1999. Adam Sandler. Sprouse Twins. I'm talking one of the best films ever made, Big Daddy. Incase you live under a rock, I'll give you a ten second synopsis: A guy has a kid that he doesn't know about, when the kid shows up the dad is traveling for work, so the guys best friend Sonny (played by Sandler) takes him in and cares for him to the best of his ability, until–well you've learned all that you need to know, just watch the movie. Basically throughout the whole movie Sonny (Sandler) teaches the kid one life lesson at a time in probably the most unconventional way possible, but I believe that we all have a little something to learn from it.
1. Let your kids dress themselves.
Strainer as head wear? Why not! Let your kids express themselves even if they look insane.
2. Let them win.
The game may not make sense, the rules may be absurd, but just let em' win. It will mean more to them than any adult could ever imagine.
3. Clean their messes without complaint.
Take the idea of 'don't cry over spilled milk' to heart. Slap some newspaper on that mess and call it done, or at least momentarily okay.
4. Motivate them.
Candy, play time, dressing up as a life size version of their favorite toy–help kids help themselves.
5. Keep them happy.
There's nothing worse than crying kids. Do all that you can to put a smile on their faces.
6. Teach them cool tricks.
Don't you want your kids to be able to impress everyone at school? Hint: the answer is yes.
7. Make sure they know the basics.
8. Educate them.
9. Let them make their own decisions.
10. Let them have fun.
11. Love them unconditionally.
Even when they drive you crazy, wet the bed, spill their milk, and change their name to Frankenstein, you hug the crap out of them, because as their parent your one job is to love them, and never stop.
I don't plan to be the perfect parent, that's impossible. But if Sonny taught us anything, it's that even the most unique forms of parenting can create some pretty cool kids.
