My Dad Rocks http://www.my-dad-rocks.com Parenting Tips For Young Dads Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:00:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 MyDadRockshttp://feedburner.google.com Case of the missing Television Remote http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyDadRocks/~3/UTTv4Cg0LiM/case-of-the-missing-television-remote http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/general/case-of-the-missing-television-remote#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:00:13 +0000 Raj http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/?p=74 Yesterday was an interesting day at home. I decided to cook dinner and was busy whipping up a chicken sandwich. I noticed that my eldest was watching her favorite Tom and Jerry cartoons while my youngest was very busy running around the house. At one point I noticed that the TV remote was actually in [...] Yesterday was an interesting day at home. I decided to cook dinner and was busy whipping up a chicken sandwich. I noticed that my eldest was watching her favorite Tom and Jerry cartoons while my youngest was very busy running around the house. At one point I noticed that the TV remote was actually in the refrigerator. I thought that was cute, had a laugh and placed it back on the couch where it normally sits.

Hardly did I realize that its going to be the start of a brand new adventure at home. I finished making dinner, blew a couple of kisses to my kids and went to take a nice hot shower. Ok, I was done in 20 minutes and was ready to watch Television and enjoy my chicken sandwich. Just as I sat on my couch I realized that the TV remote was missing in action. I asked my wife and kids whether they had seen it and all they gave me was a blank look. But its the Television remote people! Its dear to me like a magic wand in a sorcerer’s hand. There’s no way I’m going to have to get off my ass every time I need to change the cartoon channel to sports. The very thought sent shivers down my spine.

I ordered the troops to set off on a mission to find the remote. My youngest was totally oblivious to what was happening and I pretty much thought she was the culprit anyway. We looked under the couch, in between the seats, inside the refrigerator (yes, again), under the bed, behind the TV stand but to no avail. Now I was really getting worried. My poor poor remote control was probably lonely and sad without me. Then my wife suddenly said “What if our youngest had thrown it down from the balcony?”.

You see, We live on the 9th floor of a nice apartment and we’ve noticed our youngest throw stuff out from the balcony. I almost had a heart attack thinking of it, but somehow I managed to overcome it and decided to look for it. First my wife and my eldest set off on the mission to look for it in the bushes right below the balcony. They came back empty handed. Right, so its up to General now and I went down looking for it. NEGATIVE!

This was getting really weird and it was almost 10PM. I decided to look for it the next morning and continued on my sandwich. This morning when I woke up, the first thought that came to my mind was my orphaned remote control. I still couldn’t find it in the light of the morning sun. I’ve pretty much given up hope and will be ordering a new remote tomorrow. I hope my TV’s remote control is in safe hands. I miss it so much! This is one mystery that is yet to be solved!


]]> http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/general/case-of-the-missing-television-remote/feed http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/general/case-of-the-missing-television-remote How important is a bedtime story for your child? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyDadRocks/~3/Z9s4n1uvf28/how-important-is-a-bedtime-story-for-your-child http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/general/how-important-is-a-bedtime-story-for-your-child#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:31:07 +0000 Raj http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/?p=69 I’ve really been out of action for quite sometime since I have mainly been working on a new business venture and setting up a company for it. Now that most of the initial work is done, I sat down to reflect on how much time I might have actually lost with my wonderful young kids. [...] bedtime-storiesI’ve really been out of action for quite sometime since I have mainly been working on a new business venture and setting up a company for it. Now that most of the initial work is done, I sat down to reflect on how much time I might have actually lost with my wonderful young kids. Even though its just been a few months, it just cant be replaced. Being a dad comes with its own set of challenges since I have to balance work and family life every single day. I really want to make sure that I am there for my kids at least 1 hour a day. This will be my one on one with them and I want to ensure that it is something that they will cherish throughout and beyond their childhood.

When I started doing some thinking on this, I guessed that the best time to actually sit down and bond with my kids would be bedtime. Its perfect because I get to finish my work before bedtime and thats the time that the kids have already worn out a bit and in a more relaxed state of mind to listen to what I have to say. This is the best time that I could give them my undivided attention away from the distractions of television and my laptop. Its like hitting a pause button for an hour and then resuming once the kids have gone to bed.

So how important is a bedtime story? For one, it gives them something pleasant to dream about when they drift to sleep. This ensures that they have a good night’s rest with no unpleasant thoughts. It also cultivates the reading habit with the child once the child is able to read. It is always better to cultivate the reading habit right from young since this is a dying habit nowadays with the technical advancements of television, computers and MP3 players. I believe that the more you read to them, the more interested they are to pick up a book on their own and read. I have to be totally honest by saying that I havent been doing this on a regular basis, but it certainly is something that I want to start doing regularly. I’ve read and seen so many good things about reading out to your child and I’m sure that this will be my bonding time with my kids.

