Headline: Kid sees his dad with a book more than his phone. Friends call him a liar.
What are your kids seeing you do?
I coach 2nd grade soccer. This week we had a scrimmage with another team and I noticed how much the adults were talking to the kids as if they could hear them. I realized trying to share information with kids while they are playing a sport is a losing proposition. No one is listening. I have been thinking about this a lot. When actually can you talk so that your kids will listen? What is the best way to share something you know is important for them to understand? I think these times are fewer than we think. The one thing we can do and have to do is to show them by how we act, talk, and treat everyone around us. Opening doors, saying thank you, picking up trash, helping whoever might need it, saving money, flossing your teeth, and treating your own mother with the respect she deserves. These are the things that stick, no words required.
Dad in the kitchen
Air Fryers?!
I recently inherited an air fryer from my neighbor. Thanks Varun. It is big. My wife is suspicious about it being worth the space it takes up in the kitchen. Frying stuff is not realistic basically ever for the amount of oil and smell it leaves behind in your house. Pass. Also I am not a vegan yoga teacher but fried anything is not the best for you. However you do need a way to make chicken nuggets/tenders that the kids like and you feel good about giving them. Here is what I am interested in:
Can I set it and forget it? Yes
Is it easy to clean? Kind of
Does it help me make food that my family enjoys? Chicken and Fish yes!
See if you can do a trial run with one of yours friends before buy one. It just might up your game in the kitchen in a great way.
Dad Fun
Making a meet up
Like any good old person I am going to repeat the same stories to you over and over. The one I want you to hear the most is the power of gathering with other dads. It can be breakfast, a beer, a game (Monday Night Football). It doesn’t need to be big but it does need to be consistent. Pick the first Monday or the last Friday of the month and stick with it. Invite two dads that you see at school or live in the same neighborhood. You are not too old to have friends and it is also one of the key factors of living a long healthy life. Don’t make it weird but make it happen.
Dad Magic: Got pick something & make a tradition
This month in most places is a great time to pick something fresh. Blueberries, pumpkins, apples, it matters not. Find what is local and delicious to you and take your kids to the source. Once you have your abundant supply find a recipe to make together. They will remember you doing this together and ask to do it year after year. That my friend is a tradition.
Don’t wait Dad, now is your time.
This newsletter is written weekly(ish) to share the journey of being a dad that matters. Dads who live in the arena of life make a difference right where you are. Thanks for reading dad, we love you. xoxox