@Kevin L. Waldroup
When my son was just a tike he said some thing so profound to me
"Dad, I have a lot of friends but you are my best buddy"
My best friend was Ron Merker (
@Dr bills Instructor ) whos son Lance was a few years older than Sam IV, also had began diving at a very early age so we often compared our children's diving progress
One thing we in SoCal, who began diving with our very young off springs before some one said they were too young, is we noticed when we dove together they had a very relaxed breathing and low air consumption. It was determined that they were diving with daddy and daddy would protect them and of course we did.
We also insisted on them recording every dive and identifying by scientific name and common name at least one "critter"
Now after all these many years later these logs have become treasures of their youth
We also adhered to the rule that diving with dad and his friends was a privilege not a right -- Clean room, good grades, school involvement and Scouts ! The later was a problem-- Lance received his Eagle 4 days before his 18 birthday, Sam IV, 12 days prior to his 18th. But they made it !
Both boys are now well into ther 50s married with children and successful , Lance is the President of a Computer company, Sam IV is the Director of ER & Hyperbarics at a local hospital
I sincerity hope you have the same success
Sam III