A child's drawing of the "Dad Olympics"

The image above is called "Dad's Olympic Gymnastics" by the young artist who created it on a paper placemat.

What are you looking for?

I want to find out about training events in my area.

I want to schedule a training at my program.

I want to read about teaching, educaring, and parenting young children.

I want to find things I can do at home or in my classroom with children.

I want to learn more about Training Wheels.

I want to contact someone at Training Wheels.

I'm still looking and can't find it.

PA Keys logo

WV Stars logo

Dear Son, I'm Sorry

Tim Graves, M.S.Ed.

 

When my son was six years old, I wrote the following letter to him after a particularly stressful morning.

 Dear Isaac,

You're my son. I love you and I wouldn't trade you for anyone or anything in the universe. Sometimes I find it hard to do the right things for you, though. Truth is sometimes I wish I knew what the right thing was. I'm on my way to work now and feeling guilty as only a mother or father can. I lost it with you this morning. I screamed at you so loudly my voice is sore.

This morning when I woke up, I promised myself I was going to be a "good Dad" and then go off to work and be a "good Director." Trouble is I was already thinking about my work day. As you exerted your desire to be independent--something all the darn books tell me is normal--all the worries I was having about the coming day prevented me from being the "good Dad". Well, you know what happened--I screamed at you because I wanted you to stop talking and get yourself ready for school. I told you that if you'd pick up your room like I told you to that you'd be able to find your pencils for school. I got louder and louder. You cried. I felt bad.

You are just being a healthy, normal child who wants to be independent and dependent at the same time. And I know why we're having difficulties--I haven't been around enough lately. Oh, yeah. I have very good reasons for being busy. Making a living! Taking care of my needs so I can take care of yours! Saving the world! But the person I need to save....the person I need to be available for is you.

I won't promise never to worry about my coming day again or never to raise my voice. You and I both know that would be a lie. I just promise I'll try to do better. I'll start by hugging you and telling you how much I love you and how proud I am of you.

Love,

Dad

©Copyright, 1993 Timothy R. Graves. All Rights Reserved. Permission to reproduce for use with parents and families of young children is granted provided no financial gain is involved and this copyright notice is included. Mr. Graves would appreciate any feedback and knowing how and when you use this document. Please let him know by writing Training Wheels for Early Childhood Education at 1981 Decatur Avenue Wheeling, WV 26003 or sending an e-mail to timgraves@trainingwheels4ece.com. Additional articles and handouts can be found at www.trainingwheels4ece.com