#373

Occasionally, when Jenny and I were kids, and Dad would say or buy or do something silly, something a little crazy, and we would laugh and stare and be interested and excited and give exactly the response fathers love, Mom would tell us, "Don't encourage him." She would say it semi-seriously, because she loved his ideas and humor and enthusiasm also. But, indeed, fathers do goofy, funny, unusual things sometimes to entertain and energize their families, and if you are one, a father, and it's been awhile since you earned yourself a "Don't encourage him," then maybe it's time to stir things up. I sometimes insist on word games, or question games, at the dinner table. Or I randomly bust out a dance move (that I butcher) and block the TV. Or I impersonate someone or sing very badly or make wild suggestions about things we should do, try, learn, whatever. In these moments, I hear groans and see eyes rolling and feel scorn, but the trick is to win a supporter or two also and then, if you're lucky, you hear it: "Don't encourage him." Bingo. You know you're not a boring dad.