On Parker’s first day of kindergarten five years ago, I started a tradition.
Despite our family’s challenges, I was determined to see my daughter board the bus for the first time before she’d be whisked off to school.
It was just before 7 a.m. — no big deal for me now. Back then, though, waking up at that hour felt like torture. I happily rolled out of bed for Parker.
I met her curbside outside her mother’s home. I showed up with a sweet treat.
A strawberry-frosted donut with sprinkles.
It was my way of making the best of a bad situation and giving Parker a special Daddy-daughter memory from her first day of school.
The tradition continues to this day.
But when Parker begins fifth grade on Friday (yeah, Friday, and a half-day at that!), it’ll have a new twist.
For the first time, I’ll take Parker to school on the first day. She’ll be with me for our routine Thursday overnight this week, which means we’ll make a pit stop at Dunkin’ Donuts before the morning bell.
That strawberry-frosted donut with sprinkles is one of Parker’s few back-to-school trappings.
In episode 10 of the Money Talks podcast, Parker recaps her summer and reveals what else — other than a donut — she’s looking forward to when fifth grade begins.
We hope you enjoy the episode. Click the play button below to listen now.
You can also listen to the Money Talks podcast on Spotify.
Here is a timestamp of episode 10:
1:37: Parker goes to the driving range.
2:35: Parker exposes me — and her memory!
4:30: The best and worst of Parker’s summer.
8:00: What is Daddy reading?
11:55: What is Parker reading?
13:10: Parker’s hidden talent and a potential money maker.
14:50: Parker’s thoughts on starting fifth grade.