Today, my only son, John Robert Ethan, turns 8. Each birthday is a celebration of life, love, and all the memories we’ve shared — but turning eight is something uniquely special. It’s a turning point in childhood, a bridge between early innocence and the next wave of independence and identity. Today, I want to take a moment to honor Ethan’s journey, reflect on the milestones he’s reached, and share what I hope for him as he enters third grade.
The Story Behind the Name
Names are more than labels — they’re legacies.
We named him John Robert Ethan to carry stories forward: “John Robert” after me, and by extension, after the Kennedy brothers — President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy — symbols of leadership, compassion, and courage. “Ethan” was inspired by Ethan Hawke, particularly his character in Reality Bites — thoughtful, rebellious, artistic, and complex.
All of that combined makes Ethan’s name a roadmap of ideals: legacy, depth, and authenticity.
The Journey to Eight
Growing into eight years old isn’t just about adding another candle to a cake — it’s about expanding the mind and heart. Over the past year, Ethan has shown incredible growth in how he thinks, feels, and expresses himself.
He’s:
- Grown more curious and observant
- Asked deeper questions about life and the world
- Become more expressive in his art, imagination, and affection
At this stage, a child’s cognitive and emotional development accelerates. Independence blossoms. They begin to assert more control over choices, articulate feelings with better nuance, and deepen their relationships with others — including their parents.
That said, this age also brings challenges:
- Balancing emotional sensitivity with assertiveness
- Navigating friendships and the complexities of social play
- Expressing frustration in healthy ways
- And in Ethan’s case, working through his strong Oedipal tendencies with gentle guidance and open conversations
These are all normal and essential parts of development, and every step helps shape the person he’s becoming.
Milestones, Challenges, and What’s Ahead in Third Grade
Third grade marks a pivotal academic year. It’s when students:
- Learn to read to learn rather than just learning to read
- Take on greater academic responsibility
- Develop stronger problem-solving and reasoning skills
- Begin to care more about social dynamics and peer approval
For Ethan, I want this year to be one of nurturing his intellectual curiosity and supporting his emotional resilience. I want to see him thrive academically, yes — but even more so, I want him to:
- Feel safe expressing himself
- Know that mistakes are part of growth
- Understand the value of kindness, not just achievement
I’ll continue encouraging his creativity, especially through art and storytelling — two of his greatest gifts. And I’ll keep being there with reminders that he is seen, loved, and supported.
A Message from Dad to Ethan
Ethan,
You are the most intelligent, sweet, and artistically gifted boy I know. You see the world through a lens that’s unique and beautiful — and it inspires me every single day.
Even when you test boundaries, I know it’s your way of figuring out how the world works — and I respect that curiosity. I’m proud of how you’re growing, the questions you ask, the compassion you show, and the spark in your eyes when you’re drawing or imagining stories.
You are, and will always be, my favorite son.
No matter how tall you grow, how far you go, or how big your dreams become — I will always be here, loving you fiercely, cheering you on, and holding your hand when you need it.
As we always say, I love you infinity and beyond!
– Dad
Celebrating Eight With Heart
Birthdays are not just milestones in time; they are emotional markers of growth, change, and gratitude. As Ethan turns eight, I find myself filled with pride and hope. The world is wide open before him — and I’m blessed to be part of his journey.
Here’s to the next chapter — of imagination, learning, love, and all the wonders that await!