Choleric – Page 15 – Daddio Time

Keepy Uppy

Elevate the classic ‘don’t let the balloon touch the floor’ game by using light sabers. Grab some cheap inflatable ones, fancy illuminated ones, or honestly just a paper towel roll will bring the same fun. Use The Force to persuade your kids to do your bidding. Make them freeze, pretend to fall asleep, or cleanup their toys. Just remember, The Force may be used against you as well!

To make it harder

Shoot it with nerf darts to make it change course.

For older kids

Use the balloons as downrange target practice with their BB gun or slingshot (obviously tape them to a board or something away from people / pets / windows and don’t be drunk or stupid or drunk and stupid).

Make A Blowgun

A perfect accompaniment to any camping trip! It’s a walking stick, a bush whacking stick, and a handcrafted blowgun all in one. The kids will love the time spent crafting it and will take pride in its creation. And of course, they’ll love competing against you for shooting at tree trunk targets. Cut a 4-foot length of 1-inch diameter bamboo. Ream it with a 3/8 diameter steel rod. Add a little sand and water during reaming to get the inside nice and smooth. Get some 8 inch bamboo skewers and tie on cotton balls or the inner filament of a thistle flower with dental floss and boom – you’ve got a blowgun and darts ready for action! Here’s a good step x step that follows the Native American method closely: https://exarc.net/issue-2013-3/at/hunting-cane-traditional-cherokee-blowguns-and-darts.

String From Above

Make learning tee ball more fun and engaging with a simple 3/16 elastic cord tied to a tree limb or basketball hoop. Tie a chip clip to the end for hanging water balloons, or tie on a sock and stuff a baseball inside for more repetition. This setup will allow your child to recognize a well struck ball by observing the flight path before springing back into position. A slight residual movement on the hanging ball will help improve hand eye coordination and give your tee-baller a jump on later leagues like coach or machine pitch.

Water Ball

Pitch a water balloon (or sponge) to a batter who, after bursting it, will run the bases before the other team can sink a predetermined basketball trick shot.
Or… have them run a gauntlet: with the fielding team all gathered on the pitching mound, they all try to pelt the runner with water balloons to get them out.
Or… just play get out there and play water balloon (or egg) catch – great for cross training and teaching soft hands for baseball, basketball, or lacrosse!

Duck Pond Boats

Race boats around the pond and maybe chase a duck or two! Most boats on amazon are all pretty much the same, but we recommend a trigger and wheel type controller for ease of use with kids under 6. If you want to be a little mischievous, troll an alligator head around!

Maybe the coolest take: attach a fishing lure and RC boat bass fishing!

Pro Tip: If you feed the ducks, be prepared to be swarmed and even chased by aggressive flappers and quackers. May scare young kids, but also a wildly memorable experience. Also… apparently bread is not good for ducks so grab oats or peanuts instead.

Slot Car Racing

Hot Wheels on steroids and without all the annoying pieces all over your floor. One button for go. One button for break. No steering. It’s easy enough for a toddler, yet can be addictively competitive for older kids and dads alike. Google for a Slot Car track near you.

Muddin’

You don’t need a jacked up truck but having AAA on speed dial might be a good call. A muddy field is great for teaching kids how to steer into a slide if they ever have to swerve out on the road. Plus its super fun. Be sure to have your kids help wash the car afterwards and show them the importance of taking care of their things.

Daddio Level:

If the terrain is flat and muddy enough, and without a bunch of rocks, it just may be prime for mud tubing! Tow a sled behind a truck or ATV, just be sure to tie it to the front of the sled so the front edge can’t catch on any uneven bumps, and be careful about slinging around turns.

Distorted Voices

Not like you’d go out of your way for this one, but keep it in mind the next time there’s a giant fan at a restaurant or some leftover helium balloons. Because seizing the little moments of opportunity is what dads do best.

