I never knew my daughter felt this way....

[mojophone]

Ok I decided to take the day off for 2 reasons. Most importantly being that as a reward for my daughters good behavior at school, I was going to go have lunch with her at school. I didn't want to ask her because I didn't want to have my feelings hurt. Soooooo My wife goes and asks her if some monday I took off work would she be ok with me coming to have lunch with her. She gave an emphatic NO for 2 reasons.
1) I am way too goofy and she doesn't want to be embarrasses
2) I like to chitchat (call me a social male butterfly) My daughter doesn't want to get into trouble for my talking.
Now I can't help myself for being goofy. I mean heck when I asked them to pic a disney character that I was most like, it was a unanomous GOOFY. I think what really struck a cord with her on how goofy I really am I will give you an example. A couple of weeks ago at The local high school they were having a "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny". I being my normal goofy self ran up to the Easter Bunny screaming "OOOOOOOO LOOKIE IT'S THE EASTER BUNNY" then proceeded to give this easter bunny a big hug lmao the whole time. Another time her my wife and myself were out in the kitchen doing something (can't remember what it was though) anywho somehow or another we started goofing around and got into "buttslapping around the family" when my daughter says "Mommy your butts all squishy"! I being my normal self ask my daughter if mine was squishy too? Her reply? " No daddy yours is solid like a rock. Well that set me off howling with laughter as I galloped around the house slapping my own butt singing, you guessed it, " Solid, Solid as a rock, that's what my butt is and it's too hot hot hot Sang to the tune of Aretha Franklins. Solid Solid as Rock.

I guess I really shouldn't feel so crushed that my daughter feels this way but I never knew that she was so embarrassed by me that she doesn't want me around. I just can't help myself being this way. I find humour in the most unusual and even everyday things and just have to react to them.

I pity the whole family when we actually get to WDW matter of fact I think ya'll better warn all of the characters that I am coming because it may kinda freak them out to see a grown 42 year old man come tearing across the walkway, screaming at the top of his lungs" LOOK IT'S MINNIE ( or Goofy as he is my idol) to give them a hug.

Any suggestions? I know most of you will probably say to just chill and it will be ok and she will end up not minding. Problem is I don't have that type of self control. I believe I think up ways to be even more goofy when I am sleeping. So not being goofy is not possible.

 

[froglady]

How old is your daughter? Trust me, from about 10-11 until, say, mid twenties, your very existence is an embarrassment. I swear, I was afraid DD's eyes would be stuck in this position.

 

[mojophone]

How old is your daughter? Trust me, from about 10-11 until, say, mid twenties, your very existence is an embarrassment. I swear, I was afraid DD's eyes would be stuck in this position.

She will be 8 on June 19

 

[Marseeya]

Don't change a thing -- you sound like a blast!

Most kids are humiliated by their parents' very existence, so you might as well enjoy yourself and EARN their embarrassment!

 

[GoofieRuthie]

I agree. Don't change a thing! Right now she is embarassed, but years from now she will look back and have very fond memories. Thankfully, my daughter is way more of a goof than I am, so she loves when I act Goofie too.

 

[powellrj]

Its a kid thing. Most kids want parents to be NOT seen and NOT heard! You could be the coolest parent in the world to other kids, just not your own! On the bad side, you still have a few more years until you are cool again, but it will change once she gets older, just hang in there!

 

[poohandwendy]

LOL, you sound like a really great Dad! Don't change a thing! However, respect that she would feel uncomfortable. It does NOT mean she is embarrassed of you, it means that she is at an awkward age and probably just about everything makes her embarrassed right now.

I have a suggestion, why not send her a bouquet of flowers to the house with a note telling her how much you love her and are proud you are of her recent improvement? I think it would be a nice way to let her know she is special without any chance of embarrassment.

Your DD is blessed to have such a thoughtful, caring and 'goofy' Dad! You will enjoy many, many rewards for your efforts in all the years to come.

 

[Sleepy]

I would never change a healthy fun attitude and personality. Everyone needs to laugh. However, times have changed in school cafeterias. Most schools do not allow the kids to talk AT ALL! Even soft talking will get you in trouble. It is sad because I feel lunch time is when kids have the opportunity to socialize and if they have to act like zombies, it is unhealthy. Throwing food and standing on tables is one thing, but talking isn't going to harm anyone as long as they can finish their meal.

