Letter to a Future Child (Assignment #2)

So, my psychology teacher is pretty chill.. for all of our assignments, she comes up with a creative way of working with the textbook material. Last paper we had to go and observe people in the caf, and report on their behavior. This time, we had two options: Write a letter to a future/current child, or dress up as an old person, go into public, and write a reflection. I went with the letter. We had to include points from lecture and textbook, too.. I guess that's how she justified it relating to psych. The whole tennis ball/rock thing is an analogy she drew in class. It's a pretty good picture. Heh, anyway... it was a pretty interesting thing to write (and yes, Mycroft is an actual name, and is being considered. ^^)

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Dear Mycroft,
When your mother and I first decided to have a baby, we had no idea what was in store for us. We had heard things from our own parents, and friends with children, but none of that could have prepared us for you (and I mean that in the best way possible). After 18 years, hundreds of changed diapers, countless fights, and an infinite amount of smiles, we can now say it was more than worth it. It was an amazing journey for both of us.
Now you are starting out on your own, and most likely will become a parent yourself in a few years (scary thought, isn’t it?) Well, I’d like to play the ultimate ‘dad card’ and try to impart as much knowledge as I have about the most important characteristics of being a parent. First of all, hold your young children as long as possible. You can totally feel the connection; you both become emotionally attached to each other. I can’t explain it, but I know psychologists have some pretty fancy terms for it. And I know it’s the most amazing feeling in the world (compare it to…well, let’s just say some things your mom and I experience together.)
And, of course, your parenting style is key too. Remember Elementary school? In those days, your favorite things were roasting marshmallows, playing tennis, and collecting rocks (I know, convenient, right?) Well, your mom and I raised you on the ‘tennis-ball’ philosophy; not too hard, not too soft. We tell you what to do, but leave it open to discussion if you have genuine argument or concern. A rock is too hard. It won’t allow for any give. Believe you me; if you parent your children like that, they’ll get frustrated real fast. A marshmallow, on the other hand, is too soft. Your kids will get spoiled faster than you can say “some more s’mores”. There are technical names for all this stuff, but I like the rock, marshmallow, and tennis ball example better. If you ever need advice on this parenting business, just let me know. Your mom and I are experts by this point (we’re also very humble).
Some of the strengths your mom and I needed to develop were patience, understanding, teaching skills, and a balance between flexibility and rigidity. But all of these came back to patience: Patience when teaching how to learn, patience when trying to understand your point of view, and patience in sticking with our original rules, no matter how you reacted to them. Unfortunately they don’t teach patience in a class; it’s something you’ll have to develop on your own. And I hope you do.
I’ve watched as you’ve developed outstanding qualities over the years: willingness to work, steadfast faith, an understanding mind, and a comforting way with words. I hope you keep these qualities and develop others: unconditional love for your wife and children and an intimacy with family and friends. There is no greater gift that God gave us than the ability to love each other.
My dream for you is that you will be the best you can be, no matter what career you go into or where you go. Live your life to it’s fullest; you only get one on this earth. Stand firm no matter what the opposition, keep your eyes up, and hold on to the hope and love that you have. No one can take that away from you.
Love, Your Father