Today is the last day of school for my girls. I love the palatable excitement that comes along with the beginning of the long school break so I purpose to hang around them. Just like most of the Saturdays am at home that are preoccupied with chauffeuring them around – tennis games, swimming galas, music lessons, taekwondo practice, play dates, ad infinitum. Most of this time, the car is full to the brim with their friends.

As they grow older, am quickly learning that my role is mostly restricted to “designated driver.” Am also learning the art of becoming “invisible,” in my own car. And when am in this comatose state, boyo boyo! The conversations I hear. All the little boys out there would gladly line my pockets to hear what I hear. One word: Brutal! Makes me feel vindicated for the nonchalant hard stance I took in my teen years: ONLY smile and wave at the girls. I can’t imagine being talked about like this. I’d be gutted. No, I’d be maimed for life, this I tell you!

And oh, the other useful question for dads of teen / pre-teen girls is: “Is my presence here needed or is my absence needed more?” The latter is normally true;-)