Filter Categories: Choleric

Blanket Drag

Get a few cardio steps in by slinging the kids around the kitchen floor on blanket.

Office Party

Whether home office or office office, they’re bound to have swivel chairs on wheels aka race cars and dizzy machines. Kids can’t get enough…

Jackson Pollock

Grab those old paint cans cluttering the garage and a large cloth painters tarp. Have the kids drop the cans or paint soaked sponges off a balcony, launch ’em like a water balloon, hit ’em with a baseball bat, or drop in an m80. It will give the kids a whole new appreciation for abstract art… or just be a super fun dad thing they’ll love.

Email Journal

Even before your kids are born, set up an email address for them and send them all your thoughts and favorite pictures to mark milestones and proud moments. They’ll be cherished one day. To keep out clutter, make it an address they wouldn’t normally use… like “myboyhaswhatittakes@gmail.com.

Kids On The Roof

You’re up there a few times a year, cleaning gutters and skylights. BRING YOUR KIDS. Talk about healthy fears, the unique perspective from the roof, the value of diverse perspectives, the teamwork required by each individual shingle, the requirements for roof design (it’s nice today, but consider the elements, critters, and debris it must withstand. How could the design be improved or the space better served?

Self Defense Lessons

Strengthen their self-esteem, confidence, and independence while learning valuable skills and getting in a great workout together. Film their first session so they can always reference it to see how much they have improved with each new session. Show them the progress, and cheer them on.

Family Reunion

Reunite and Reconnect: The True Value of Family Reunions

In a world driven by hustle and bustle, family reunions offer a much-needed respite and a chance to reconnect with loved ones. These gatherings are more than just social events; they carry a profound value that transcends time and distance.

Connection, Love, & Identity:

Reunions connect generations, allowing children to learn about their heritage and roots, and fostering a sense of belonging and identity. Through stories and old photos, your kids will build empathy through recognition that you too were once their age; you too once lived through similar childhood challenges that they now face. Through shared experiences, family values are passed down, fostering a legacy of warmth and connection that strengthens with every gathering.

Lasting Memories:

Beyond stories and laughter, reunions offer the opportunity to create new, lasting memories. Engaging in shared activities, be it a playful game night, a potluck showcasing family recipes, or catching a ballgame, the shared experiences will become fond memories that strengthens bonds.

Self-Esteem

This is an opportunity to celebrate milestones – birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, successes, and makes people feel special and valued.

Tips for a Fun and Meaningful Reunion:

  • Plan collaboratively: Involve family members in the planning process, ensuring everyone feels included and excited. Have families send in pictures, baby names, etc. so you can create a family tree to share before you all gather.
  • Fun for all: Design activities that cater to different age groups, fostering interaction and inclusion. A few ideas are: Guesstures / Pictionary / Charades, karaoke, destination resort activities, small group breakouts for golf or hiking, live music or DJ and dancing, fireworks, sporting events, and field day or tailgate games. And because many of you will share the same last name, consider getting creative and humorous with your team name. But be careful – it might turn into a nickname that lasts!
  • Status Report: Here’s where it gets really meaningful. Grab the microphone and call out all the milestones achieved by family members. Celebrate them and make them feel valued. For those going off to college, take up a collection and present them with a gift card. And lastly, encourage family members to reveal their challenges and struggles. You are family, and family supports one another.
  • Capture the moments: Encourage picture-taking and videos to preserve memories.
  • Celebrate milestones: Honoring birthdays, anniversaries, or achievements adds a special touch to the reunion.

The Takeaway:

Family reunions are more than just gatherings; they are a celebration of the love, laughter, support, and memories that bind us. So create a fun and meaningful experience that deepens connections and leaves a lasting footprint in the heart of your family.

Go Fishing

Resources:

To find a new honey hole on your own, take a look at Outly.com. For world class expert advice and zero-fee bookings, check out yellowdogflyfishing.com.

Casting a Line, Casting a Legacy: The Value of Teaching Kids to Fish

Fishing is often associated with relaxation, enjoying nature, and perhaps even a delicious meal. But there’s so much more to it than meets the eye. For children, learning to fish can be a transformative experience, offering valuable life lessons and fostering a connection with the natural world. Here’s why teaching kids to fish is a gift that keeps on giving:

1. Cultivating Patience and Perseverance: Fishing is a waiting game. Kids learn to be patient, cast their lines, wait for a bite, and adjust their tactics when necessary. This teaches them valuable life skills, including perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.

2. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem: The moment a child reels in their first catch is a moment of pure joy and accomplishment. This builds confidence and self-esteem, showing them what they are capable of achieving.

3. Appreciating the Outdoors and Environment: Fishing takes children outdoors, connecting them with nature. They learn to appreciate fresh air, diverse ecosystems, and the delicate balance of life in the water. This fosters a sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship.

4. Strengthening Bonds and Building Memories: Fishing is a great way to spend quality time with family and friends. Sharing the experience of learning together, celebrating successes, and enjoying the natural world creates lasting memories that strengthen bonds.

5. Learning Responsibility and Respect: Fishing involves handling equipment responsibly, respecting the environment, and following fishing regulations. This teaches kids important life lessons about responsibility, respect for nature, and understanding rules.

6. Developing Problem-Solving Skills: Fishing isn’t always easy. Kids learn to analyze situations, adapt their strategies, and solve problems to improve their chances of catching a fish. This develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills that benefit them in all aspects of life.

7. Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle: Fishing encourages an active lifestyle and time spent outdoors. This contributes to physical and mental well-being, reducing stress and promoting a healthy connection with nature.

8. Creating a Lifelong Hobby: Fishing is a skill that can be enjoyed throughout life. It provides an opportunity to connect with nature, relax, and share the experience with loved ones for generations to come.

Teaching kids to fish is about more than just catching a meal. It’s about instilling valuable life lessons, fostering a love for nature, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, grab some poles, pack some bait, and head to the nearest lake or river. You might just be surprised at the treasures you find on the other end of the line.

Marble Run

So fun and satisfying they even made a Nintendo game of this in the 80’s. Build a course out of PVC, paper towel rolls, or even just race them down the driveway.

Crawfish Race

Just putting this on your radar for the next time you’re at a crawfish boil. Or really anytime you have more than one animal e.g. rabbit, turtle, cat, crab, rolly polly… Set some course boundaries, take some bets, and let ’em loose!