My sister flew in to town March 10 from Seattle, WA. At the time her part of the U.S. was experienced the first recorded COVID-19 case in the U.S. She landed in the Minneapolis four days after this first case. Data projections, comparing the U.S. coronovirus outbreak to Italy gives me the chills. Originally, my … Continue reading Physically Apart During a Pandemic but Where are You Emotionally?
Tag: communication
Encouraging, Enriching and Acknowledging the Joy of Childhood
Fatherhood is a lot of work. There are times where there is no end in sight, and it feels like I won't spend a minute to myself for the next month on end. Fatherhood, and motherhood, is also a lot of joys. You hear people say children are a gift, a blessing, a joy. To … Continue reading Encouraging, Enriching and Acknowledging the Joy of Childhood
The Socks Are Too Tight, so Who Forces Who?
With about seven minutes remaining before we needed to be out the door to catch the school bus, my first-grade son melted down because his socks were too tight. I'm not the dad who can remember which clothes fit, nor am I the dad who proactively vets his kid's clothes when they jump sizes, and … Continue reading The Socks Are Too Tight, so Who Forces Who?
Perfecting Childhood
My grandfather's generation is the Korean War generation. The Silent Generation known for hard work and keeping quiet. Growing up, these kids were expected to be seen and not heard and also expected to carry their load and either work the farm or help in the family business to support the household. Then there is … Continue reading Perfecting Childhood
What!? No Movies for the Road-Trip?
Twenty driving hours in the car, countless pit stops and thousands of crumbs and spills. And probably less than three of these hours included a device. Summer road trip season is an exciting time with lots of planning, packing, prepping and packing some more, especially when it involves a potty-training toddler and a very busy … Continue reading What!? No Movies for the Road-Trip?
Can You Please Watch Your Mouth?
"I will kill you mother f*&^$%. I will stab you," she said. And there was more. A full on rant. I can't seem to recall additional pieces of the swearing that was taking place but it seemed to go on and on. This wasn't the latest Netflix series, so there was no mute button for … Continue reading Can You Please Watch Your Mouth?
Involving Your Kids in the Mundane and Necessary
For those of us in the grown up role, fathering and mothering young children, the mundane and necessary can be something to fear or even procrastinate. Shopping for groceries for example, is often scheduled sans kids. Dinner prep can be a time to fear. Laundry is a never ending chore. Never mind basic cleaning to … Continue reading Involving Your Kids in the Mundane and Necessary
Just Do Your Best and a Bunch of Hot Air
My perfection often leads to procrastination or frustration, depending on whether or not I take action. After at least five months of having the box in my basement, I decided to take action and install my son's ceiling fan. My six-year old son moved upstairs when he was four, at the arrival of his little … Continue reading Just Do Your Best and a Bunch of Hot Air
Mother’s Day is Over, Can You Go Back to Making the Kids’ Breakfast?
Trees have leaves again, new growth is happening in the forest and the fiddle-ferns are sprouting. Joking with my wife about Mother's Day being "her day" to do whatever she wants, she wanted to get outside and enjoy a perfect spring day in Minnesota. We ventured out of town, brought a picnic lunch and even … Continue reading Mother’s Day is Over, Can You Go Back to Making the Kids’ Breakfast?
Angry Dad, You’re Feeling Inadequate Again
Wrong side of the bed. Late. A solid work schedule with over-committed appointments. A solitary banana for breakfast. Mix in a six and two year old trying to have a leisurely breakfast and you've got irritability. Time to get out the door kids! One thing to remember--and I write this for myself most of all--is … Continue reading Angry Dad, You’re Feeling Inadequate Again
Father Through Me 