I got no rythm, but I can dance: Part 2

• In my last post, I explained how Tom and I ended up at our daughter's middle school dance. The first surprise was the complete lack of any other parent's presence. Not even one parent came through the doors to drop off their student. Granted we did bring three girls, which means they were late in trying to get ready. So I only witnessed the arrival of about half the students. A credit to the school because they had the dance well chaperoned by teachers.

• Flashbacks to my middle school days popped up as I hung out in the back of the room watching. As expected, circles of girls bounced up and down to the music and circles of boys stood around talking. I got the inside information on a number of the boys from one of the teachers. Friends of my daughter said hi and boys nervously walked by the two stern looking fathers.

• Finally, the moment for the King and Queen arrived. Without too much ceremony the crowns were placed on heads and the King and Queen danced. It was hilarious to watch two very straight and stiff middle schoolers dance, which really meant stand in place and sway ever so slightly. I noticed with relief my daughter dancing with one of her girlfriends. But then another friend started repositioning the King and Queen into a more intimate pose.

• It was time to act. I leaned over to Tom and said, "Time to cut in." Of course our daughters were horrified. We insisted and they let us cut in for about 10 seconds. The King and Queen dance was over. Mission accomplished!

• Numerous studies have shown the importance of a parent in a teen's life. Our children want to hear from us and surprisingly want to do what we say. Tom and I did not go to the dance as friends of our daughters. We went as Parents. Two fathers desiring to love and protect our daughters. Leadership in the home is vitally important and leadership is not a popularity contest. Consider how you have been influenced by the 'parents should be friends concept'? What actions can you take this week to be a leader in your home?

• By the way, this week my daughter reported that I was really popular with her friends because I had been at the dance. Doing the right thing, almost always attracts people.