Real Dad's play Barbie!

Comfort Zones

Human Nature draws us to the path of least resistance, being men it means doing guy/boy things comes much more naturally.  As a Father of boys and girls admittedly it is much easier for me to play with my sons, it usually involves some sort of ball.  Sometimes I wonder if my girls play some sports just to get more "Dad Time".

We as men need to get our of our comfort zone and do the things that our daughters enjoy doing.  If it is playing make believe with princesses and castles, we need to do that, and be there for our daughters.  I think it is important for my daughters to feel that what interests them is important to me.  The time you spend costs you little money and because it is possibly breaking from your norm, is more memorable for your daughter then shooting hoops with you and her brothers. 

Time Flies

Once you are walking her down the aisle it's too late - there is no reverse button, and days and years go fast.  Make the memories while the making is good.  Start with a nice conversation about what interests them, really listen and look for opportunities to do things they like.

I go out of my way to have special "Daddy-Daughter" days just make sure my girls know they are special.  The other thing you can do is take just them to dinner on or around their birthday - when you are in a big family this is "priceless" time to learn about you kid's individuality.

Spring Clean Up!

Spring is Here!

The Daffodils are in bloom, trees are budding, and there is Winter's mess to clean up.  To kids this can look like work - unless you spin it a bit.

At home it is hard to resist the urge to start planting especially if you go by the local hardware store that already has flowers for sale - the date around St. Louis is April 15th - generally after that you are safe.   If you want something that matures quickly I suggest radishes, not everyone's favorite - but they grow fast.  So start some plants just like they do at school in the window sills.  We have a few box gardens, and we have one that has some perennial garden plants - Rhubarb comes up very early and the kids are always excited to see it.  We also have asparagus but you have to be patient it takes a few years before you can start to harvest - we will have our first this year.

The exception is bulb plants and pansies, they are rather cold tolerant.  Although the air feels warm it hasn't soaked into the ground yet and if you put seeds or plants in too soon they can die from the cold still in the soil.

Other Tips

Mulching - many businesses do their mulching early - because they don't have flowers, mulch is a weed block, but it will also block your perennials from coming up. - It is also a good idea to wait to mulch as well until you know where your plants are.

Pruning -  Spring is the right time prune, I suggest looking up for the specific tree or bush that you want to prune.  Lilacs should be pruned after they are done blooming, I have 6 different lilacs and this is when I prune them. 

Saving Money - If your home was built with your air conditioner on the sunny side of the house, plant a bush between it and the sun, this will help its efficiency.  My suggestion is a Korean Lilac, they are easily shape able, have small lilac flowers, smell amazing and your air conditioner will pull the smell into the house.

Community - We just participated in a Clean Stream Program, this may be coming to your area, or you could always organize a group from clubs you are in - to Church and do an outdoor clean up.  I suggest buying a stack of the cheap gloves, and wear clothes you don't care so much about.  My kids love this - we always find interesting things and we are making the area we live look better.