Father's Day Activities

A big thanks to Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, for the idea of Father's Day first introduced it in 1909. Through the years it became more and more popular until finally in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3^rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.
Each of us have our ideas of how Father's Day should be celebrated and in our society the cards and gifts will continue to help build those memories. But Dad deserves more than just one more striped tie-he needs the gift of time and/or something homemade. Let's appreciate all the things he brings to our lives by sharing these experiences and bonding with Dad on his special day.

SWEET CHILD OF MINE: (Baby and Toddler)
Early in a child's life, it's important that fathers get involved with daily care activities-feeding, dressing and changing diapers. Bonding is an important lifetime experience between a father and child.

Play this game anytime you dress your little one. Massage, kiss, cuddle and blow air on the child's body. Tell your youngster you love him/her. Daddy can recite the following poem as he dresses his bundle of joy on Father's Day.

DADDY LOVES YOU SO, SWEET CHILD OF MINE.
YOU ARE SO SOFT AND WARM TO HOLD.
I'LL WIGGLE YOUR NOSE AND TICKLE YOUR TOES,
THEN GO ROUND AND ROUND ON YOUR NICE LITTLE TUMMY.
NOW FOR A KISS, SWEET CHILD OF MINE.
YOU ARE A JOY TO LOVE AND CUDDLE.

PUT YOUR HAND IN MINE: (Preschool)
As you child gets a little older, comparing handprints is a lifelong lesson. Have your child place his/her hand on a sheet of paper and trace around it. Place your hand over the tracing of your child's hand and help your child trace around it. Ask your youngster to compare the sizes of the two sets of hands. Tell your child a story about something you liked to do when your hands were small. Let your child tell you what he/she would like to do when his or her hands are the size of yours. As an extended activity, take a walk together holding hands.

THINGS DAD AND THE KIDS CAN DO TOGETHER: (School Age)
Go to the local nursery together to buy a few plants. At home, spend fun time in the yard planting your new foliage. Continue gardening together as much as possible.

Go for an afternoon drive. See how many muscle (sports) cars you can identify together.
Set up the sprinkler in the yard and have fun splish-splashing through the water. Brings back Dad's childhood.

Have a "mini family reunion." Invite relatives over for an afternoon of food and games. Help Dad with the all time favorite BBQ.

Snuggle away a few hours together on the couch talking about your child's dreams, hobbies, etc. Today, read a story to Dad.

Most of all, tell Dad you love him. That will really make him smile!!!

I hope all the dads and father figures enjoy their special day on June 16th.
Until next time,
Tania


Photos courtesy of Tania Cowling, all rights reserved

Getting Ready for Summer Without the Boredom

Whether you are experiencing bad weather or the kids are out of school, it never fails that you'll hear the infamous, "I'm bored, and there's nothing to do!" One thing I didn't want my kids to do is plop down in front of the television or gaming device and spend hours there. I wanted them to participate in outlets of creativity, whether they engaged in homemade games or presented me with artistic crafts. I want to see my kids smile and hear the shrills of excitement. Read more...

Another company that helps me with summer boredom (or ideas any time of the year) is Crayola. They have so many fun kits for creative expression out in the market. Read on for some great ideas and new products this year.

You can find many Crayola products on this page and on their official website.

Photos courtesy of Amazon.com

Stock up on products or create your own homemade fun and enjoy the season!