HOW TO BE A GOOD DAD!

Fitness on MSN : Exercise & Train: "Put Up the Hoop Sooner
10 lessons of parenting from one wise guy who's done doing the dad thing
By: Hugh O'Neill

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Earlier today, we dropped our daughter off at college. Like her brother before her, she went and grew up on us. And as I write, I'm sipping some single malt and feeling downright valedictory, even rueful about the passing of the Dad years. Sure, I've still got a role as their father. But it's just a bit-part now and, worse, doesn't include all the best stewardship stuff - sandwich-making, cleat-buying, locking the door behind them each night when they come home. Clearly, an era has ended.
And as usual, whenever a buzzer sounds, the competitor within wants a score. How'd I do? whispers the bottom-line lobe of my brain. Normally, I'm not much for self-criticism. I'm from the school of Reggie Jackson, who, when asked to describe his shortcomings, once confessed that yeah, okay, he probably did care too much. But somehow, my kids' leave-taking has cracked open my shell. Suddenly, I can see some areas of Daddy weakness.
Now, don't mistake me. My kids are damn lucky to have me. After all, there were no sirens or flashing lights in their childhood. Nor am I enjoined from crossing state lines. I hereby re-state my official position: they could have done worse in the father sweepstakes. Still, looking back, it's clear that they might have done better, too. If I could turn back time, here are some things I would have done differently, more or less.
1. I Would Have Packed the Car More Often
Some of"