Here some bedtime story books you can pick up.


]]> http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/general/how-important-is-a-bedtime-story-for-your-child/feed http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/general/how-important-is-a-bedtime-story-for-your-child Healthy Kids Snacks http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyDadRocks/~3/eruLUV1qPds/healthy-kids-snacks http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/recipe/healthy-kids-snacks#comments Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:02:50 +0000 Raj http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/?p=66 Kids are always looking for something to munch on - especially after school. But don’t we all want to give them something healthy? After all, health is wealth and it should start from a young age. Let’s not forget that obesity is the major cause of many illnesses in many developed countries like the US. [...] Kids are always looking for something to munch on - especially after school. But don’t we all want to give them something healthy? After all, health is wealth and it should start from a young age. Let’s not forget that obesity is the major cause of many illnesses in many developed countries like the US. I certainly don’t want my kids to be grabbing cookies and chips all the time - it’s ok to indulge once in a while. So if you are looking for some great ideas for healthy kids snacks, you’re at the right place at the right time.

Here are five snack recipes for kids that were developed by students from Frisco.

1. FRUIT SHISH-K-BOBS

by Jordan Molder, 17, and Alessandra Bernd, 17, Wakeland High School

Recipe: Cut 1/3 small banana into small pieces, cut the green leaves off the top of 3 strawberries. Take a skewer and stick the banana, strawberries and 3 grapes on it, alternating fruit. Put 2 teaspoons Nutella in a zip-top bag. Mash it around until it’s soft and push it all to one of the corners at the bottom. Once most of it is in a corner, take your scissors and cut a small piece of the corner so you can squeeze it out on the fruit.

PER SERVING: Calories 113 Fat 4 g (1 g sat) No cholesterol Sodium 6 mg Fiber 2 g Carbohydrates 20 g Protein 1 g

2. MOON PIE

by Amanda Schneider, 17, Teresa Medrano, 18 and Nataly Mora, 17, Frisco High School

Recipe: Spread 1 tablespoon of crunchy peanut butter thinly enough just to cover 1/2 slice of very thin bread. Spread just enough marshmallow crème thinly enough to cover the second 1/2 slice of bread. Cut up 1/4 extra small banana into little circles and place on the marshmallow crème. Top with the slice of bread with peanut butter.

PER SERVING: Calories 241 Fat 9 g No cholesterol Sodium 125 mg Fiber 3 g Carbohydrates 37 g Protein 6 g

3. Ants in a Boat

by Don Nichols, 17, Frisco High School

Recipe: Take an apple slice (about 1/8 of an apple) and stand it up on its peel. Spread 1 teaspoon peanut butter on top. Put 4 raisins on top of the peanut butter.

PER SERVING: Calories 47 Fat 3 g (1 g sat) No cholesterol Sodium 25 mg Fiber 1 g Carbohydrates 5 g Protein 1 g

4. BEAR ESSENTIALS

by Everardo Zamarron, 18, and Alex Munoz, 17, Centennial High School

Recipe: Use a bear cookie cutter to cut two bear shapes out of 2 slices bread. Cut a bear shape out of a yellow pepper . Put the bear-shaped yellow pepper on one slice of bread. Drizzle honey on it. Put 2 banana slices on the yellow pepper. Put two squirts of honey on it. Cover with second bear-shaped slice. Put two dots of honey on the bear. Put a chocolate chip on each dot. Use a straw to cut out two banana circles for the eyes and attach with honey.

PER SERVING: Calories 229 Fat 5 g (3 g sat) Cholesterol mg Sodium 176 mg Fiber 8 g Carbohydrates 46 g Protein 6 g

5. APPLE CINNAMON GRAHAM CRISP

by Kendall Reding, 17, Madison Pritchett, 18 and Brandon Teplansky, 16, Liberty High School

Recipe: Mix 1 tablespoon peanut butter and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl with a spoon. Spread half on top of 2 graham crackers. Use 2 more graham crackers to make 2 sandwiches. Spread the peanut butter-cinnamon mix on top of the sandwiches. Cut an apple in 6 slices and remove the seeds. Dip apples in 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice. Layer the apples on top of the spread and sprinkle with cinnamon.

