Routines develop throughout life. We wake-up, drop the kids off at the prospective camps or schools and we go to work. Tuesday's are spaghetti nights. Movie and pizza nights are Fridays. Routines are good. They're comfortable, efficient, and allow us to build lives. There are rythms to dinner, to our work life, to our relationships. … Continue reading Rythm, Ruts and Hot Air
Tag: fathers
Dad, What Can I Do?
Here it comes. There are occational moments around my house where my almost seven-year-old son will say, "What can I do? There's nothing to do." I'm a fixer, so I've always been quick to list off a number of things after suggesting he help with cleaning up. But here is why I'm thinking of switching … Continue reading Dad, What Can I Do?
Parents Take Care of Kids by Taking Care of Themselves
According to this blurb, parents who practice self care help their kids by: 1. Lowering stress levels 2. Teaching our children to value their health and wellbeing 3. Being better, healthier, calmer parents That's all great in theory. And it makes perfect sense. When I'm in better health, I'm much more patient with my kids. I … Continue reading Parents Take Care of Kids by Taking Care of Themselves
Economics Lessons from My Six Year Old
We live in an extreme climate where winter tries to kill you. We've experienced the polar vortex and now 32+ inches of snow in one month. So I made a comment to my six-year-old son while on yet another snow day at home from school that he should get to work and shovel snow for … Continue reading Economics Lessons from My Six Year Old
Why Short-term Memory Loss May Help You Be A Better Dad
I've told my son countless times when he's asked me where something is that he is going to have to learn to keep track of his own stuff, and that I have a hard enough time keeping track of where my belongings are. And I'm not just making it up to get out of helping … Continue reading Why Short-term Memory Loss May Help You Be A Better Dad
It’s Okay, Don’t Feel Bad. It’s Also Okay to Not Feel Okay.
As a father who likes to fix what's broken or to help my kids feel better, I'm pretty quick to be uncomfortable when my kids aren't feeling okay. Maybe they are frustrated, maybe they are melting down, or maybe they are mad at a friend, I'm always quick to say that it will be okay … Continue reading It’s Okay, Don’t Feel Bad. It’s Also Okay to Not Feel Okay.
Raising Kids in Just 10 Minutes Twice A Day
We're running a challenging little experiment in our house. Challenging because it constitutes finding 10 minutes twice a day for each parent to spend with each child. Amy McCready calls this 10-minutes, twice per day, per adult caregiver Mind, Body & Soul time in her book If I have to Tell You One More Time...The Revolutionary … Continue reading Raising Kids in Just 10 Minutes Twice A Day
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?
A Post-Father’s Day Letter to My Kids: You’re My Hope for the Future
To my six-year-old son and my two-year-old daughter, Thanks for spending Father's Day with me. Okay, so you didn't really have a choice. And at this age, you still want to, but in the spirit of Dad's Day I thought I'd write you a quick letter with some dad tips to look back on. All … Continue reading A Post-Father’s Day Letter to My Kids: You’re My Hope for the Future
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
Father Through Me 