Well, actually it is riding a bike. Just as my oldest is outgrowing his first bike, my boss was unloading a bike he bought for his son. Well, at least 6-9 months ago that was the plan. Yesterday I finally got over to his house and picked it up. My oldest was so excited, even after I told him it was his job to clean it up. The video speaks for itself- he has a lot of growing into it (it has 24 inch wheels, just 2 shy of my mountain bike) and will be enjoying it for a long time. “Thanks Mr. Ted”

DaddyCast 177

Originally uploaded by LoveHouse Radio

The DaddyCast Episode 177

We have a new sponsor, Angie’s List at The DaddyCast. You can get 25% off a membership to have access to reviews of most any service you can think of. Also, check out our great offers at our Mevio Offers Page

Fear Factor- how far do you go to protect your kids versus letting them explore and learn? It is a bit scary on both sides.

Save 10% on pet medication at PedMeds.com - use our link www.petmeds.com/daddy and find other great
offers at MevioOffers.com

Response to an e-mail regarding what to share and what not to- we always say lead by example but maybe sometimes telling what we used to do is a little too much.

Use Daddy5, Daddy6 and Daddy7 to get other special discounts at GoDaddy.com and see
which one works best for you. Find out more at My Mevio Promotions Page

Spring Cleaning Part 2 - article from Reader Digest back in February 2008 regarding what to tell our kids, and how to tell them, to Inspire them!

Join me on Twitter - Twitter.com/DaddyCast

Join in on the fun- e-mail me - DaddyCast@gmail.com - or call - 804-SOS-LATE (804-767-5283)

Have Fun Parenting

Get the show: DaddyCast-176.mp3

Find the Feed on Podshow- http://www.podshow.com/feeds/thedaddycast.xml

Please be sure to check out my other podcasts:
LoveHouse Radio- Podsafe Music to soothe the Daddy’s soul
Thanks for listening, send feedback to daddycast@gmail.com or call the hotline- 206-222-1905

Infinity pool on the roof overlooking the Atlanti

Originally uploaded by LoveHouse Radio

This picture is from the infinity pool at the Virginia Beach Hilton. It is on the roof- 21 stories up. It is quite an amazing view.

The past several years we have taken Winter escapes to the Hilton to enjoy the indoor pool, some chilly walks on the beach and just to get away for the weekend. The outdoor pool has always been closed during the Winter trips and although we have looked at it through the glass doors, we have never been out to it.

When discussing our first Summer trip to the Hilton, the boys both agreed that they would not get into the infinity pool. They thought it was too scary, that you could fall off- yes, the illusion works on them. But, within minutes of being in the pool (and with me going to the edge to check out the view) they were all over it, even leaning over the edge to look down. (NOTE- there is a couple of feet of water catch before the 8 foot glass walls- really no way to legitimately fall over unless someone really, really tried).

Among other fears that have eased with age, the boys were into the ocean as soon as we hit the beach. A couple of years ago we had to struggle to get them to the water’s edge. This time I had to keep reminding them not to go out too far. Granted, a big wave that knocked my youngest down provided a heavy dose of humble pie, but didn’t kill his spirit. Jumping in the breaking waves became sport and aside from the occasional surprise, they had a lot of fun fighting nature.

As a parent, there is always concern for safety. What if the wave knocks them under and the undertow takes them out? They aren’t good swimmers and if they got in over the head I am not sure what they would do? So I stand by and watch. Close enough to keep good tabs on them as they explore their bounds.

That is the balance- to allow them freedom to explore and push the boundaries of their own safe zone yet to keep them safe. You don’t want wallflowers or kids scared of their own shadow. You don’t want the kids that are picked on for not trying things. At the same time, for your own health, you don’t want daredevils.

They may grow up to be anything, but for now, no daredevils. Not sure my parenting heart can take it. Is skydiving in their future? Not as long as I am paying the bills. We’ll stick with tackling the waves (and it was good practice for Beach Week and playing with their cousins who will help them challenge even more boundaries- more work for me!)

The DaddyCast Episode 176

We have a new sponsor, Angie’s List at The DaddyCast. You can get 25% off a membership to have access to reviews of most any service you can think of. Also, check out our great offers at our Mevio Offers Page

Do your kids appreciate you? I am pretty sure mine do, and we have some audio to prove it! Plus, hear what lesson about whining my youngest has learned.

