It doesn't matter what they are doing, kids love Dad's company and expertise. There is just nothing like the hands-on experience with Dad to make memories special to kids.
THESE WERE THE BEST TIMES
Think back to your own childhood. What do you recall as the best times? Our own kids remember the holidays when we went to the beach as a family and they learned how to swim, how to raft and how to skip stones over the surface of the water. They remember the times when Dad took teens to camps as part of his job. They learned how to ride on the go-carts and off-road motorbikes just like the teens did. They learned how to paddle a kayak, to hike, do orienteering and help with camp chores.When our dance band went to holiday resorts over the summer vacation and played to campers, our kids learned how to talk to those they didn't know, help with the sound gear and to play and sing in front of others.
Our son was interested in a number of activities his Dad enjoyed doing. He learned how to paint, fix cars, unblock drains, garden and build fences. All of these things have saved ourselves and our son's family a lot of money over the years.
TEACHING THROUGH PLAY
Kids love parents and grandparents to join them in their play. Whether it is building cardboard forts in the middle of the living room, or water bombing each other outside, a real bond is created between the generations and the memories will last for many years. Play can also be a teaching opportunity e.g. how to play Monopoly (This gives them an idea how best to use their money - even if it is just paper.)THE SECRET IS DOING THINGS TOGETHER
Do things together, whether side-by-side in household tasks or just having fun. This way kids learn how to do things thoroughly, expertly and safely. They observe how you live, how to develop their own work ethic, the attitudes that lead to success, how they should treat people and effective ways to solve problems.Helicopter parenting, by sitting in a deck chair shouting instructions, is not the same as feeling a parent's close proximity, enthusiasm, example and personal direction (as per the picture above).
Written by Sally Burgess
(This picture is of our son showing his boys how to fish.)
