So I was helping Mr. Z with his math homework, this afternoon, and it mostly consisted of converting metric measurements from one size to another, like kilograms to grams or millimeters to centimeters and shit like that. At first I was like, "ah, no fucking problem," but as I was trying to explain it to him, my withered synapses fucking seized up on me and I found myself rapidly spinning down some bottomless numerical vortex, and I began second-guessing every answer and well, frankly, it got pretty ugly pretty quick.

We made it through to the other side with only a few tears (and he was pretty upset, too) and then we closed the book and I let him watch some Spongebob so that any trace amounts of understanding he may have gleaned from our little study session were instantly erased and replaced with "GAAAAHHHHHHH!" ... read more >>

A new study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse says the key to keeping your kids off of drugs is to be a “hand-on” parent. What does that mean?

Well, these parents monitor their kids’ TV-watching and Internet use, they put restrictions on what music their kids buy, they know where their kids are after school and on weekends, and they give regular chores to their children.

How about you?

Warmly,

Mark Brandenburg

Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC
mark@eqnow.org
www.markbrandenburg.com
www.eqnow.org
Phone (+1) 651-766-9976
"Helping Men Succeed" ... read more >>

The American Association of University Women Foundation found that the number one concern of girls ages eleven through seventeen was how to say "no" to sex in an emotionally-charged relationship. And while this isn’t the most comfortable conversation you could have with her, it may be one of the most important. It might also be wise to talk with your son about how they treat girls and what you consider “appropriate” behavior for him at that age.

Have you had those kinds of conversations? There’s no time like the present.

Warmly,

Mark Brandenburg

Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC
mark@eqnow.org
www.markbrandenburg.com
www.eqnow.org
Phone (+1) 651-766-9976
"Helping Men Succeed" ... read more >>

What every New Dad needs to know and then discover what a great Dad you are!

And what every New Mom needs to know – or she’ll make it hard for you to be the Dad you want to be!

It’s been a slow change – who’s to blame – no-one really – we (Midwives, Obstetricians, Health Professionals) were just too busy looking after Mom and Baby – that sometimes we just didn’t see the Dad sitting in the background – unsure of what he could do.

Of course there were Dads who always promised themselves – that they didn’t care if it was not a blokey thing to do – they were going to change nappies/diaper, they were going to bath their baby, they were going to sing to their baby – they were going to tell their baby great stories about great footballers, or great men they knew – they were going to be a part of their baby’s life – and they couldn’t wait to get started – from the minute they could – they would be there – helping Mom in every and any way they could – they were going to have a special relationship with their child. Maybe they felt that their own Dad never cared – but whatever the reason – they were going to make sure that their baby got to know them – in a loving way – in a way that would be special to both of them – for the rest of their lives. These fathers were few and far between – but nowadays – things are different! ... read more >>

In today’s busy world, many parents have lost the art of telling their stories to their kids. Here are some reasons why these stories are so beneficial:

1. Use them to teach lessons about life.
Stories will stimulate conversations with your kids more effectively than lecturing or “trying to get them to talk. There are a lot of issues happening for your kids these days, and stories give them a chance to reflect on them.

2. Stories connect your kids with previous generations.
In a society that seems to have families spread out all over, it's vitally important to have ways to have your kids feel connected to their extended families.

3. Stories stimulate your kids’ imagination.
One of the best ways to prepare your kids for the world is to engage them in vivid stories that stir their imagination. Kids who are exposed to these kinds of stories will be the creative problem-solvers of the future. ... read more >>

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy said, “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” To many people 40 years ago, hardship was a badge of honor because it was the foundation of great accomplishment and a refiner of character.

Today, unfortunately, many of our young people seek only to do the easiest and most convenient thing. They bear some responsibility for their mindset, but so do many of us as parents with our basement-level expectations. So dads, let’s encourage our kids to do hard (not impossible) things because they are capable and because we refuse to indulge them with low aspirations.

Posted with permission from www.allprodad.com



... read more >>

Seventy-nine percent of parents demonstrate they they want to learn more about how to be more involved in their childrens education. Seventy-seven percent of parents also think their children's teachers could learn more about involving parents in their children's learning.

Partner the above statistic with studies showing a correlation between parent participation in the classroom and successful students, and the complex problems of the nation's school system would seem to be solved.
However the obvious is not always that simple.

"Parents want to help but are often afraid to do anything," says Jane Anderson, a New York Public School teacher and parent of two school age children. ... read more >>

Research has shown that dads are much more likely to engage in active physical play with their preschoolers than mums. Physical activity not only helps children develop and self- confidence and a healthy body image, but also directly links with brain development.

According to Prof. Robert Winstone, of Imperial College London, male caregivers have an important role in active physical play with their children. They tend to extend children in the physical arena. Learning to take risks, within safe limits, transfers to other learning situations.

“The first 5 years is the time when the brain is developing rapidly and learning pathways are being formed,” says Sophie Foster, co-author of a new book ‘Move Baby Move’. ... read more >>

The 32nd president of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was related either by blood or by marriage to 11 former presidents. And the majority of Americans are 15th generation descendants from the Mayflower Pilgrims. It’s important for you and your children to know your ancestors. Yet very few of us can even name our great, great grandparents.

So why not assign your kids some homework this summer to find out more about your predecessors? There are many great resources on the Web. Also, have your kids ask their grandparents more about family history and write everything down for your future descendents to benefit.

For a list of questions for grandparents, click here.

Posted with permission from www.allprodad.com



... read more >>

Fred started swimming lessons last week so everyday from 5:30-6 we can be found lounging out by the city’s public pool. When we first started kicking over the idea of Fred learning to swim a couple of things immediately came to mind. 1) We are talking about my son so do we really want him to learn how to swim when walking down the hall without tripping over his own feet is still a problem? I mean I’m 32 and I still fall all the time. 2) Our idea of swimming lessons involves people in red one-piece bathing suits ala Baywatch with whistles around their necks which they use to keep in the kids in order. ... read more >>