PER SERVING: Calories 203 Fat x 20 (10 g sat) No cholesterol Sodium 171 mg Fiber 4 g Carbohydrates 25 g Protein 50 g

These recipes were developed by kids for kids and I’m pretty sure that they will be delicious. I’m yet to try them but I know what’s my project for this weekend! I just need to find my chef’s hat!


]]> http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/recipe/healthy-kids-snacks/feed http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/recipe/healthy-kids-snacks Have you used positive discipline for your child? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyDadRocks/~3/WxwhI3FwUIA/positive-discipline-for-your-child http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/tips/positive-discipline-for-your-child#comments Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:53:44 +0000 Raj http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/?p=64 There have been so many times that we as parents might have encountered behavioral issues with our child. What do you do when your child is screaming in the middle of that supermarket? I personally have seen many parents who resort to some form of physical punishment including pinching, beating etc. What kind of an [...] There have been so many times that we as parents might have encountered behavioral issues with our child. What do you do when your child is screaming in the middle of that supermarket? I personally have seen many parents who resort to some form of physical punishment including pinching, beating etc. What kind of an effect is this going to have on your child?

It is definitely not going to have a positive effect on your child. Your child is probably going to think “ok, I’m going to rebel” or “I’m worthless, even my parents don’t love me. I need to obey orders for people around me to love me!”. Is this how we want our children to grow up? As the child grows older this is going to have an adverse effect on the child’s relationship with his or her peers.

This is where I came across positive discipline. Positive discipline is advocated by Jane Nelson and has been a phenomenal success. Here is what she claims:

Dear Parents and Teachers:

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or both… On this web site, I’m going to show you how to solve defiance, whining, and all the other “problem” behaviors children and teens use to drive you crazy! And yes, you can do it all without ever blaming or punishing them!

Since 1979, I’ve shown more than two million parents and educators how to permanently end power struggles while building positive, healthy relationships with children and teens. I’ve written seventeen acclaimed books on positive discipline — plus I have seven children of my own (and 20 grandchildren), so I’ve experienced the amazing results of Positive Discipline firsthand!

I’m sure that this technique can be put to use to correct any behaviors of our children. This world renowned author has written a series of books some of which can be found here.


]]> http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/tips/positive-discipline-for-your-child/feed http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/tips/positive-discipline-for-your-child Parenting Tips During Tough Economic Times http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyDadRocks/~3/kTiX2DPsbno/parenting-tips-during-tough-economic-times http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/tips/parenting-tips-during-tough-economic-times#comments Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:37:43 +0000 Raj http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/?p=61 Ok this post is going to touch on a serious topic - so brace yourself! During these touch economic times its a good idea to cut on wasteful expenditure or keep it to a minimum. As adults we know what we’re doing now is for a better future but how do you explain it to [...] Ok this post is going to touch on a serious topic - so brace yourself! During these touch economic times its a good idea to cut on wasteful expenditure or keep it to a minimum. As adults we know what we’re doing now is for a better future but how do you explain it to your kids? It’s almost impossible to reason with a teenager let alone a four year old. Luckily I came across one good article which would be useful for times likes this.

Admit to your position
The most practical, yet the most difficult part. Children who are over three years old can comprehend to some extent when you talk to them about financial positions and such. But keep it to a minimum and spare the details. The last thing that you want to do is to scare them. Explain the situation but reassure them that it will all work out fine.

Be Engaged
Yes, with that constant worry on your mind its very easy to detach yourself from your family. You wouldn’t want your child to think that you are ignoring her. This could cause her to throw tantrums just to grab your attention. Keep your child engaged at all times.

Get enough sleep
Do not at any cost ignore sleep. It is very easy to get stressed and cranky if you are not getting enough sleep. This is going to reflect badly on your family life. So avoid worrying in bed and get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow will be a better day!

Budget your holiday spending
Don’t beat yourself up just because you are not able to buy that expensive toy for Christmas. Emphasize to your child that the feeling of being together as a family is more important than getting that expensive toy. But don’t ignore gifts altogether - get her something nice but within your budget!

Get your children to help
Get your children to help you out in household chores. This will keep your children engaged and will also ensure that you and your spouse will have time to do other things - like working on a part time job or even starting a blog!

This is the time that you should do some soul searching and improve yourself. First time parents will definitely need a helping hand and I hope that this post has provided some ideas. You could even pick up some good books on parenting tips and start reading them to improve yourself and get your mind off any unnecessary worries. After all, there is always light at the end of the tunnel! If you have any other tips, do let me know!