 

[poohandwendy]

, but talking isn't going to harm anyone as long as they can finish their meal.

LOL, I think that is the issue. Lunch periods are so short and kids tend to chat most of the time away and then haven't touched their meals.

At least, this is what I have observed in the elementary/middle school cafeterias, when I have volunteered my time. I think, by HS, they are better at multi-tasking, LOL.

 

[disney junky]

all it will take is for a few of her friends to think you are cool and you'll be the coolest dad in the world. work the friend angle.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Maybe your daughter would like for you to focus your attention on her. Does she feel like she is competing with everyone else for your attention? She might be jealous of the fact that you try to make everyone else laugh.

I think you should surprise her for lunch and try your best to focus on making her feel special.

Lori

 

[jama]

Maybe you could check her out and go to Mcdonalds for lunch. Or bring lunch and eat outside for a picnic. At my kids school, parents are not even allowed to eat in the cafeteria with the kids. They say because of overcrowding. There are 800+ kids and the cafeteria was built for 300 total kids. Parents can eat with their kids at tables in hallway or picnic tables outside.
One thing the kids do like is when a parent buys everyone in the class ice cream at lunch!(25cents a piece).

 

[mojophone]

OMG I GOT TAGGED AGAIN TYTYTYTYTYTY TAG FAIRY
I don't really even have to try to be goofy, I just naturally am no matter what I am doing. Heck even the guys at work kinda wonder about me when they happen to sneak up on me and catch me singing "It's a small world" while sitting there splicing wirtes together. Or it really disturbs them and everyone else when I am sitting there in a chair and I start "chair dancing" and there isn't any music playing that they can hear. I have a song in my head and it can't get out until I do something with it, so I sit there and chair dance. Works everytime for me.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Don't change a thing but my DH came up with something that benefitted both himself and his DD. She was obviously embarassed by DH (she was 14 - I think that explains it). He would have to drop her off a block from the school if he drove her, etc. Then he bought himself a motorcycle, complete with the loud pipes. He would drive her up to school, rev the bike and she would hop off. Boy oh boy, did she become popular with the boys. Not only was her dad cool enough to ride a bike but she was cool enough to ride on the back of it. They were both very pleased with the solution.
Good Luck. It does get better. Take me for example, I am 40 now and can honestly say that not only do I love my DF with all my heart but I am extremely proud of him and his accomplishments. If you had asked me this at 14, I would have asked you to open a hole in the ground and swallow me up!

 

[Nancy]

My girls tell me I embarrass them all the time! I figure that is my job, to make their excistance as painful as possible! One of these years they will appreciate me.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

What I wouldn't do is to go to school if she really doesn't want you to come. Only you know her and if she really doesn't want you there or just doesn't want you embarrassing her.

And yes, I do think that kids get embarrassed by too much wild behavior of their parents. Partially because they want to present a certain image in front of their friends and don't want to be upstaged by parents. So I think that you can still be yourself at school, but try to keep your silliness in check a bit.

I also tend to be a bit off the wall, but I do try to tone things down around my older kids, especially my 18yo and my 12yo. My 18yo is fine for the most part with the silliness now at home, even when she has friends over, but my 12yo still gets embarrased at his own shadow. My 15yo has never been bothered by much. My 6yo still adores me, so he's fine, even out in public, but his 12yo brother was embarrrased even at 6yo.

 

[marran]

I was sent an email a few weeks ago about the things children do ive posted it below for everyone

For all old Mums of teenagers - and for those of you who have yet to >>>experience it.

DON'T MESS WITH MUM
My son came home from school one day,
with a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough,
to put me in my place.

Guess what I learned in High School,
that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today,
The "Children's Bill of Rights."

It says I need not clean my room,
don't have to cut my hair.
No one can tell me what to think,
or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion,
and regardless what you said,
I don't have to bow my head,
and I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want,
and pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like,
get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever smack me,
I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges,
with the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me,
my body's only for my use,
not for your hugs and kisses,
that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals,
like your Mum did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control,
And it's illegal too!

