D. C. Donahue Books

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Good Parenting, Catholic School, Emily Post, and Two XX Chromosomes! 6/21/25

Daily writing prompt
How do you practice self-care?

If my comment about having “two X chromosomes” was not clear, I encourage you to do a quick search on Google or Wikipedia. Alternatively, you could ask your wife, girlfriend, lady friend, or older sister; I’m sure they can help you gain a better understanding. In emoji speak LOL!

First at bat, my parents in youth, every morning and night, the conversation went something like this:

Morning: Did you make your bed, wash your face, brush your teeth, comb your hair, and especially once a week, either Sunday Night or early Monday, did you shine your shoes?

Every night before going to bed: Did you take a bath and get behind your ears, brush your teeth, lay out your clothes for tomorrow with a clean shirt and school tie?

Second Up: Catholic school indoctrination contributes to your overall quarterly grades, which are reflected on every report card sent home. The evaluation criteria include Productivity, Perseverance, Fortitude, Participation in Class, Behavior, Religion, and Cleanliness, as we learned — Cleanliness is next to Godliness. These values were taught daily alongside the Ten Commandments from the Baltimore Catechism and were reinforced both at home and in church. It’s worth noting that while you may encounter one or two overly zealous Sisters of the Habit or teachers, Catholic schools remain excellent institutions, and I highly recommend them if you can afford it.

Emily Post: The year my three older brothers and I received a stocking stuffer of Emily Post’s latest book on etiquette was a head-scratcher. Why were we the only recipients? Thank you, Emily!

The two X chromosomes ultimately motivated me to explore Mrs. Post’s book. Attending your first dance or going on a date was a significant event, not just for impressing the girl, but also for winning over her parents. Today’s kids will never experience the pressure of navigating the complexities of early grade school romances. As in the old movies and TV shows, you would wear a suit jacket and tie, and if you had a date or were attending a school dance, you would bring her flowers.


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