Core experiences dads should teach their children

Ah, if there were only a checklist… yes a checklist, of what to do to be a great dad. And, here it is: a checklist of things you should take responsibility for teaching your child. Kid ready to remove the training wheels and ride the bike by herself? Put down the paper and take her out to a parking lot and race your heart while chasing her in circles for an hour. If you don’t, you’ll be very sorry. Take a look at the following list. If your son is five or six years old, you’ve got the next 20 weekends already pre-programmed. Bring camera, document that you were there!

1. Fly a kite
   
2. Play a musical instrument (all you have to be here is supportive and wince quietly during practice)
   
3. Catch a fish
   
4. Learn a magic trick (see GreatDad magic!)
   
5. Build a wooden box
   
6. Name the major constellations (see GreatDad Astronomy for kids 4-10 )
   
7. Spin a yo-yo
   
8. Catch and throw a ball, or kick one if you live anywhere other than North America
   
9. Plant a tree
   
10. Ride a bike
    
11. Throw a frisbee
    
12. Play a blade of grass
    
13. Skip a stone
    
14. Make a paper airplane
    
15. Learn to play chess
    
16. Eat with chopsticks
    
17. Bake cookies, pie, or bread
    
18. Juggle
    
19. Swim

Here’s a book that covers these if you need it, but most can and should be done with no or little investment. The most important things in life cost absolutely nothing more than your time.

Catch a Fish, Throw a Ball, Fly a Kite : 21 Timeless Skills Every Child Should Know (and Any Parent Can Teach!)

All comments welcome in case I missed something!