This is an interesting look at Swedish paternity leave. It’s hard to think that if we lived in Sweden my wife would still be on paid maternity leave for another three months with our now 15 month old boy. And I would be anticipating an 18 month run of paid paternity leave after that. I think that’s pretty awesome. That totally beats the couple of weeks I was able to take off for our second child. I could have taken more, of course, but with out a pay check.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Browncover

A tale of unbearable emptiness, Goodnight Moon is at once a dusky nightmare and a paean to OCD. A young rabbit, wishing to escape the oppressiveness of its bedroom—a red-and-green Fauvist horror—must, in a brutal twist, neurotically catalogue the very items which torment its waking hours. In a steady incantation, the leveret bids farewell to the burdens of its world: a rancid bowl of mush; a stiff white comb; two cats who wait to pounce. All the while, the creature is menaced by an “old lady” who urges him to “hush,” annoyed by the youngster’s mewling a bottle of sherry, no doubt, awaits her in the kitchen. Goodnight Moon’s message is unremittingly bleak: psychological escape is hard-won—yet the more necessary it is, the more transitory it becomes. Goodnight, fleeting hope.

My daughter was born August 30, 2003. What’s funny is that it seems like every year on her birthday she wakes up at the same time she was born, about 6:05 a.m. This morning, same story. As I was sitting with our son feeding him a bottle she stumbled in to his room after just crawling out of bed. Climbed up in to my lap and I spent a wonderful and precious few moments cuddling my two kids. It felt so good to be a dad at that moment in time. Little did I know, seven years ago, how great it would be.

1. What Is The Most Important Thing That Happened Today? This is a great way to get more than a yes or no answer when you ask about your child's life and day.
2. How Are You And Your Friends Getting Along? You’ll get to know your child’s social circle and may get a heads up on drama that could be brewing and may cause some later problems.
3. What Is Something I Should Know About You? This question is great for growing any relationship – and you’re guaranteed to learn something surprising. Just be prepared to have an answer, too!
4. What Should We Celebrate Today? Make it a goal to have fun with your kids and bring joy into your family’s life on a regular basis. It can be as simple as popsicles on the back porch, a good grade on a quiz, or your favorite show being on TV. Savor the little things together.
5. Do You Know That I Love You? You can never say this too much. Always tell your kids you love them – and for who they are, not just for what they do.

Boston College’s Center for Work and Family released a study last month that tracked changes in the way American fathers view themselves and their roles at home and work. The study looked at married, educated, and employed first-time fathers of children between ages 3 and 18 months, and suggests that the concept of dads as primarily breadwinners is outmoded. Today’s dads are defining good fatherhood as a relationship involving lots of time, attention, and nurturing. The study also suggested, though, that while fathers may understand their role in these terms, their employers (and others, such as extended families) do not.

Her.meneutics: News Flash: Dads Are Nurturing.

I don’t know what made me think of it but I quickly told her, “Get your squirt guns, we’re going for a walk.” She flew in to action and in no time we had three squirt guns full of water and we were heading out the door in to the muggy Missouri air.

We sprayed and played the whole walk and kept quite cool. My daughter exclaimed, “This is the best walk ever!”

One word of advice. Dad’s should pick the biggest squirt gun. They don’t run out of water as fast.

Remember how magical summer was when you were a kid? No school, long days, and running around outside for hours on end.

Bring back that summer magic and bring back your childhood with these quintessential summer activities you won’t want to pass up.

Climb Trees.  Summer is the perfect time for this fun activity.  Help your children climb up and then join them up in the tree for a new vantage point.

Eat Watermelon.  Cut some big slices of watermelon and have a seed spitting contest.  Watermelon not your thing?  There are plenty of summer fruits you can enjoy.  Take your kids to a farmer’s market or fair for a fun weekend outing and pick up some seasonal fruits and veggies.

Get Wet.  If you’re taking your kids to the pool, don’t just sit on the sidelines – jump right in!  Play Marco Polo, have a cannonball contest, or referee some races.  Your kids will love having dad in the pool.  Don’t have access to a pool?  Get out a hose and you’ll be amazed at the fun you can have.

Organize a Game.  Round up the neighborhood kids and organize a game of kickball, baseball, or even capture the flag.  Let your kids run off some energy while you bring out your inner child.

Check out the Stars.  Sit outside and stargaze with your kids – you can learn about the constellations together.  If it’s a nice night and you have a yard, pitch a tent and sleep outside under the open sky.  Or, plan an overnight camping trip somewhere nearby.

Having fun and making memories doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.  This summer, bring back your favorite childhood activities and share them with your children.  And, for more great ideas and activities, check out the book Handy Dad, and start a fun summer project with your kids!

via Fatherhood Resources :: Articles :: Dad Email :: Summer Activities for Dads and Kids.