These dang car makers and their tear-inducing commercials. Thanks to Rahim Hirji for the heads up on this one.

304. Sometimes a listening ear is all she needs. For everything else, just smile and fix it. Her mom’s not the only one who can safety-pin a dress. (photo: Eric Peacock)

303. No matter how hard you try to keep her still while changing her diaper, she will wiggle and squirm and turn a seemingly simple task into a challenge of great poise and discipline. Keep calm, stick with it, and try to enjoy the fact that she still ...

302. At times her behavior will seem like a complete and utter mystery. Just remember, much like her mother, your daughter’s ways are not your ways.

301. Encourage her adventurous side. Today she’s conquering the playground slide. Tomorrow, the world.

300. Although official tea party etiquette requires an exacting degree of sophistication and subtlety, most of us will do well to remember two important imperatives: First, the pinky should always point out. And second, never question her on the existe...

299. Tea parties are a big deal. Do not take them lightly. (photo: kelly0819)

298. There’s no better perch for observing the world than the lap of her father. (photo: Ben Minor)

297. Play with your old toys, she must. Always worth more in her hands than in the box, are they. (photo: Jason & Bridget Fredstrom)

296. Always ask about her day. This is just as important at 2 and 5 as it is when she’s 25. (photo: Eric Siegfried)