Mum, I have these children's rights,
so you can't influence me,
Or I'll call Department of Community Services.
better known as D.O.C.S. you'll see.

Of course my first instinct was
To toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson
made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully,
I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face,
he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping
at the local Go-Lo Store.
I told him, "Pick out all you want,
there's shirts &pants galore.

I've called and checked with D.O.C.S.
who said they didn't care
if I bought you K-Mart shoe
instead of those Nike Airs.

I've cancelled that appointment
to take your driver's test.
The D.O.C.S. is unconcerned
so I'll decide what's best.

I said "No time to stop and eat,
or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn
to make your own school lunch.

Just save the raging appetite,
and wait till dinner time.
We're having lambs fry & onions
A favourite of mine!

He asked "Can I please rent a movie,
to watch on my VCR?
"Sorry, but I sold your TV,
for new tyres on my car.

I also rented out your room,
you'll take the lounge instead.
All that D.O.C.S. requires is
Just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now,
I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get,
will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski,
dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the "Parents Bill of Rights,"
It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying,
why are you on your knees?
Why are you asking God to help you out,
instead of D.O.C.S?
mmm, I see.​

Send to all people that have teenagers or have already raised teenagers, or have children who will soon be teenagers or those who will be parents someday, OR ANYONE WHO'D JUST GET A LAUGH.

I also have another about the kids too ...

Something absolutely positive for a change!
I have seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this
isthe first time I have seen the rewards listed this way.

It's lovely...enjoy.



THE PRICE OF CHILDREN
The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about sticker shock!
That doesn't even touch college tuition. But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down.

It translates into:

* $8,896.66 a year,
* $741.38 a month, or
* $171.08 a week.
* That's a mere $24.24 a day!
* Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have children if you want to be "rich."
Actually, it is just the opposite.

What do you get for your $160,140?

* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites.
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140, you never have to grow up.
You get to:

* finger-paint,* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs, and
* never stop believing in Santa Claus.

You have an excuse to:

* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh, and
* wishing on stars.
* You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted
noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's
Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck.

You get to be a hero just for:

* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and
coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets
treated to ice cream regardless.

You get a front row seat to history to witness the:

* first step,
* first word,
* first bra,
* first date, and
* first time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal. You get another branch
added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long
list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.

You get an education in psychology, nursing,
criminal justice,communications, and human
sexuality that
no college can match. In the eyes of a child,
you rank right up there under God. You have all the power
to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed,
patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground
them forever,
and love them without limits.

So . . one day they will, like you, love without
counting the cost.

That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!

Love & enjoy your children &
grandchildren!!!!!!!

I have loads of these kiddy ones i guess the morals behind it are all the same it dosent matter how goofy, strange, loving, or how much of a pain you are the kids always give you rewards no matter... make your daughter realise that its never gonna change and just tell her that no matter what you love her and your great and that shes even better

 

[mojophone]

Well my DD is now off to school and kinda sorta perked me up by telling me "Thank you for wanting to come to have lunch with me! (aw the little dear) Mommy promised to keep you in line.

 

[mytwotinks]

I figure that if your kids aren't embarrassed of you, you aren't doing your job as a parent! Kids say "embarrassed" but I think what they really feel is loved! Everybody wants their parents to be fun and silly.

On a girl's trip to Disney, I worned my daughter that every time she whined, her aunt was going to start dancing wherever we were! She would freak out when aunt Kerry broke into her dance and act all embarrassed and then we would all laugh. At the time she acted like it was the end of the world and she was "just going to die", but since then I have heard her tell that story and laugh every time! She loves knowing that even adults can act crazy!

Kids are just going through sooooooo many changes, they just want to blend in. I think that they know they are being silly though. They wish that they felt secure enough to be "goofy" with you! Keep it up. You are showing your daughter that it doesn't matter what everyone thinks of you and that what is most important is to be happy and enjoy life!!!!

 

[smilie]

My dad is a lot like you. Growing up was definitely an adventure, but the memories I have now are awesome! Dad's like you are one in a million!