]]> http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/tips/parenting-tips-during-tough-economic-times/feed http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/tips/parenting-tips-during-tough-economic-times Easy Breakfast Egg Recipe http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyDadRocks/~3/DnlhbpU0MNU/easy-breakfast-egg-recipe http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/recipe/easy-breakfast-egg-recipe#comments Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:47:05 +0000 Raj http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/?p=56 I’ve always rattled my brains thinking what to cook for breakfast for the kids even though I don’t cook all the time. My youngest still doesn’t take solids (she doesn’t have teeth yet). But I still want to get something quick yet healthy for my eldest. She’s a little bit difficult when it comes to [...] I’ve always rattled my brains thinking what to cook for breakfast for the kids even though I don’t coeasy kids breakfast recipesok all the time. My youngest still doesn’t take solids (she doesn’t have teeth yet). But I still want to get something quick yet healthy for my eldest. She’s a little bit difficult when it comes to eating and I always have to think of recipes which might be appealing to her. I found one such recipe on Easy Kids Recipes. So I thought I’d share this with you. Oh by the way, my eldest loves eggs and that’s the main reason I chose this one!

Breakfast Eggs Recipe - Fruity Omelet

2 eggs
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vanilla yogurt
1/3 cup fruit
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Combine eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Beat with a fork but don’t make it frothy. Heat oil on medium heat in a flared omelet pan. To test the heat, pour a drop of egg mixture to make sure it sizzles. Lift the skillet and tilt around to coat the skillet. Pour egg mixture and cook until edges are golden brown. Use spatula to separate omelet into quarters and turn one quarter at a time. Cook on other side until golden.

Drop a spoonful of yogurt and some fruit (strawberries,blueberries, peaches,or any fruit you like) in the center of each omelet quarter. Sprinkle with brown sugar.

Sounds really yummy? Yes it is! You’ve GOT to try this one. I’m sure the kids are going to be begging for more. Let me know if you liked this recipe!


]]> http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/recipe/easy-breakfast-egg-recipe/feed http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/recipe/easy-breakfast-egg-recipe Explosive Muscles for Dads http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyDadRocks/~3/Gj4tuLgo3_g/explosive-muscles-for-dads http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/fitness/explosive-muscles-for-dads#comments Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:33:48 +0000 Raj http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/?p=53 If your lifestyle was anything close to mine, you would hardly have time to work out and tone your body in the gym. So I thought of including a fitness section in My Dad Rocks so that we could all learn a thing or two. For starters, here is a simple routine you could follow [...] fitness workout tips for dadsIf your lifestyle was anything close to mine, you would hardly have time to work out and tone your body in the gym. So I thought of including a fitness section in My Dad Rocks so that we could all learn a thing or two. For starters, here is a simple routine you could follow for muscles that are all cuts and definition.

Do this workout on alternate days. On your days off, look to doing a little running or swimming for your cardio. I’m sure mom would love it if you stuck to this workout routine!

Circuit for Days 1 and 3

Use as much controllable weight as possible for the shortest execution time. Shorten the rest intervals between exercises and stop for no more than a minute between circuits.

Alternate one arm dumbbell power clean and press
Body weight Chin-ups (Close Grip)
Bench Press
Abdominal Crunch

Circuit for Days 2 and 4

Plyometric Squats
Body weight Chin-ups (Wide Grip)
Dumbbell Front Swing
Barbell Deadlift
Abdominal Crunch

I hope that you will enjoy your workouts and the most important thing is consistency. Once you have started a routine and strictly follow this routine, you will find yourself getting the results you want in no time at all. Maybe this could be your 2009 new year’s resolution after all!


]]> http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/fitness/explosive-muscles-for-dads/feed http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/fitness/explosive-muscles-for-dads Great Books For Dads http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyDadRocks/~3/02D7L1KR2D0/great-books-for-dads http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/tips/great-books-for-dads#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:33:56 +0000 Raj http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/?p=49 We all sometimes need help and motivation. Being a dad is not too easy at it is even more difficult to find male-centric books on parenting. Keeping this in mind I have shortlisted a couple of books here available on Amazon which would be a good read for dads. Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New [...] We all sometimes need help and motivation. Being a dad is not too easy at it is even more difficult to find male-centric books on parenting. Keeping this in mind I have shortlisted a couple of books here available on Amazon which would be a good read for dads.

Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads (Paperback)

Take your average guide for new mothers, chuck most of the stuff about breast feeding and ditch the deep background research and stats, then generously pepper with illustrations and burley humor and what do you have? Your average guide for new fathers. Be Prepared follows that template pretty closely, and that’s really quite an acceptable thing. Yes, there’s a bit too much emphasis here on broadly drawn manly stuff like changing a diaper at a ballgame, but there’s also heaps of useful advice that’s cleverly and efficiently presented for pops who, despite their best intentions, really aren’t prepared to dig into encyclopedia-sized tomes. The basics (childproofing, bathing, feeding, entertaining) intermix with nifty sidebars (homemade bath toys, foods to never give your baby, exercises for dads) in easy-to-peruse chapters organized according to the age of the offspring up to age 1.



Father’s First Steps: 25 Things Every New Dad Should Know (Hardcover)

Leading childcare experts Drs. Robert and James Sears draw on their experience as fathers and pediatricians to discuss 25 important aspects of new fatherhood, including supporting the mother during labor, bonding with baby, deciphering baby talk, being a good husband as well as a good father, and more. For anyone anticipating fatherhood with a mixture of joy and jitters, this reassuring book is the perfect resource. Drs. Robert and James Sears are fathers and pediatricians in private practice with their father, Dr. William Sears, one of the country’s leading pediatricians. Robert and James co-authored The Premature Baby Book and the best-selling The Baby Book. They appear regularly on TV and in print media as parenting experts and are active contributors to the Web site AskDrSears.com.

Hope you enjoy these books. Do let me know how you liked them.


]]> http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/tips/great-books-for-dads/feed http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/tips/great-books-for-dads The Birthday Party http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyDadRocks/~3/Pl5LRWvhc14/the-birthday-party http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/general/the-birthday-party#comments Tue, 21 Oct 2008 07:57:50 +0000 Raj http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/?p=46 What a weekend it was… organizing a birthday party for kids is surely draining and a real test in parenting. Of course we all had fun. Luckily my eldest’s birthday fell on a Sunday. Getting the birthday gifts, new dresses, a custom made cake and running around like an insane person on steroids was what [...] What a weekend it was… organizing a birthday party for kids is surely draining and a real test in parenting. Of course we all had fun. Luckily my eldest’s birthday fell on a Sunday. Getting the birthday gifts, new dresses, a custom made cake and running around like an insane person on steroids was what my experience was during the weekend. Of course, I had to also double up as the cameraman to cover the entire party while still remeinding the kids to not scream too loud.

At least the neighbors didn’t complain. But I’m guessing they’ve got used to the noise or they might have sound proofed their walls by now. I did hear some drills at work a few weeks ago - I don’t blame them at all. But nevertheless, the party was fun with lots of giggling and running and screaming. I must say that it is definitely for a good reason that birthdays come only once a year!

I got a nice little artist’s board for my daughter which she thoroughly enjoyed. The house was filled with gifts and toys from relatives and friends. Its unbelievable how much energy the little one has especially when she’s having fun. And she didn’t even have her afternoon nap. Of course before the party ended, she was all cranky and I didn’t have too much trouble putting her to bed. She was knocked out! And so was I!


]]> http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/general/the-birthday-party/feed http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/general/the-birthday-party Toddler Obedience - Cleaning the Toy Mess http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MyDadRocks/~3/oxm5QUiYjI0/toddler-obedience-cleaning-the-toy-mess http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/tips/toddler-obedience-cleaning-the-toy-mess#comments Thu, 16 Oct 2008 05:28:29 +0000 Raj http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/?p=43 Although I have always had fun going shopping with my eldest to shop for toys (nothing beats the pleasure of seeing that look on her face), I haven’t been very lucky in getting her to clean up her toys. It always looks like a warzone once she ha finished playing with her toys and turns [...] Although I have always had fun going shopping with my eldest to shop for toys (nothing beats the pleasure of seeing that look on her face), I haven’t been very lucky in getting her to clean up her toys. It always looks like a warzone once she ha finished playing with her toys and turns her attention to the TV. My poor wife has to try and convince my daughter to pick up her toys and it always seems to be a battle she loses.

But recently I came across this article on thedadjam. Head Jammer has outlined a few steps that you could follow to use your child’s reasoning to get her to clean up the mess. It certainly looks like a simple yet effective idea and I am yet to try it out. Reasoning with a 4 year old sounds really difficult but I guess I would never know until I actually try it.

Has anyone had any similar experiences? What about other techniques to follow? I’m guessing that my daughter will soon beat me at my own game even if she reasons with me for the first few times!


]]> http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/tips/toddler-obedience-cleaning-the-toy-mess/feed http://www.my-dad-rocks.com/tips/toddler-obedience-cleaning-the-toy-mess