The "Parroting" Effect

Dear Husband:
The past few weeks we have noticed a sudden "I wanna be like dad" change with the kid. This is great, as it puts less pressure on me, but there are a few things to remember if you are going to be the center of the kid's universe.

Now more than ever, he will begin to pattern your behavior and continue to do so if I am not around to offer my opinion. So here are a few tips that should help you along this journey:

- Please remember to use your manners. Try to minimize the audible burping and farting. If unavoidable always say excuse me. As funny as it is to expel gas, it may not be so comical for his teachers and others who may be exposed to the noxious fumes outside of the home.

- Watch your language and try to pre-screen questionable movies before having a guys night in the basement. As you know from past experience, he is quick to pick up words such as damnit (I know, I am guilty for that one). It can be challenging to have a conversation explaining some of the more outlandish statements that can pop up in movies or T.V. shows.

- Try not to become a child too when playing with him. I know it can be fun at times to revert back to child-like behavior, but you must be a dad at all times, as hard as it is sometimes. It is ok to act silly, but as tempting as it is to reciprocate something like a "wet willy" try to refrain from this sort of activity in the future. We both know this will become a problem (e.g. wedgies). And neither one of us want to have "that kid!"

A good rule of thumb is again to ask yourself "What would Pru do?"

That is all for now. Talk to you soon.

Love,
Your Wife