Advice to My Kid by Stacey Alcorn

Hi Max!

Loved this Facebook Post by Stacey Alcorn, a friend of mine and bestselling author. She has a precious daughter, Oshyn and I love the advice she gives. 

Love you. This would be a longer post, but you and I are getting ready to play cars and trucks on your clubhouse floor! =0) 

Blessings, 

Max's Dad (Michael)

I love you, Max.

Max riding train at Branson Landing (07-05-2012)

Max in the park (Sunday is Son-Day)

Hi Max!

I love you. I'm proud of you. I love to "get you" and love to play with you - even when it is just wheeling trucks around the floor. 

Here's what I wrote to my Facebook Friends today and I was inspired to share this with you: 

"Sunday is Son-Day. Here's what I hope - I hope that you love your kids as much as I love my son. I love his bad days (today when he "didn't want to play" soccer and I was pulling my hair out - quietly). I love his good days. And every day in between. He's not perfect and he has a father who is really struggling at this Dad thing. And he loves his mother right now more than his Daddy (it's a time thing), but here's what I wish for you... Parents tell your kids - sit them down, as awkward as it may be, and tell them - how much you love them, how proud of them you are, and how much they mean to you. Hug them, kiss them on the cheek, and take that moment. It's worth it. In all the hustle and bustle of the world, it's worth it... to stop a second and just show some love to your kids. No more assuming they "just know" you love them, but let them know how sincerely grateful you are for them and how much you love them. Sunday is Son-Day for me and for a Dad that screws up a lot and isn't there as much as he would like, it's a day that I wouldn't miss. It's a day to take a step out of the rat race and away from the concrete jungle, and hug our little animals and play with our little monkeys. Blessings, my Friends. +m2 P.S. And as a kid with four siblings, do this individually - one at a time with each kid if you have more than one."

Max, I love you. I'm proud of you. You are going to be a GREAT kid, a GREAT PERSON. You are a great kid now but you can improve, and please know your Mommy and Daddy are dedicated to becoming the best parents possible to help you to be the best person possible. It's not going to happen overnight - every minute, every second is a chance to praise, discipline, or teach - and quite frankly, we are overwhelmed and seeking consistency - consistency of discipline, consistency of message, consistency of schedule. We are getting there. Just know we care, we care enough to get better. We may never master parenting, but we will get better. 

Remember, you're the best. You can do it. You are equipped with the talent, smarts, and abilities to do ANYTHING YOU WANT. You are so helpful, a leader, a server, a light in any room you enter. You're the best. You're the greatest. You're the Max. =0) 

Blessings, 

Max's Dad (Michael)

My Apologies for the Delay...

Hi Max!

We had another terrific day today! We played in the morning before you went to school and then I got to pick you up after school. I asked where you wanted to eat and you said, "Buffalo." I knew that meant Buffalo Wild Wings and you don't go there for the food, you go there for the games. What a great concept for a restaurant! Make the experience great for kids and the parents will follow. If they just did free kids meals Wednesday's or something... we'd go every week! =0) 

Sorry for the delay (can you believe it has been over 60 days since my last post?). It is quite powerful getting to actually talk WITH you instead of just write to you. You are so fun to be around! 

I just read this article and it made me sad --> http://www.danoah.com/2010/09/you-just-broke-your-child.html/2/. 

I am so glad we hang out, play baseball or soccer, play "get me" which is your favorite game in which I chase you around the house and tackle and hug you. So blessed to have the opportunity to sepnd a lot of time with you and help raise you. You hate to be disciplined, but please know it is for your own good. You will think us some day for that. You got told no tonight when you wanted to play in the water instead of going to bed - when you are tired, you get cranky (but you are getting better - it's great to watch you learn and mature!). But we stood our guns and guess what? In two minutes you were fine. 

Remind me to tell you how proud of you I am. I promise to write sooner next time. 

Love you. 

Blessings, 

Max's Dad (Michael)

P.S. You're awesome. 

It's Tough Being a Dad...

Hi Max!

Wanted to share my thoughts from last weekend. Really hated missing your soccer game because I KNEW you were going to play well. You were dribbling the ball so well and kicking the ball so well in the back yard. You have improved TREMENDOUSLY! So wonderful to see your improvement and watching your athleticism start to shine. Here is the Facebook strand from when I was missing you - and look at the wonderful advice from my special friends! 

Michael J. Maher

Dear Friends, Being a dad is sometimes very tough. Opportunity to talk to producers, literary agents, and screenwriters today in LA... while Max is playing his last soccer game of the season in KC. Really crushing hard and thinking about him. We've been kicking the ball, playing soccer, and having fun learning the game. Watching his understanding of what it is all about has been incredible. From the first game to now, his awareness has increased by light years. He's the youngest of this group, but my guess is he shines today... and I will shine here... but as a dad, I'd rather we shine together. Sad Dad in LA. Any words of wisdom for Sad Dad?

 ·  ·  · Share · March 3 at 9:59am near Los Angeles, CA

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  Ruth Hensley-Taylor, Beckie Agan-Realtor, Linda Maher Hammer and 10 others like this.
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    Todd Pembleton I hear ya! You kind of take it for granted being able to be at all the games. I was going to have to work and miss my daughter's last game of the basketball season and I was pretty upset. Then things changed and I ended up making it. I would be very sad in your spot as well, but I'm sure he will in true Maher fashion kick some booty! :)
    

    March 3 at 10:03am ·  ·  2
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    Greg Webb Ask somebody to video the game and then make a big deal of watching it with Max when you get back.
    

