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Core experiences dads should teach their children

June 22, 2006 by GreatDad Writers Leave a Comment

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!

Filed Under: Preschool

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Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

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Today we delve into the complexities of fatherhood with David Marcus, Ph.D., an expert with over forty years of experience working with families and children. In this enlightening conversation, we explore the essential components of communicating with your child, focusing on the development of a common emotional language. Learn about the four assumptions of emotionality that parents often make and discover strategies to foster a safe and open environment for meaningful conversations at any age.

Check out Dr. Marcus’ website at parentrx.org

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

– GreatDad.com/coaching 

– GreatDad.com/pq 

– Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC  

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