As our kids grow up, there are hundreds of little but significant conversations that we need to have. Like chats about which team we support, or why it’s okay for Dad to swear sometimes and the crucial conversation about keeping quiet about your age when we’re trying to sneak you in somewhere that’s free if you’re “under 12”.
When these discussions arise, a lot of dads default to the most tempting response which is “talk to your Mum”, but man-up dads – you can wade into the uncharted waters of these chats as well. It’s the sum total of all of these little conversations that prepare you for the more significant big conversations that you'll likely end up having as your kids become teenagers (things like relationships, sex, alcohol, self-harm, depression, technology or the fact that they think a gap year surfing in Bali really is the best thing for them). That’s why these little conversations matter – they lay a foundation for big conversations.
All you need to know are the rules. Here are the four steps to having a good conversation about important stuff with your kid.