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Hey Dad,

For the record, I don't like getting older.

I'm not talking about me. I can handle the gray chest hair and aggressive nose and ear hair, but I don't like my children getting older.

I know it's inevitable, and I even know that it's good—but I don't like it. Growing older brings transitions. Just when you've finally figured out how the current model works, he/she changes and passes through a mysterious land of transitions. It usually involves body odor, mood swings, and acne.

Another of my children, let's call him Zeke, just crossed the border and its thrown him for a loop. He's normally my easygoing child who smiles as much as he breathes. It takes a lot for him to get bent out of shape. Or I guess I should say it took a lot for him to get bent out of shape. But lately, he's been acting "different." The littlest thing throws him and his emotions are running wild. "That's not like Zeke," I mentioned to my wife a week ago. "Something's going on."

We both knew what it was, and I found myself longing for the transition of potty training instead. It was so easy. He either went in the toilet or in his pants, but he pretty much seemed the same both ways. But this is pub-er, pub-ur … I can barely say it, but he's there.

But here's a truth for you, Dad: kids need their dad to get them through Transition Land. Zeke needs me to understand when he falls apart or acts weird. He needs me to talk gently, come alongside him, put my arm around him and say, "It's going to be all right."

In a way, we're like those tugboats that come alongside ships like the USS Puberty and guide them through brackish, unknown waters. After all, we've been there, done that, and know what to expect.

The sad thing is so many dads get frustrated, and back out of the harbor, leaving their pimple-faced child stranded. Not only does that leave the child frustrated but tugboat resentment can also take place.

So, Dad, if your child is going through a transition, give a loud toot and bring the old tug-dad alongside him and help guide him safely through. He may kick and scream, but don't back away. He needs you.

You 'da Dad,

© 2007 Todd Wilson. Used by permission.

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