Dadcando

So you're going to be home from work for a few days with no obligations other than spending time with the wife and kids. Great!

After the glow of the new presents wears off, you might need some ideas on some activities to do with the kids. That's where this great resource comes in handy:

As a dad, you have a lot on your plate right now, and I know that there is probably so much going on in your life that it’s hard to think straight. That’s why I have condensed the most important information you really need at your fingertips, and put it all on to one site, so that you can make the most of the special time you spend with your kids.

dadcando.com

The Communication Game

Christmas is a few days away and I can guarantee you there will be board games under our tree. How about you? Do you take the time to slow down and play a board game with the kids?

Here's a board game that is specifically designed for dads and daughters. From the publisher:

If you talk to your children now, chances are they'll talk to you later. The Communication Game a is a fun game that makes it easy for fathers and daughters to communicate with each other on "father-daughter" outings via a fun, casual "you ask, I answer" format...

The game is designed for fathers with daughers' age 10 or higher, but many fathers have played with daughters much younger. The game was invented over ten years ago by a father who was looking for a way to stay in touch with his daugter after being separated by divorce.

Awards:
2009 Teachers Choice Awards for the family by Learning Magazine
2008 National Parenting Publications Awards
2007 Game of the Year Award by Creative Child Magazine

The Communication Game - The Father Daugther Communication Game & Learning Tool.

At Amazon

Future Kids to Play Outside

This is a re-post from March, but I thought it was clever and very relevant considering the number of "motion controller" type consoles and games that will be opened and put into use in a few days.

Favorite line:

The evolution has been rapid. First controllers vibrated, then the Wiimote simulated bowling, and now Project Natal [Kinect for Xbox 360] has us jumping around the living room. At this pace kids could be playing outside by 2015.

Check it out for a good chuckle:

New Technology May Allow Future Kids to PLAY OUTSIDE

Things I've Learned From My Boys

It's Friday and I haven't posted in a long time, so I'm breaking a guidelines and making a totally frivolous post.

However it strikes me that if you haven't experienced one of these (or something fairly close) with your boys, perhaps you need to let loose a little and let them get wild. As long as there are no lives on the line, boyhood should be about taking some chances and making mistakes.

The following came from an anonymous Mother ... Things I've learned from my Boys (honest and not kidding):

1. A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. House 4 inches deep.
2. If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.
3. A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.
4. If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.
5. You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.
6. The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
7. When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh", it's already too late
8. Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.
9. A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year old man says they can only do it in the movies.
10. Certain Lego pieces will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old Boy.
11. Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.
12. Super glue is forever.
13. No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.
14. Pool filters do not like Jell-O.
15. VCR's do not eject "PB &J" sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.
16. Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
17. Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.
18. You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.
19. Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.
20. The fire department in Austin,TX has a 5-minute response time.
21. The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.
22. It will, however, make cats dizzy.
23. Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.
24. 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.

Tabernacle Model Kit

While doing an online search for model kits to give the boys for Christmas, I stumbled on this cool kit. I doubt my boys would appreciate this under the tree, but I'm thinking this would make a great family project at some point, and a great way to teach the theology of the Tabernacle.

Tabernacle Model Kit

The Perfect Present

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and of course that brings the eternal question of what to get the kiddos. Although their lists are full of high-tech gadgets (even my 10 yr old wants an ipod!), I've been seriously considering going low-tech this year.

In fact, I've got an idea for the perfect present: The Stick. Here's an article about the classic toy, which recently landed in the National Toy Hall of Fame:

Curators said the stick was a special addition in the spirit of a 2005 inductee, the cardboard box. They praised its all-purpose, no-cost, recreational qualities, noting its ability to serve either as raw material or an appendage transformed in myriad ways by a child's creativity.

"It's very open-ended, all-natural, the perfect price -- there aren't any rules or instructions for its use," said Christopher Bensch, the museum's curator of collections. "It can be a Wild West horse, a medieval knight's sword, a boat on a stream or a slingshot with a rubber band. ... No snowman is complete without a couple of stick arms, and every campfire needs a stick for toasting marshmallows.

The lowly stick, a universal plaything

Chess for Kids

I think I've been bitten by a bug I haven't had in years: playing chess!

I have distinct memories of my dad sitting in the living room for hours wrestling with a "computerized" chess board (personal computers were a new thing in those days). I never could beat the guy when we would play, but I always enjoyed the time together.

I've played with my kids at various times through the years, but I have never really been challenged to improve my game...until now. My 10 yr old has a natural knack for abstract strategy so he's making me work a little harder.