Save 10% on pet medication at PedMeds.com - use our link www.petmeds.com/daddy and find other great
offers at MevioOffers.com

Jen and I talk about sleepovers- what rules are you looking for when you drop off your child, how are you on your toes when you have a friend staying over?

Use Daddy5, Daddy6 and Daddy7 to get other special discounts at GoDaddy.com and see
which one works best for you. Find out more at My Mevio Promotions Page

Join me on Twitter - Twitter.com/DaddyCast

Join in on the fun- e-mail me - DaddyCast@gmail.com - or call - 804-SOS-LATE (804-767-5283)

Have Fun Parenting

Get the show: DaddyCast-176.mp3

Find the Feed on Podshow- http://www.podshow.com/feeds/thedaddycast.xml

Please be sure to check out my other podcasts:

LoveHouse Radio- Podsafe Music to soothe the Daddy’s soul

Thanks for listening, send feedback to daddycast@gmail.com or call the hotline- 206-222-1905

The DaddyCast Episode 175

Shout out to Ryan and Jen Hosts of The Transmission for their great help in giving Flat Stanley the tour of Hawaii!

Thanks to GoDaddy for renewing sponsorship of The DaddyCast - check out our great offers at our Mevio Offers Page

With Summer almost here, we talk about biking safety, mainly, the use of a helmet.

Link on Bike Helmet Status
Link to Good Housekeeping article on bike helmets

Save 10% on pet medication at PedMeds.com - use our link www.petmeds.com/daddy and find other great
offers at MevioOffers.com

Fears- do we convey our fears to our kids? Are they the cumulation of the fears of their parents? How much is controlled or limited based on their personality?

- KeepKidsHealthy.com link mentioned in the show
- KidsHealth.com link mentioned in the show

Spring Cleaning- odds and ends from my stack ‘o articles at the desk

Use Daddy5, Daddy6 and Daddy7 to get other special discounts at GoDaddy.com and see
which one works best for you. Find out more at My Mevio Promotions Page

Join in on the fun- e-mail me - DaddyCast@gmail.com - or call - 804-SOS-LATE (804-767-5283)

Have Fun Parenting

Get the show: DaddyCast-174.mp3

Find the Feed on Podshow- http://www.podshow.com/feeds/thedaddycast.xml

Join me on Twitter - Twitter.com/DaddyCast

Please be sure to check out my other podcasts:

LoveHouse Radio- Podsafe Music to soothe the Daddy’s soul

Thanks for listening, send feedback to daddycast@gmail.com or call the hotline- 206-222-1905

DSC01705

Originally uploaded by LoveHouse Radio

A couple of weeks ago we experienced Silent Saturday- a day of soccer where the parents and coaches were instructed to not speak, cheer or make any noise for, at or with the kids. It was actually pretty amazing in many ways. Not being one of those overbearing parents for which the day was designed, I enjoyed the silence and the results of the experiment.

For the kids, it seemed to be great. They were able to communicate with one another and the did! They talked game strategy and helped each other with to know where they needed to be on the field. It was great.

For most of the parents, it was good. Some noticeably struggled to keep from speaking out. The coaches appeared to be in agony. Obviously they needed to provide some guidance but for the most part, they did keep silent. And aside from clapping, there really was little in the way of response to the game.

As the picture shows, some parents resorted to signs to show their team spirit. I thought this was kind of odd- do you really expect, or want for that matter, your players to stop long enough to read a sign? Granted, I am sure they saw this as a way to show their support but personally I just don’t get it.

So I am looking forward to the next Silent Saturday, both for the kids and the entertainment factor. Does it help? Overall, probably not but it is a nice change of pace. And now I will hush.

The DaddyCast Episode 174

With our recent loss of my Grandmother, we talk about dealing with loss, the many decisions around helping the kids cope and some professional advice:
- Death and Loss from KeepKidsHealthy.com
- Dealing with Death from AllAboutLifeChallenges.org

Save 10% on pet medication at PedMeds.com - use our link www.petmeds.com/daddy and find other great
offers at MevioOffers.com

Tips on how to handle a Bee Sting from WikiHow.com

Goal setting- leading by example is key!

