Kirk Gibson’s son graduated from high school on Thursday night. Gibson did not attend. Why?

“You’re supposed to graduate,” Gibson told the Associated Press.

That is an awesome response, although it likely ends Gibson’s chances of ever being asked to be a commencement speaker. “Ladies and gentlemen of the Class of 2012: You’ve accomplished nothing. You’re supposed to graduate. You don’t get a special ceremony for getting out of bed every day, do you? Speech over.” Drops mike. Punches principal in the face for inviting him and wasting his time.

On this Father’s Day weekend, Gibson’s parenting style can be instructive to dads everywhere. Let’s be sure not to praise our children too much.

“Dad, I got my driver’s license!”

“You’re supposed to get your driver’s license.”

“Dad, they’re letting me out of the hospital for the first time since my asthma attack!”

“You’re supposed to breathe.”

“Dad, we have a new baby!”

“They’re supposed to come out.”

Kids have been coddled for too long. And for what? They’re leeches on society. A full 100 percent of Americans under 16 years of age have not tried to get a legitimate full-time job. We need more Kirk Gibson-style fathers.

Just don’t be surprised if you don’t get any Father’s Day gifts. Your kids are supposed to give them to you. But they don’t have to.