If you have never taken the time to sit down and "do the chess thing" with your kids, here's a web page with some substantive and anecdotal inspiration:

The New York City Schools Chess Program included more than 3,000 inner-city children in more than 100 public schools between 1986 and 1990. Based on academic and anecdotal records only, Christine Palm writes that the Program has proven that:

• Chess dramatically improves a child's ability to think rationally
• Chess increases cognitive skills
• Chess improves a child's communication skills and aptitude in recognizing patterns
• Chess results in higher grades, especially in English and Math studies
• Chess builds a sense of team spirit while emphasizing the ability of the individual
• Chess teaches the value of hard work, concentration and commitment
• Chess instills in young players a sense of self-confidence and self-worth
• Chess makes a child realize that he or she is responsible for his or her own actions and must accept their consequences
• Chess teaches children to try their best to win, while accepting defeat with grace
• Chess allows girls to compete with boys on a non-threatening, socially acceptable plane

Chess for Kids

Panthers Father & Kids Experience

I have been the "team captain" of the local All Prod Dad's Day sponsored by All Pro Dad since January of this year. It has been great fun to get together with other dads and their kids once a month and just share time together.

The big news is that the yearly Carolina Panthers Father & Kids Experience has just been announced! We had a great time last year and would highly recommend it. It tends to fill up quickly so register ASAP.


Saturday
November 8, 2008
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Panthers Practice Fields
Event expected to sell out early

Backyard Ballistics

As an alternative to fireworks for The Fourth of July this year, we will be launching our newly constructed combustion potato-cannon (aka Spud Gun).

With the help of our friend Chris, we built it using $40 worth of stuff you can pick up at your local Lowe's hardware. It was quite easy to build, is relatively safe (you are dealing with a controlled explosion here...so safety procedures need to be followed!) , and provides an awesome father/son bonding experience.

If you want to learn more, there is a ton of stuff on the web from people who take it very seriously:

The Spudgun Technology Center

http://dangerouslyfun.com/spud-gun

http://backyard-ballistics.com/

The Battle of All Time

Imagine a partial list of some of the coolest imaginary characters and creatures in a young boy's world:

Army Men
Secret Agents
Dragons
Ninjas
Samurai
Giants
Superheros
Cowboys
Robots
Alien creatures
Cyborgs
Mythical beasts
Vikings
Knights
Dinosaurs
Wizards
Pirates*

Now, imagine all of these (* except for Pirates, but that's another story) as playable figures in the ultimate board game for boys and dads. You don't have to imagine anymore, because right now on the shelf of your local Walmart, Target, or favorite game store there is a little slice of "plastic heaven" called Heroscape.

If you have never heard of this game you are missing out on a wonderful experience. If your idea of an evening of playing a family boardgame is another dull game of checkers or *cringe* Monopoly, then you are in for a treat should you pick this game up.

My boys and I have been involved in this game/hobby for a few years now: collecting the figures (it is "non-collectible" but we are completists, so we have all the figs), designing maps/scenarios, and playing as much as possible.

I highly recommend it as a great dad/son bonding experience and a darn fun game.

Find more info here:

Gamerdad.com : Heroscape Review

Official Heroscape Site

How to Be a Man - wikiHow

Wow, never thought I'd see a wiki article on how to be a man...but sure enough there is one. With what looks like 50 or so edits from several different authors, I was actually surprised it wasn't much worse!

Learn that being a man deserving respect has more to do with integrity, accountability, and love-ability rather than how much one can bench press.

How to Be a Man - wikiHow

Be a Fan of Your Kid

Although this site seems to be a little stale and specifically directed at the Denver Colorado region, I really like the sentiment. Being a fan of your kid seems like such a natural, simple exhortation...but all too often we dads can slip into a critical, "tough love" mentality.

Don't get me wrong. Part of what makes a dad so important in a child's life is the "edge" we bring...the tendency to challenge our kids, push them beyond their limits, and prepare them for life in the real world. All that Wild at Heart stuff!

However, we must always be careful to not sacrifice our relationship and positive influence for performance.

Be sure to check out the "A Full Day of Fun" idea on the website. Can you come up with 16 straight hours of activities to do with your kids??

Be a Fan of Your Kid

The Dangerous Book for Boys

Saw this in the store the other day...don't know much about it but a quick thumb through made it look very interesting.

Has that old "boy scout how-to" look. My fear with these books is that I buy them with best of intentions and then they wind up sitting on the shelf mocking me.

Maybe I'll check this out at the library and give a short review in the future.

