Been there. Done that. Got the sweatshirt.
My daughter, Nee, is not yet teenager, but she has already designated me as the “World’s Most Embaraasing Dad.” I discovered this fact when I had to drive her to a classmate’s birthday party.
On the morning of the party, Nee excitedly shared all of the details with me. The party’s theme was Pink Pirates and it was being held at the place where Nee took gymnastics. There would be flipping, jumping, and diving. All the cool girls from class would be there.
“That sounds like fun,” I said. “I think we’ll have a great time.”
Nee froze in her tracks and stared at me with a look of horror. “You’re not coming to the party,” she said.
“Yes, I am,” I replied. “I’m driving you there.”
“No!” she screamed. “Mommy’s taking me to the party.”
“Mommy’s busy today,” I said. “Therefore, I have to take you.”
“MOOOOOOMMMMMMMY!!!!!!!” she yelled as she ran into the kitchen.
My wife, KayEm, was startled by the commotion. “What’s going on, Nee?” she asked.
“I don’t want Daddy to take me to the party,” she said wrapping her arms around her mother’s waist. “I want you to take me.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” she said. “But I can’t. Daddy has to take you.” After unsuccessfully protesting for several minutes, Nee reluctantly relented.
In the car, Nee sat quietly with her arms folded and a scowl on her face. I watched her seethe in the rear view mirror.
“Nee,” I said with a sing-songy voice. She looked up for a moment and then turned to away. “Why don’t you want Daddy to go to the party with you?”
“Because you will do something crazy,” she responded.
“What do you mean by that?” I asked.
“You’ll probably start singing an Elmo song or doing one of those silly Yo Gabba Gabba dances and that will embarrass me,” she said.
“I promise not to do any of those things,” I said.
“And don’t talk to any of my friends,” she said.
“Can’t I even say hello?”
“Just say hello and leave it at that,” she said.
“Fine,” I said. We drove a few more miles in silence until Nee spoke up.
“Actually,” she said. “Will you just drop me off and pick me up later?”
“You don’t even want me to come in?” I asked.
“No,” she said. I was crushed.
“You don’t think I’m a cool Dad?” I asked. She thought for a moment and then replied.
“Well, you are pretty cool except for where parties are concerned,” she said.
I guess I’ll have to live with that until she’s a teenager.
Stay Strong,
Question: How do you embarrass your children or how did your parents embarrass you?
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