Be your own kind of Dad
Maybe your dad was (is) your best friend. Maybe you don’t talk to him or you have a mixed bag of memories around being a kid and how you and your dad got along (or didn’t). This is your one chance to change their memory you kid(s) have of you when you are old or gone. It doesn’t have to be big gestures but little things all the time that you do that show you are listening and you see them for who they are and not what you want them to be.
3 things to do this week
Habits are things we do all the time without thinking about it. See if you can make these three things a part of your daily self talk and to do list.
Make time to play: Play cards, show them your one card trick, or do some trivia. Even if you do it for 5 minutes it matters. Especially if they ask you to.
Drop the sarcasm: I am sarcastic by nature. It is not an attractive trait, it is not a skill. It is something that my kids don’t need from me. But I do kid and joke with them and try my best dad humor. Do that. Keep your snarkiness for your buddy Mike who does the same thing and gets it.
Address your belly: Your family needs you. Work on your health right now. Get a doctor. Cook at home. Take a walk. You are worth it but no one can do it for you. Start small like James Clear explains in Atomic Habits.
Two things to cook
The snack assault is on. We (myself included) give our kids too many snacks and I say we start trying some new things to make the real meals matter.
Poo Poo Cookies
Sometimes I feel like the only way my kids will eat anything is if it is in the shape of cookies. Or maybe I just tell them everything is a cookie. These cookies are a good way to start.
Healthyish Cookies to try
Oat Balls
I found a vegan weightlifter magazine in a tiny library in LA. It changed my life. Oat balls or energy balls are an easy way to give your kids something you like and something they like. Make them right now.
Check out @minimalistbaker
Dad Fun - Don’t overthink it
Did you have any fun last week?
Try these:
Pick a spot on the map and walk there - I love coffee but I feel bad about paying $5 for a cup of something I can make it home. However if I pick a shop that is a mile away it lightens the guilt, gets me outside, and gets my steps up. Invite a friend or call one on your way. Even if you live in the midwest (like me) get outside don’t let the weather run your life. Challenge yourself and explore your town at the same time.
Paint with your kids - You don’t need an easel. You don’t need special paper. This can be set up on a table, a counter, or the floor. Ask your kids what do you want to paint? A turtle, a cat, a pirate map? Now GO! Take your time ask your kids what they think needs to be included. Use a lot of colors and don’t be outcome oriented. Focus on the process of doing this with your kids. When you are done hang them up, brag about them to others, and celebrate the s%$t out of it.
Dad Magic
Can you do one magic trick or one card trick? If you can’t learn one and practice it on your kids.
This newsletter is not professional in nature but intended to be real things to try because I have. They won’t all work but this is a process and I’d love for you to join me on the way. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you next week.