ways to attend my ice-skating events, cheer at my brother’s soccer matches, and much to mom’s surprise, fit in some golf each week.
When I did, in fact, go to college, the idea of not cheating myself stuck with me. It helped me win collegiate championships, get into graduate school and eventually fulfill my childhood dream of moving to New York.
When I go home for Christmas ever year, my family and I take walks, often back on the White Pine Trail. We don't stop until my dad's phone says we've clocked exactly six-point-zero miles.
Career, financial, and life guidance from the fathers featured on Pawnation.com Make It team
The advice from your dad, even if it seems cliché or profound, often holds significant weight. This guidance can influence our perspectives on humor, money management, career choices, personal connections, and self-identity. In this piece, the Make It team at Pawnation.com contributes some cherished sayings they received from their fathers.
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Every time my father would take me to a school dance or another teenage social event, he’d tell me, “Always remember your identity and your worth,” serving as a prompt to remain authentic to myself and my principles, regardless of whether it was considered the popular choice among peers.
–Kamaron McNair, money reporter
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My father once said, “Avoid getting tattoos. Contribute the maximum amount to your 401(k) right from the start. Maintain a strong reputation; steer clear of anything dishonest. Live modestly and save money aggressively…. Later in life, you’ll be able to afford fancy items without them being a significant drain on your finances.”
–Ashley Turner, senior social media editor
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My dad apparently used to sing this Hafez verse to my sisters and me. The gist of it says, "Don't argue with people who don't deserve your time."
–Elham Ataeiazar, animator
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This April, my dad [turned] 50 years old. And there are three things that he's learned in life that have helped him experience more happiness and fulfillment for half a century: Trust your intuition, steer clear of unnecessarily stressful situations, [and] do what you love.
–Renée Onque, health and wellness reporter
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My father worked as an architect and ran his own company…. Whenever he was contemplating accepting a new assignment, he followed three main guidelines: Was the task personally engaging for him? Were the clients agreeable? And lastly, was the compensation satisfactory? If a project fulfilled at least two out of these three conditions, he would proceed with it… This framework often came to mind during my search for employment.
–Zachary Green, producer
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As my father used to say, "People can be divided into two types: those who act quickly and those who are eager."
–Jessica Leibowitz, supervising producer
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In middle school, I approached my father—a seasoned marketing writer—for help with editing my English assignments. “It’s well-written,” he commented, “but try cutting it down by half.” I objected strongly but put in significant effort to meet his challenge. Once more, I submitted my revised work confidently. He then said, “Good job; now trim it down even further, halving what remains.” ...
Following many hours of labor, I eventually succeeded. When the essay received an A grade, I felt both irritated and accomplished.
Later that year, he started asking me to edit his writing. We talked about the importance of learning to edit in the writer's voice, not your own.
I don't think he was trying to train me as a journalist — I'm pretty sure he just considered writing and editing to be important life skills —but those lessons are incredibly relevant to my life now. Thank you, Dad!
–Cameron Albert-Deitch, success editor
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When I was struggling in New York City—earning just the minimum wage and facing difficulties with my rent—I remember my father telling me that I needed to find a way through or return to Utah. Surprisingly, five years have passed since then, and I’m still here!
I consistently value his straightforward approach because it prevents me from spiraling out of control. This clarity enables me to get back on track effectively.
–Tasia Jensen, producer
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As we departed from our home, my father used to impart two bits of wisdom to my brothers and me: "Avoid taking any wooden nickels," and "Return either carrying your shield or upon it."
The concept is, "Stay sharp and be cautious; avoid getting deceived or swindled," and "Put in your maximum effort and pursue what you desire with determination, so much so that you emerge victorious or face total defeat."
–Ester Bloom, deputy managing editor
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