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
Tag: sharing
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.
No Saving
I was given this mug when I was seven years old. I vaguely remember an ivy of some sort growing out of the soil, planted into its "no spill" design. I loved everything about it, the color, the design, the sail boats. I received this cup during a week in the hospital for the removal … Continue reading No Saving
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
Climbing Toward Contentment
It's my first time having a child receive an official spring break. No school for an entire week. But this isn't going to be the year of sitting on white sandy beaches as a family. This is the year of the staycation activities. So day one involved a father and son day of indoor rock … Continue reading Climbing Toward Contentment
Catching & Spreading Emotion
Whether you realize it or not, your mind is an open book. Maybe not all the time but a study published in Psychological Science in 2014 shows how the thoughts or moods can be transmitted through the mother and infant relationship. Simulate to watching a movie and getting anxious at the same suspenseful scene as the others … Continue reading Catching & Spreading Emotion
Is the Quantity of Toys in My House Hampering Imagination?
I love giving my kids presents and watching them receive presents. They get pumped up, eyes wide and explore the wonder of the new object. Whether it is a car that pulls back and races on its own or a fresh plush animal, it brings me joy to be able to give them things. Let … Continue reading Is the Quantity of Toys in My House Hampering Imagination?
All Kids Are Home Schooled
My kids aren't home schooled as you may think of the traditional parent-become-teacher home school program. But according to Seth Godin, we are all home schooled. Think about it. There are 186 hours in a seven day week. My kindergarten son sleeps an average of nine hours a night, so eliminate those off the bat. … Continue reading All Kids Are Home Schooled
Boys Don’t Cry and Girls Really Shouldn’t Either
I've said it. And even it you haven't said it to your son, he's probably picking up on it. Boys and men are not supposed to cry. Granted, when I've said it, it's usually over something like an extra scoop of ice cream or a bonked head that he's crying, so I rationalize my words, … Continue reading Boys Don’t Cry and Girls Really Shouldn’t Either
How Much is That Doggie in The Window Correction
My nine-month-old daughter received a mechanical plush puppy that plays the Pattie Page classic "How Much is That Doggie in The Window" when you push a button on the side of its right paw. It's funny watching her older brother as she gets gifts, because he doesn't waste any time jumping in and getting his … Continue reading How Much is That Doggie in The Window Correction
Father Through Me 