Dad Handbook 2.0

You're a parent? A dad? Below is an exerpt from the Dad Handbook 2.0 story by Stan Brooks in the Huffington Post, and it's well worth taking a moment to read this stellar piece of parental journalism. It explains what many of you (and me) are thinking every day.

"So this is the generation that made the choice to be helicopter Dads. Or, at the very least,paratrooper Dads -- making sure to parachute in for all the key battles and moments. We don't miss much. We don't put work ahead of being a Dad. We see more games than we miss. 

And we love it. Even with no role models in the generations ahead of us -- we are certain this is the right choice and we get enormous fulfillment from it. My own personal journey took me through the paternal looking glass and back again. My father didn't show me how to be this kind of Dad -- I had to find my own map and let my sons teach me how. Each new day and new moment I experience as both a Father and son."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stanley-m-brooks/dad-handbook-20_b_747189.html

Killing Frost

Here in New England, two Spring frosts in late April and early May have dampened my ambitions for getting the crops planted early. I'm already down a few tomatoes, peppers and some assorted flowers in the square-foot garden bed. So much for pushing my luck with mother nature. But on the positive side, the lettuce, onions, broccoli, are just exploding. It is good to get the planting going with my daughter – kids really like square-foot gardens. Get out and get planting...if you dare!

The Number One Rule To Enjoying Your Kids More - Zenfamilyhabits

via zenfamilyhabits.net

For you parents and non-parents alike, here is a gentle reminder on how to make the best of time spent with kids. Yes, you don't necessarily have to be a parent to benefit from this read. The number one rule is "slow down", which I can say will require continued practice on my part. A friend recently told me about being on family vacation and how enjoyable it turned out to be because he was completely disconnnected from the Web and his Blackberry. Kudos to him for cutting the cord & being in the present. Make it a goal to follow his example, now!

The Number One Rule To Enjoying Your Kids More - Zenfamilyhabits