Hunting & Fishing

Don’t know where to start? Many states offer classes and mentors through the DNR or state wildlife & conservation sites. Orvis has free fly fishing lessons. Or book a full outfitter from https://www.orvis.com/adventures for a premium experience.

DADDIO LEVEL: Book a Texas helicopter hog hunt

Hook, Line, and Legacy: Why Your Kids Need the Great Outdoors (and Maybe a Shotgun)

Remember the endless summers spent barefoot on the dock, giggling with anticipation as your bobber twitched? Or the thrill of tracking deer through crisp autumn leaves, a shared breath holding tight in the silence? These cherished memories aren’t just nostalgic flickers – they’re the seeds of values that taking your kids hunting and fishing can cultivate.

Sure, the catch (or trophy) is sweet, but the real bounty lies in the journey. Here’s why:

Nature’s Classroom: Forget the cramped desks, the concrete jungle. Fishing and hunting open the door to a vast, vibrant classroom. Kids learn firsthand about ecosystems, animal behavior, and the delicate balance of nature. Every rustle in the leaves, every ripple on the water becomes a mini-lesson in survival, adaptation, and interconnectedness.

Building Patience (and Perseverance): Gone are the instant results of screens and games. Learning to sit still, cast silently, and wait for that elusive bite teaches kids the quiet virtues of patience and perseverance. They’ll discover the satisfaction of delayed gratification, the joy in the process, and the resilience to keep trying even when the hook stays empty.

Family Bonds Forged in Fire (or Campfire): From sharing fishing stories around the crackling fire to the silent camaraderie of a deer stand, these activities offer unique bonding opportunities. It’s a shared space to learn from each other, face challenges together, and build relationships that will last a lifetime.

Respect and Responsibility: Hunting and fishing aren’t just about taking; they’re about understanding the responsibility that comes with interacting with wildlife. Kids learn about ethical practices, proper firearm handling, and the importance of conservation. They begin to see themselves as stewards of the environment, not just visitors.

Lifelong Skills and Self-Reliance: From basic survival skills like fire-building and navigation to butchering and cooking their catch, kids gain practical knowledge that builds confidence and self-reliance. They learn to problem-solve, think critically, and adapt to ever-changing situations.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and scales. There will be early mornings, tangled lines, and (hopefully) missed shots. But these challenges are exactly what shape character, resilience, and respect for the natural world.

So, grab your tackle box, dust off that old shotgun, and take your kids on an adventure. You might just be surprised at the treasures you find – not just in the water or the woods, but within yourselves and your growing family legacy.

Remember, ethical and responsible hunting and fishing are crucial. Ensure you follow all local regulations and prioritize safety and conservation.

Tight lines and happy trails!

RESOURCES:

National Wildlife Federation: The National Wildlife Federation offers a variety of resources for families who want to get outdoors and learn about hunting and fishing. Their website has tips for finding beginner-friendly hunting and fishing spots, as well as information on how to get involved in conservation efforts. They also have a great program called “Leave No Trace” that teaches kids how to be responsible stewards of the environment.
National Shooting Sports Foundation: The National Shooting Sports Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes hunting and shooting sports. Their website has a wealth of information on how to get started with hunting, including safety tips, equipment recommendations, and links to hunting clubs and organizations in your area. They also have a great program called “First Shots” that introduces kids to shooting in a safe and controlled environment.
Take Me Fishing: Take Me Fishing is a national initiative that aims to get more people, especially kids, involved in fishing. Their website has a handy “Find a Fishing Spot” tool that can help you locate lakes, rivers, and ponds near you that are stocked with fish. They also have a variety of tips and resources for beginner anglers, as well as information on fishing derbies and other events.

