Taking your children to the Library

This entry was written on Aug 03, 2009 by our Dad Guru John Valadez

It’s summertime. Are you trying to find something to do when it’s raining? Are you looking for some mental stimulation for your children? Try your local library. All public libraries have a story time for most children between the ages of two and ten. Some libraries have arts and crafts as well. Stop by your local library and ask for a calendar of events.

Fatherhood

Be sure to read Bill Cosby’s book "Fatherhood" - A must for all current and future Dads. Bill’s natural humor and caring nature are evident throughout and his insights are of great value.

Summer Learning Lessons

This entry was written on Jul 01, 2009 by our Dad Guru John Valadez

Keeping children interested in school over summer break is easier than you think. Start with their daily routine. Keep a consistent routine through out the week so your child doesn't go into shock when school starts again. If you have to go as far as timing daily tasks like, wake-up at 7 a.m. and eat breakfast at 7:10 a.m., then do it - children need consistency. They crave it. After you have a schedule then put time in for learning lessons.

Most schools will give you a summer reading assignment or just send a note home with your child to read, read, read. Sit down with your child and have them read out loud to you or buy learning activity books from the book store for daily assignments or both.

Children that read over the summer will consistently stay in a learning mode.

If you put your child in day-care or summer camp make sure there is a learning curriculum on the agenda. Ask for feedback on your child's learning progress and any completed work. Go over your child's work with them when the time is convenient and show you are committed to their education.

Your interest will automatically peak their interest.

If you have any questions or comments please leave them and thank you for reading

Books on Boys

Boys are the hot topic right now. After years of concentrating on girls, we at long last are looking at the boys. Here are some great books on boys:
The War Against Boys
Real Boys: Rescuing our sons...
Lost boys: Why our sons turn violent

Read them a Dr.Suess book

This entry was written on May 18, 2009 by our Dad Guru John Valadez

Going to the book store or library can be a daunting task for any dad. This feeling of “where do I begin” overwhelms the best of us. When that happens to me at the bookstore, I usually go to Mr. Consistency – Dr. Seuss.

A Beginner Book
Try reading the kids “Green Eggs and Ham”. Dr. Seuss’ simplistic tale of ignorance is a great way to introduce kids to reading. This is a beginner’s book with imaginary images and rhyming rhetoric taking you through an enjoyable ride to the ultimate conclusion that not only does our reluctant protagonist like green eggs and ham, well, he’ll eat them anywhere.
Pre-K or above Book
Try reading the kids “Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?” The book enlightens children on just how lucky they are without the frightening realities of life. You do not have to bring up starving children or walking ten miles in the snow to school because an old man in the Desert of Drize sits in a terribly prickly place – ouch! The theme of the book constantly reminds the readers how lucky they are and what it means to be grateful.
I’m grateful for writing this tip for you. If you find this tip helpful or just want to comment, please do. Thank you for your time.

Reading to the young

When should you start reading to your children? Start reading when they’re babies. Their life long love of books and learning will be enormous.

Books on fathering girls

Girls are fun to raise, but they are females. We need a bit of extra study to make sure we fathers see and understand their problems. Here are two books that will help:
Fathering Daughters: Reflections by men
When the Breast Fairy Comes

Being Dad

There are a lot of books on the father wound and father longing, but only a few on how to father. I enjoyed these and I think you will too:
Covering Home: Lessons on the art of Fathering from the game of baseball
Father and Child Reunion
Fathering: Strengthening connection with your children...
Fathertime: Stories from the heart and soul of fathering

Don´t forget the classics

There is so much reading material for children these days. Which one’s do you choose? Give them a good cross-section of stories. Don’t stick to just one genre or series of authors. There are a multitute of classics to choose from that contain a wealth of wisdom as well as educating the child on the world as it was then.

Read them a Dr. Seuss Book

Going to the book store or library can be a daunting task for any dad. This feeling of “where do I begin” overwhelms the best of us. When that happens to me at the bookstore, I usually go to Mr. Consistency – Dr. Seuss.

A Beginner Book
Try reading the kids “Green Eggs and Ham”. Dr. Seuss’ simplistic tale of ignorance is a great way to introduce kids to reading. This is a beginner’s book with imaginary images and rhyming rhetoric taking you through an enjoyable ride to the ultimate conclusion that not only does our reluctant protagonist like green eggs and ham, well, he’ll eat them anywhere.
Pre-K or above Book
Try reading the kids “Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?” The book enlightens children on just how lucky they are without the frightening overtones of real life. You do not have to bring up starving children or walking ten miles in the snow to school because an old man in the Desert of Drize sits in a terribly prickly place – ouch! The theme of the book constantly reminds the readers how lucky they are and what it means to be grateful.
I’m grateful for writing this tip for you. If you find this tip helpful or just want to comment please do. Thank you for your time.