The Dangerous Book for Boys

Sky Ranch Adventures

Looking for a parent/child adventure to mark a rite of passage? Want to take a family vacation full of adventure and make memories that will last? Have a ministry team that needs to build unbreakable bonds? Take a look at Sky Ranch:

Since 1955, Sky Ranch Camps have provided an extraordinary camping experience to thousands of families. Over the years, the camps have continued to expand to serve youth, families and communities. Today, Sky Ranch Camps operates facilities in Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado and is consistently viewed as a nationwide leader in Christian Camping.

Sky Ranch Camps is a Christian based organization providing Camping, Outdoor Education, and Retreat/Conference Center services for people to enjoy a positive recreational, fun, and memorable experience while being exposed to the truths of the Word of God.

Sky Ranch

All Pro Dad Monthly Breakfast

I shared in an earlier post about my involvement with All Prod Dad and how I was thinking of starting a local "chapter".

Well, we have our first meeting this Saturday and I am looking forward to it.

Here's the web page and fliers:



All Pro Dad | Triangle All Pro Dads & Kids Day

January Kick Off Flier PDF

January Kick Off Flier Word Doc

The Advent Event

It is that time of year where amid all the hustle and bustle of the season, we have to intentionally make time to sit down as a family and talk about the real purpose and meaning of Christmas.

One of our newer traditions is to go through The Advent Event, "an easy, fun and enriching family project to help focus attention on the event of the birth of Jesus while discovering the big picture of God's plan throughout the entire Bible."

It is put together by Scott Wiley, our Pastor of Children's Ministries, and his siblings but even if I didn't know the authors, I'd say it is an excellent resource that everyone in our family loves.

The Advent Event

All Pro Dad Experience

Two of my boys and I attended an All Pro Dad sponsored "Carolina Panthers Father & Kids Experience" and had a great time. Mike Minter came out and briefly spoke, and then the dads & kids moved from station to station having fun by mixing football and fatherhood. I have to admit that by the end, my kids calling me an "All Pro Dad" and really meaning it felt good.

I really like the way this organization doesn't beat dads over the head with their message, but instead gets it across in a way that piques your interest. I am seriously considering becoming a "team captain" for the All Pro Dad's Day Monthly Breakfast.

Take a look at other upcoming father & kid events: NFL Events.

All Pro Dad

This NFL sponsored program was launched 10 years ago with the help of NFL coach Tony Dungy, because of his admiration and love for his father, Wilbur. Looks like it has continued to grow and expand its offerings.

All Pro Dad is Family First's innovative program helping men to be better fathers. All Pro Dad's 43 NFL spokesmen, multiple NFL seminars, 550 All Pro Dad's Days, and Play of the Day daily emails that reach almost 31,000 fathers each day, all inspire and equip fathers to be actively involved in their children's lives. And every month, over 90,000 fathers log onto AllProDad.com to benefit from insightful fatherhood resources.

I took a look at the articles section and was very impressed with the tone...while not overtly Christian, it is obvious there is a strong Christian influence. There are many mentions of the importance of faith, servant-leadership, and strong family bonds. Looks like registration is open for a local "Carolina Panthers father & Kids Experience."

Check it out:

All Pro Dad

G.I. "No" Joe

I have to admit that I never was a big G.I. Joe fan when I was a kid...I kind of missed out on that whole thing. Likewise, my boys are into Star Wars, Legos, and Heroscape...so there is no Joe in our house. However, even I can tell that the politically correct have gone too far on this one!

No longer will G.I. Joe be a U.S. Special Forces soldier, the "Real American Hero" who, in his glory days, single-handedly won World War II. In the politically correct new millennium, G.I. Joe bears no resemblance to the original.

Paramount has confirmed that in the movie, the name G.I. Joe will become an acronym for "Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity" — an international, coed task force charged with defeating bad guys. It will no longer stand for government issued, as in issued by the American government.

G.I. Joe to Become Global Task Force in Movie

HeroDads

Here's a cool website with lots of products to jump start your "daddy time" with the kids. The pressure of our jobs and life in general can sometimes rob us of the wonder of true quality time with the kids....this website aims to provide tools to make it easier to capture those moments:

HeroDads came into existence for one purpose: to help dads become more heroic in their families’ eyes. By heroic we do not mean the empty, unattainable sense of a “Superhero” or a Hollywood action star. We mean it in the noble, achievable sense of a genuine commitment of a father to lead boldly and connect relationally with his wife, sons and daughters, by the help of God.

HeroDads - Tools and Strategies to Help Dads Become Heroes!