Dedication to my Grandmother - “Amazing Grace” sung by Matthew Ebel

Use Daddy1, Daddy2 and Daddy3 to get other special discounts at GoDaddy.com and see
which one works best for you. Find out more at My Mevio Promotions Page

Join in on the fun- e-mail me - DaddyCast@gmail.com - or call - 804-SOS-LATE (804-767-5283)

Have Fun Parenting

Get the show: DaddyCast-174.mp3

Find the Feed on Podshow- http://www.podshow.com/feeds/thedaddycast.xml

Join me on Twitter - Twitter.com/DaddyCast

Up a tree

Originally uploaded by LoveHouse Radio

This afternoon my youngest climbed a tree to heights that I have to admit, made me a little nervous. Not that he was the only one but I have never seen him climb much so I am not sure to what levels his skills extend in climbing.

Well, my parenting thoughts decided to ease on my reaction and let him have some freedom to explore his boundaries. He got high enough to be scared but hopefully not too scared (I think he was fine). But at least he had the opportunity to explore some limits.

This approach, the freedom to test boundaries (within reason and good parental logic) is important. It is a concept that will come up again and again. We need to let go, even if just a little bit and even if we are still close enough to step in and save them (or catch them as the case may be), by letting go a little it gives them a chance to grow. The parent who over-protects stifles the child’s growth and maturity.

And besides, what is more natural than a boy climbing a tree?

They clean-up well

Originally uploaded by LoveHouse Radio

I find it a huge accomplishment that our boys can take one for the team. What do I mean? Well, typically my youngest will fight tooth and nail against wearing long pants in warm weather. Additionally he will absolutely refuse to wear khaki. Khaki long pants- forget it.

Well, as you can see from the picture, he is indeed wearing long khakis and even a tie. It was hard times that week- my grandmother passed away and we needed nice clothes for the boys to wear to the funeral. We didn’t have time (or the mental capacity at that point) to fight the battle. But instead, our little troopers took it in stride, understood the situation and even seemed excited about their new dressy clothes.

I am very proud of them and hope they understand my appreciation for their attitudes and cooperation. Guess we are doing something right in parenting them

10k Support

Originally uploaded by LoveHouse Radio

I’ve mentioned on the show before that we do a lot and there are times that we require the boys to support one another, and even us from time to time. This comes very naturally to my wife who grew up going to sport events for her older brother and sister, tagging along with her parents and then being able to appreciate the same support when she had events to perform in. And for our immediate family, it has become an expectation, not an exception.

This weekend has been a perfect example. Jen had a race Saturday morning, the James River Scramble. It is a trail 10K that she competed in last year and an event that kind of started our hiking around the James River. We were all up at 6AM, out the door by 7:30 and down to the race site in time for her to pick up her race packet and chill with some friends. We also got to watch the Air Dogs show- a few pictures on our Flickr site (see widget to the right). As you can see in the picture- as part of Mother’s Day, I got the boys “Run Mom Run” T-shirts to support Jen on her run- they came as Adult Mediums so they can cheer her on for many more years too!

After Jen’s race we were off to our youngest son’s soccer game. It was Silent Saturday (more on that later) and we had snack duty. Luckily we had prepared all in advance so that when we pulled up as the game started we were still in good shape.

Sunday morning was my turn. I ran in the Carytown 10k. Jen and the boys drove me to the race and even in the drizzling rain, they stood out and supported my efforts. It was quite an inspiration to see them cheering me on at several spots on the course. And even better to have them around after the race to help me limp along to breakfast.

After some post race recovery time, the boys and I headed to my oldest son’s Tennis lessons. Once again my youngest took it all in stride, sitting for an hour and a half tennis lesson. Not to say he didn’t get bored, but he coped well.

I’ll talk more about Family Support on the next show, but from a different perspective. We lost my grandmother a week ago (on Mother’s Day) and our family has been supporting one another in unique ways. It is an ongoing process but one that really warms your heart when you sit back to think about it. And of course the topic of dealing with loss and how to help the kids manage it will be another area we will need to explore. Lots to talk about once I find time to sit down and record another DaddyCast.