I sent a request out to my dad’s breakfast group last week asking who wanted to start a book club to delve into the world of picky eating and what we dads could do to ebb the tide in our own house. The only response I got was do we have to read the book? What I have learned from this book is both interesting and helpful. However implementing the things that would change the way your kids eat are simple, not easy. Three things to think about that I learned from this book.

One of my collegues just puts plastic wrap on her kids food if they do not finish it and gives them another shot at it later. She’s my hero and I am too weak at the moment to implement this. I’ll work on it and report back.

Try this: Start a gastronaughts club/challenge. The gastronauts go where the weird foods are. Pick a three sections plate (as seen below). Put one small bite in each section based on the numbers of kids you have. Challenge the gastronauts to take their taste and share their expereince.

Ok old man here is the first but probably not the last talk I am going to give you on taking care of yourself being more important than literally anyone else. You are worthless to your kids dead. I also realize that you are busy and have to work and sleep and all that. This does not have to be a dramatic but it does have to happen. You need to move, you need to eat more vegetables, and you need to sleep at least 7 hours. If you are not doing all of this, do some it. Do it for 5 minutes, walk and talk, eat a carrot. Order a meal delivery service like @hungryroot to move in the direction you know will benefit you and your family. The hard thing is the longer you wait to start they harder it will be to start. Grab another dad who needs it and walk, lift, cook until it’s what you do.

Cook This: Almond Flour Donuts

All our kids want donuts. So do I most of the time but this is one of those foods I do not mess with. Much like pizza at birthday parties. I treat it like meth, my life is better without it. This recipe however is a good compromise. Give it a shot. Check out the recipe @southerninlaw

I was using a blury selfie for my profiles at work, LinkedIn etc. I got a lot of feedback on the quality of this photo and was told no would hire me to manage a team if I looked like I was backpacking through Europe and by Europe I mean Louisiana.

Try this: Go on headshot pro or any other AI headshot options. There are free ones and ones where you can pay. What I found was that it gives you 50 options of pictures that you are not sure are even you. They give you professional ones, casual ones of carefree you and my favorite was the dating ones for your apps. This was me in a silk green shirt. I am actaully too embarrassed to share it here but am certain my wife has shared it with everyone she knows.

Before you go to a party or a dinner or a play date huddle your kids up. In this huddle talk about what is about to happen. Ask them what they want to do at this event and remind them of what is important. For example, no wrestling, saying thank you and staying in your seat while you eat. Use the huddle to set a tone for any event or activity that comes with some rules and expectations. Everyone needs a friendly reminder.

Check this out: Restaurant Etiquette for families

This newsletter is not professional in nature but intended to be real things to try. 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.

Send me a note or your best dad joke @ [email protected]