Ken Carfagno has a brilliant way to forge memories with your kids while you do routine errands.
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The Good Men Project is a wonderful resource for men and dads all over the world. With over 300 million page views, it touches mens’ lives in every conceivable way. So what could one more voice add?
Right away, I reject my own question! I heard a wise investor say this. “The best time to start was at the beginning. But the second best time is NOW.” The point is that you can’t control the past. I had no impact on the first 300 million views, but I can start now and help GMP get to the next milestone.
And here is where I can help. Let me ask you (Dads) a question. Are any resources or stories in the blogosphere causing YOU to take action? Are you loving the blogs and then going about your life? I feel like that. I subscribe to many blogs, but very few cause me to MOVE. Quite honestly, if there was any blog that should cause action, it’s one for men. How many families could be impacted?
That’s why I suggest it’s time for a JOLT OF FUN FOR DADS.
And this is my specialty.
Dads, allow me to awaken you.
Once you get these ideas in your head, it will be hard to contain the next time you’re with your kids. It’s called Dadnamics, or the infusion of creativity, adventure, and silliness into Dad time.
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I will not lecture you or explain all of the psychology of my madness. I’m just going to share a few stories that I know will cause you to MOVE. Once you get these ideas in your head, it will be hard to contain the next time you’re with your kids. It’s called Dadnamics, or the infusion of creativity, adventure, and silliness into Dad time.
To start off, I encourage you to grab your kids if they are available and finish this blog together. It’s safe and G-rated. I promise.
Imagine this … You face a daunting challenge. The Princess is in serious danger at the hands of the Bush Monsters. They hold her spellbound, deep in their lair beneath the stone wall. The King’s messenger has retrieved a vital clue to her whereabouts and is waiting for you to rendezvous. The reward for her safe return is, let’s just say, a King’s ransom. Directly in front of you is the Black River, full of Croc-igators. You first must retrieve weapons to destroy the gators and safely cross the Black River. Once past, you must tip-toe through the howling tunnel and sneak into the message center to get the clue. Dads, can you and your son (or daughter) complete this mission?
Imagine this … You face a daunting challenge. The Princess is in serious danger at the hands of the Bush Monsters. They hold her spellbound, deep in their lair beneath the stone wall.
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Where, how … you may ask? This is simple. This is not REALLY a mission. It’s a trip to the post office to get my mail. I bring my kids and turn the whole thing into a story. The Black River is the parking lot. The howling tunnel is the entryway between the outer and inner doors of the post office. The message center is my post office box. The clue is my mail, which I read out loud. The bushes that sit atop a raised stone wall, just outside the front door are the Bush Monsters and their lair. Instead of going to the post office alone, I bring my kid or kids. Trust me, they beg to go places with me.
Welcome to Dadnamics!
How about another example? Am I losing you or getting you fired up! I hope the latter.
Okay, here it goes. Picture this … You’re in the pole position and your rival “The Hammer” is revving up next to you. It’s your turn. Victory is yours. But the track isn’t an oval. It’s not constrained by boundaries except the natural roads you can navigate. Once the starter lowers the checkered flag, will you be ready? [Red, Yellow…. Green!]
Where do you think this was? If you guessed Home Depot or Lowe’s, you are exactly right. It could also be the grocery store or other large box store with lots of aisles. “The Hammer” was actually a hammer on a shelf and the race car is the shopping cart that your kids are all scrunched inside. Dad, you are the fuel. They are the drivers. The track is the maze of aisles. The “checkered flag” and the “starter” is the nearest employee and his apron. Once you see the green light, take off. Don’t mind who is watching around you. Just pay attention to the road and beat “The Hammer” this time to the finish. Afterward, you will be exhausted. No doubt. But you will also have kids laughing and hugging you.
My kids never forget the memories we create together while I do routine errands. These memories create great connection.
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Why would you do this? Why would you risk looking foolish in public? Here’s why. My kids never forget the memories we create together while I do routine errands. These memories create great connection. And great connection leads to great conversation.
And isn’t great conversation what we need more of Dads?
If you are interesting in learning more about Dadnamics, which includes interactive and creative ideas to connect with your kids… go to www.dadnamics.com. I hope to meet you because we’re all on the same team, Dads.
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Photo: Getty
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