Ducks Unlimited: Ducks Unlimited is a conservation organization that works to protect wetlands and waterfowl habitats. Their website has information on how to get involved in duck hunting, as well as tips for finding duck hunting spots and choosing the right gear. They also have a great program called “Greenwings” that introduces kids to duck hunting and conservation.
National Wild Turkey Federation: The National Wild Turkey Federation is a conservation organization that works to protect wild turkeys and their habitats. Their website has information on how to get involved in turkey hunting, as well as tips for finding turkey hunting spots and choosing the right gear. They also have a great program called “JAKES” that introduces kids to turkey hunting and conservation.

In addition to these national organizations, there are also many great state and local resources available. You can find information on hunting and fishing licenses, regulations, and safety courses by visiting the website of your state’s wildlife agency. You can also contact local sporting goods stores or bait shops for recommendations on hunting and fishing spots and gear.

Here are some additional tips for making your family hunting and fishing trips a success:

Start small. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Choose a beginner-friendly activity, such as fishing for panfish or hunting small game.
Make it fun. Keep things light and enjoyable. Don’t worry about catching the biggest fish or bagging the biggest trophy. Just focus on having fun together and enjoying the outdoors.
Be patient. It takes time to learn how to hunt and fish. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have success right away. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
Be safe. Always follow all safety rules and regulations. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to handle firearms and fishing equipment safely.
Get involved in conservation. Teach your kids about the importance of conservation and how they can help to protect our natural resources.

Caving

It doesn’t have to be some claustrophobic experience. Many caves are even wheelchair accessible. And they will all be sure to amaze young minds.

Caving, with its unique blend of adventure, exploration, and physical challenge, can be a truly valuable experience for kids, offering benefits that go far beyond a simple afternoon outing. Here’s why taking your little spelunkers underground can be a treasure trove of growth and learning:

1. Fostering a Sense of Adventure and Discovery:

Caves are hidden worlds, untouched by the everyday. Exploring them ignites a sense of wonder and curiosity in kids. They become explorers, navigating tunnels, squeezing through tight spaces, and discovering hidden chambers. This sense of adventure sparks their imaginations and fuels a desire to seek out new experiences and hidden wonders.

2. Building Confidence and Resilience:

Caving challenges kids in both physical and mental ways. Scaling rock formations, navigating uneven terrain, and overcoming claustrophobic spaces require courage and determination. Successfully overcoming these challenges boosts their confidence and resilience, teaching them that they can handle difficult situations and emerge stronger.

3. Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills:

Caves are natural obstacle courses. Crawling, climbing, and maneuvering through tight spaces require creative problem-solving. Kids must use their critical thinking skills to assess situations, find solutions, and work together to overcome obstacles. This hones their ability to approach challenges strategically and creatively.

4. Deepening Appreciation for Nature and Conservation:

Caves offer a glimpse into the hidden wonders of the earth. Witnessing stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations fosters a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of nature. This newfound connection can inspire kids to become stewards of the environment and advocates for conservation.

5. Strengthening Teamwork and Communication:

Caving is rarely a solo adventure. Exploring caves often requires teamwork, with kids relying on each other for support, guidance, and encouragement. They learn to communicate effectively, listen to each other’s ideas, and work together towards a common goal. This strengthens their collaborative skills and builds trust and camaraderie.

6. Developing Observational Skills:

The unique environment of a cave demands heightened awareness. Kids become attuned to subtle changes in light, sound, and texture, noticing details they might otherwise miss. This hones their observational skills, making them more mindful of their surroundings and fostering a greater appreciation for the intricate details of the world around them.

7. Creating Lasting Memories:

Caving adventures are rarely forgotten. The challenges overcome, the discoveries made, and the sense of accomplishment shared create lasting memories for kids. These shared experiences strengthen family bonds and provide cherished stories to be retold for years to come.

Of course, safety is paramount. Always ensure proper preparation, choose age-appropriate caves, and prioritize responsible guidance for a truly enriching and unforgettable caving experience for your kids.

So, the next time you’re looking for an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary, consider venturing underground. With a little planning and safety measures in place, caving can be a transformational experience for kids, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for nature, themselves, and the power of teamwork and exploration.