In Homage to Our Dads on Father’s Day: We Heard Your Advice Whether We Took It or Not

Our fathers were the elusive parent. In and out like a light. When we were growing up in the late 40s, 50s, and so forth, dads were the breadwinners, at work more than at home, while most mothers stayed home to clean, cook and raise the children. 

However, when dad did have time off and spent it with us, that time was precious as were the words of wisdom they imparted. Did we always take their advice? No way. But what they said did resonate and years later, those words of wisdom seem seared in our brains. As one person we spoke to said of her father, “Through a tough childhood, I had a truly wonderful ally: my Dad.” 

We talked to several folks about what their fathers told them that never eluded them. Keeping in mind the times, we wonder if dads shared different advice with sons versus daughters. We are not publishing names but see if you can tell the difference between what a father of that era told a daughter versus a son.

Please read the posts below (some are fathers now themselves) and know that this is our way of paying homage to all fathers, alive and deceased, on this special holiday. Happy Father’s Day!

The more you earn, the more you should save rather than spend more.

Give back to the community that supports you (dad was a small businessman). If you can’t give your money, give your time. If your time is limited, make sure that the time you give is useful and beneficial to the organization.

When life knocks you down, get up, face the problem or situation head on, and keep moving forward.

Your name is everything. Ruin your name and you ruin yourself and your family. 

Worry less and don't be so analytical.

Even if you’re not majoring in business in college, take some core accounting courses.

Knowing the basics will serve you well in whatever field you choose. 

You can catch more bees with honey than vinegar. 

Do it right or DON’T do it. 

Perseverance. if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Follow the money trail; it will lead you to the answers. 

Take pride in your work or choose another path. 

Look to meet someone else; I don’t think you love him. 

Lead with your actions, not your words, don’t just talk the talk but walk the walk and do every day in all your decisions and taking the high road.  

Your word is everything and the golden rule is so true, try not to be judgmental, and it is very hard to do.

Protect yourself and hang around with those you want to hang around with.
 
Just because someone else is being a jerk or behaving poorly does not give you permission to do that, too. 

In terms of philanthropy, walk the walk, don’t talk the talk

From my dad--A 'big' person is seen but never heard. In other words, keep your voice in check and don't boast.  And another, Hard work will always pay off in the end. And another, You don't have to go to church to be a good Christian. And yet another, Exercise is a way of life--make the most of it.

To my kids--Be honest to yourself and do the things that are important to you. And, if you work harder than anyone else the results will follow. And love your family and your friends--they will be the ones that will always stand with you. And still another, You are the only one who can control your health - work at it every day.

Be whoever YOU want to be--unusual advice to a daughter in the 50’s and 60’s. My Dad wasn’t inclined to give advice or tell me what he wanted me to do. He mostly operated through “expectations,” and it usually worked.

Note: Because we are only two days away from Father’s Day, if you want to add your father’s advice to our blog, we’d love to hear it as would our readers. Feel free to add it in the comments below.