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?
Tag: sons
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
Want to Stop Reacting to Your Conclusions? Seek to Understand.
He did it. The coach told my son to leave the club sport. The story according to my six-year-old son was that he was hanging out, playing on the mats (not playing basketball,) and the coach asked him to leave. The school then called to pick him up early. Proverbs 4:7 says to get wisdom. … Continue reading Want to Stop Reacting to Your Conclusions? Seek to Understand.
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
Who’s the Teacher and Who’s the Student Here?
Read books and blogs. Talk with other parents. Go to birthing classes, even parenting classes, before your baby comes. All a good idea, but nothing will truly prepare you for parenthood than actually becoming a parent. The weight of responsibility. The financial costs. The energy they have. The stubbornness they deliver. The temper-tantrums. All will … Continue reading Who’s the Teacher and Who’s the Student Here?
How God Sees Us and How Dads Want to Be Seen
Becoming a father was quite an overwhelming experience. There are books, groups, friends, blogs and resources to help a soon-to-be father wrap his mind around what is about to happen, but nothing really prepared me for the all-inspiring and humbling experience of holding my fresh, newborn son in my hands. The feeling of overwhelm didn't … Continue reading How God Sees Us and How Dads Want to Be Seen
Working to Stay Poop Proud
It's amazing how excited kids get about passing a stool, a turd, a crap, a bowel movement. Whatever you call it, this is the one thing we all have in common but some may even consider the topic "taboo," as it does in the description of the recent movie Poop Talk. My daughter potty trained … Continue reading Working to Stay Poop Proud
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
Sticks & Stones May Break My Bones, but I’m Ignoring Your Words that Hurt Me
A teacher enrichment day following Thanksgiving added another day to the long Thanksgiving break to total six days off in a row. The last day fell on a Monday, and I drew the straw to take the day off of work. My first-grade son chose to go to The Works Museum, a children's museum focusing on … Continue reading Sticks & Stones May Break My Bones, but I’m Ignoring Your Words that Hurt Me
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.
