Activity #442: Be a dad for a day
For any male readers, you probably already are a dad, so you can check this one off your list.
For the rest of you crazy mamas, my suggestion today is to take a cue from dads and do something a little different with your baby.
Go somewhere different. My husband tends to take Julian wherever he needs to go and find something interesting when they get there: the hardware store, to buy a newspaper and stop at the dry cleaner. You get the idea. The sights and sounds of these unfamiliar destinations seem to keep Julian engaged and watchful. I think he is more restless going to the routine places he visits with me.
Use different gear. Use the backpack, the jogging stroller, or the bike trailer.
Dads, tell us - what can we do to be more like you?
P.S. The picture of Violet Affleck’s daddy here is a nod to Heather’s post-collegiate crush on the man.








August 30th, 2006 at 1:53 pm
Be more like a Dad…hmm. I have to think about this one:
-Play a little more rough
-Experiment with different objects and what kind of noises you can make.
-Build something with the power tools that the kid will like and “helps” put it together
-Teach how to play Texas Hold’Em
August 31st, 2006 at 9:43 am
Yesterday Angela, aka Baba, aka lesbian dad, did exactly what Tony listed under #3 above. They did a “big project” as Norrie kept calling it, putting together a computer desk. Norrie totally understood how to use a philips head screwdriver, hammer, etc. She held all the little pieces and gave them to Angela when needed. Granted, it could have gotten done in 1/5 the time had Angela done it alone, but still I was amazed at how long the project held Norrie’s attention, from start to finish. I think I’m too quick to leave that kind of task for after-hours and/or tell Norrie to keep clear.
May 28th, 2008 at 9:14 am
[...] I love this list because the activities are free/cheap; they do without not only TV but also other annoying toys; they get the parent to have fun like a kid; and they’re just so Daddish. [...]