You’re Probably a Michigan Dad If You Do These 11 Things
Michigan dads don't just raise children. They train future euchre partners, bottle-return employees, and passengers who will someday complain about US-127 and its constant state of construction.
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Think you've escaped the stereotype? Chances are if you raised a child in Michigan, you exhibit at least six of these 11 signs:
Michigan Dad Traditions Start Early
- Your kids' first job was returning bottles and cans. Ten cents at a time, you taught responsibility through sticky manual labor.
- You teach euchre loudly. "LEFT BOWER!" gets more enthusiasm than anything you've ever yelled about at a sporting event.
- The baby already has a collegiate allegiance. Green and white or maize and blue. Rival onesies are thrown in the trash or a bonfire.
- November 15 is sacred. Regular firearm deer season opens; don't ask dad for anything
Michigan Dads Have Rules For Road Trip
- You distrust GPS, especially Up North. It doesn't know your preferred route, gas station, or personal objection to putting your tires on I-75.
- Your palm outranks Google Maps. "Grandma lives HERE." Your kid asks for an address. You point harder.
- Michigan lefts become lectures. Turning left involves a detour. Explainin' it involves your entire afternoon.
- The Mackinac Bridge requires silence. You're towing the camper in high winds over the Straits of Mackinac. Naturally, someone needs something from under your seat.
Michigan Dad Habits Your Kids Will Inherit
- Grandpa's former employer still influences car shopping. Ford, GM, Chrysler. Your teenager wants Bluetooth; you want the family plan.
- Coney dog allegiance is inherited. American or Lafayette. Jackson Coney Island or Virginia Coney Island. Your kids didn't request it, but they will defend your family's favorite.
- It's Meijers, always Meijers. The sign says Meijer, but you'll add the "S," and so will your children.
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Your kids swear they'll never become you. Someday they'll hear themselves explain a Michigan left while giving directions to Meijers.
The 20 Most Common Last Names in Michigan
Using family tree records and historical genealogy data, Geneanet tracks which surnames appear most frequently in Michigan. While it isn't a census count, it offers a fascinating snapshot of the family names woven into the fabric of the Great Lakes State. Here are the 20 surnames that show up most often in Michigan, according to Geneanet's rankings.
Gallery Credit: Scott Clow