I have been thinking about possible future scenarios when my daughter gets older and comes home and says ...

* "Do you mind if I call you Scott? My friends call their fathers by their first name"!
What I would say is ... I don't mind, really as long as it's not a swear word then I'm not concerned at all what she calls me.

* "I’m pregnant"
What I would say is ... please say you are joking? If not then I would say thanks for being honest and how can we work this out. No mention of shotguns at this stage of retribution against the boy that did this to my little girl at all ...

* "Can I try some of your pina colada?"
What I would say is ... alcohol is usually reserved for adults but what I don't mind doing allowing you to drink a very small amount in my presence

* "Can my boyfriend stay over?"
What I would say is ... I didn’t even know that you had a boyfriend, and unless you are both in separate rooms or he is your fiancée then "NO he can't" until your 18 years or older

* "Can I go on the pill?"
What I would say is ... what is your primary principle of use - contraception or regular control of periods but in any case the answer will be - yes you can

* "There is a party at my friends house on Saturday night can I go"? What I would say is ... are there adults going? Will alcohol be consumed? Are there going to be boys there? Are you going to stay overnight?
You are more than welcome to go, but I would prefer to go also and supervise.

* "Can I have $1000 to buy a TV?"
What I would say is ... sure how much can you afford over what time period? I would put you on a payment plan, you will also have to pay interest and if you default on a payment the interest will be 20%

-Scott

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