|
|
|
|
|
|
"Parental Advice" by Jim Priest
Parental advice: we’ve all received it, even when we didn’t want it. Like the time I was a college student, home for the summer, and nursing a broken heart as a result of my girlfriend dumping me. My Dad saw my long face and asked, "Want some advice?" I mumbled sullenly, "No, Dad, I really don’t." I figured I knew what he was going to say--something like, "There are other fish in the sea" and I really didn’t want to hear it. My dad’s feelings were hurt because I spurned his offer of advice and eventually, a few days later, I apologized to him and asked, "What advice were you going to give me?" Dad looked at me, solemn and sincere, and advised, "Son, there are other fish in the sea."
I asked a group of friends to provide me with advice their parents gave them. Here are their responses. See if the words of wisdom you received from your folks sound similar.
Jani wrote: My mother always told me (1) "Stay out of debt and never use credit cards unless you can pay it off when the bill comes." (2) "Girls NEVER call boys." (3) "Never brush your teeth or wash your hair in the kitchen sink--it’s for food only!"
Anne reported: One familiar phrase I heard a lot growing up was "Use good judgment". Pretty simple, but it was inevitably the last thing said as I walked out the door.
Mike was reminded of these words: My Dad’s advice for getting to know people was "Ask them questions about themselves." I still remember his advice when I am in a situation where I don’t know someone, and have passed this advice on to my children."
Rita shared this: "My trendy Irish mother loved bright red lipstick, painted her nails and wore colorful clothes. She told her five daughters "Black is not a color...wear more pink--hot pink!"
Bob commented: "We were in Cape Cod on vacation in the late 60s and were walking behind two hippies, long hair, tie died clothes, bare feet. I was just a kid, but Dad suddenly stopped, grabbed my arm, pulled me aside and said "If you ever come home looking like that you can sleep on the street!" I remember that like it was yesterday!
Karen passed along these gems: (1) "Sometimes even a bad decision is better than continued indecision." (2) "If you want to argue, go argue in the mirror." (3) "Popularity is a fleeting thing."
Rick added these three: (1) "Once a task that you’ve begun, never leave it ‘til it’s done" (2) "Never turn down a speaking invitation. Public speaking will increase your self confidence" (3) "It’s always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed."
Laura remembered these: (1) "This too shall pass." (2) "When in doubt, don’t." (3) "It’s only money."
Think about the advice you received from your parents. Most of it made common sense, didn’t it? Don’t be reluctant to pass that wisdom along to your kids, and tell them where you got it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
