Every parent wonders if they have shared all the knowledge that they could. “Have I prepared my child and told them everything?” I am no different. I am an older parent, and as I look to the future, I can only hope that I do not “age out” before I meet a grandchild.

I have adapted these letters to my son to address those life challenges that need a father’s guidance. These are personal letters and reflect my opinion and beliefs. I accept that some will not agree with my writing, but they were never meant for anyone other than my children. I apply what I have learned and the experiences that support those lessons.

I also want to ensure that what is meant as guidance can be lasting. What better way than to commit this to print. It is my hopes that my children will embrace these letters and listen to them whenever they need a father’s advice for their children. These letters include all levels of advice I could think of, from addressing the secrets of the schoolyard, to getting to know girls, to buying their first house. For my listeners, I hope this reminds you of your father figure and the guidance they provided.

These letters do not discount my daughter: She has just turned 16 and already knows everything anyway (snark, snark). Honestly, she is a teenage woman—she has changed so much from my adorable little girl that I will not attempt to say that I understand her. But, sweetheart, this information and these stories are for you too. These letters are from your father’s perspective so, if nothing else, you get a rare insight into the male perspective.

My letters are short and concise. I did not find a need to fluff every chapter for the sake of word count. My language will be coarse and my grammar not so good. This is on purpose, because I want my children to recognize that it is me who is speaking and writing the narrative.