    March 3 at 10:07am ·  ·  4
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    Tom Cooper · Friends with Sheri Maher and 4 others

    ‎"live like no one else so that later you can live like no one else!" and don't forget to reshape another season of your life to be "out of balance" toward Max and Sheri.
    

    March 3 at 10:08am ·  ·  1
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    Michael J. Maher He has scored only two goals all year - both left-footed (he's right-footed). Just got the update - he has three goals already today! OMG! And he's having a ball! I really hope it is being videoed. Greg Webb LOVE THAT IDEA! Movie night - and it's MAX!
    

    March 3 at 10:09am ·  ·  6
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    Gwen Daubenmeyer Quality trumps events in most cases M+2. You've got cred. :)
    

    March 3 at 10:11am ·  ·  2
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    Irene Hughes Michael as you know we cannot be more than one place than one time physically...what you are doing you are doing for the family.....that's what Daddy's do~take care of their families (sounds old school but that's okay) hunter's and gatherer's. Put on that smile and get it done!
    

    March 3 at 10:13am ·  ·  1
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    Sandy Hermes Krestan · 39 mutual friends

    
    

    Feel the pain, I was at a mastermind group when Kyle hit his first homerun...Video it and make it like a professional game watching with popcorn...maybe even your own medal from you. I always talk with Kyle about how important it is that n...See More

    
    

    March 3 at 10:14am ·  ·  1
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    Brandon Wilson You are a great father and coach! I know you were one of my high school coach's. Your son loves you unconditionally and you will have many more soccer games. From now until he makes it to the pro’s.
    

    March 3 at 10:15am ·  ·  1
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    Craig Layman 
    

    Sorry you can't be there for the game today. It sounds like he has improved so much! He knows you're there in spirit! I'm sure he's enjoyed time he's spent with you kicking the ball, playing soccer and learning the game! He will remember th...See More

    
    

    March 3 at 10:19am ·  ·  1
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    Sarita Lahoti Dua Just tell yourself over and over that everything you do, you do for your family. It's true and Max, even at his young age, knows it!
    

    March 3 at 10:26am ·  ·  1
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    Brian Maher That why digital video cameras are such a good investment
    

    March 3 at 10:28am ·  ·  1
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    Gwen Daubenmeyer Don't forget iPad2 FACETIME! Peptalks before and cheers afterward!
    

    March 3 at 10:29am ·  ·  2
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    Jon Powers · Friends with Dustin Hughes and 20 others

    A hat trick! Way to go Max!!
    

    March 3 at 10:30am ·  ·  1
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    Tonya Wyatt awww. well, first of all, know that you are not alone. you can believe that every parent has experienced this in one way or another. and it won't be the last time either! such is life. talk to him before/after the game as i'm sure you always do! get a full detailed account of the game from him when you see him again and of course, be your very best today in your endeavors in honor of him:)
    

    March 3 at 10:55am ·  ·  2
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    Josh Bosley Well I am not sure how well they will help but I always remember these words when stuff don't go as planned "EVERY DAY IS A HOLIDAY" hope that helps
    

    March 3 at 11:23am ·  ·  1
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    Diana Shirley 
    

    Oh Michael, I'm not quite sure what advice to give you, except this. Don't do things today that you may regret tomorrow. That goes for both yourself as well as your son. I'm sure if you spend enough time with him, quality time that is (a...See More

    
    

    March 3 at 11:56am ·  ·  1
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    Michael J. Maher Love this advice! Love my Friends! Thank you for making me feel better and for the record Max and I had incredible days - and just so you know I read a lot of your comments before I went into my meetings. What you say matters and means a lot to me. Thank you!
    

    March 3 at 12:23pm ·  ·  3
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    Diana Shirley ‎*Sheri (sorry, I hate misspelling names!)
    

    March 3 at 2:01pm ·  ·  1
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    Diana Shirley ‎@Greg Webb, love that idea!! Max can give him the highlights while they watch it!!
    

    March 3 at 2:02pm ·  ·  1
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    Sheri Maher I did video the game!!! It was awesome! He scored 3 out of the 6 goals for his team. He had a ball today!!!! Maybe there is Spring league in his future...... Love the movie night idea so we can watch the game together as a family. We love you Daddy!!!!
    

    March 3 at 2:53pm · 
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    Terri Mentzel As parents you are always going to have things that beat you up, especially when work has to come before family! You will have a lot more Soccer games to see, the fun is just beginning!
    

    March 3 at 3:30pm · 
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    Carrie Smith Qualters You love him so deeply - there's no way he can miss that!
    

    March 3 at 3:59pm ·  ·  1
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    Jeanette Boyd · 22 mutual friends

    Take it from this 20 year military wife- you make the best of times together. Plus the homefront does what it can with video, pictures, Skype etc. Back in the day we had 15 minutes one night a week on a satellite phone so today's communication is amazing for our Soldiers. It's part of the price paid for being away, hard but it is what it is.
    

    March 3 at 4:17pm ·  ·  2
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    Johnston Evelyn Make every second count when you are with him, teach him all he needs to know and then let him be him. He will remember your points when he needs them.
    

    March 3 at 10:56pm ·  ·  2
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    Pat Hiban One of my best friends who is a Colonel in the U.S. Army has a saying " Your either talking or your doing"
    

    20 minutes ago · 
  
  

We need to schedule our Movie night to see your highlights... and we did sign you up for Spring soccer. And I will make as many of those games as I can. =0)

Blessings, 

Max's Dad (Michael)

P.S. I love you!