Take time to be a dad today!
Here are some ideas for easy, free or low-cost ways to spend quality time with your kids. Use the filter on the left to find activities appropriate for your children's ages.
Saying 'thank you' to your children not only lets them feel loved and appreciated, it also helps teach them the importance of showing thanks to others. How? Say it, spend time together, or give them a card.
Terribly Funny
Do you know what the loudest pet is?
A trumpet.
August 2-8 is deemed National Exercise with your Child week. Summer is winding down. Carve out 15 minutes or less every day to complete these challenges together with your kids. Parents - the best way you can get your kids interested in moving more is by moving yourself. Even better, do something together. Get babies involved by just holding them while moving, or holding their hands as they are starting to walk. If you are not physically together, share a video of each of you exercising.
In the United States, Parents' Day is held on the fourth Sunday of July which this year is July 26. On this day each year, Americans recognize outstanding parents, celebrate the teamwork in raising children, and support the role of parental guidance in building a strong, stable society. So, celebrate with your kids and give yourself a pat on the back for being a great parent! #NationalParentsDay
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month. He also established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday in the month which this year is July 19. So, go out with your kids and have some ice cream! If you live in the New York or San Francisco areas, visit the Museum of Ice Cream. Be adventurous and try a flavor you have never had before. If you can’t go get ice cream together in person, send a gift card, or find a time to talk about your favorite flavors, shops, and stories involving ice cream! #NationalIceCreamMonth
The CDC's "Amazing" Books for Children can help. They're fun for your child, but also help you track their development as you move through the series, making them educational for you both!
Challenge your kids to a friendly, active competition like tag or touch football. Consider inviting their friends, and their parents, to join the fun. Be supportive of everyone's efforts. You'll help build healthy habits, good sportsmanship, and strong relationships.
For young kids, building skills around reading can be more than just stories at bedtime. These PBSKids Reading games work on creating words, making songs, decorating cakes, writing your own comic book, and more. Try some out tonight!
Babies enjoy strong color contrasts and when outside will look at tree leaves against the sky. Have you and your child sat under trees and studied the silhouettes of their leaves? What could you see in the shapes of the sky peeking through them? What shapes could you find in the clouds? Can you stargaze where you live? You may want to visit a planetarium if there is one nearby.
Check out NRFC's DadTalk Blog post, "8 Apps to Build Kids' Literacy Skills," for ideas. All apps are free or low-cost and help kids explore the wonderful world of reading.
Organize a "Clothes Swap Potluck" with neighbors and friends to swap gently used children clothes. Kids can go ‘shopping’ for items that are new to them, and parents can save some money on brand new items.
Dynamic Dads are the ones that take action! Dads that spend time, show love, and encourage healthy behavior in their children. Play tag, read together before bed, or hug your children for no reason other than they are near you.
Terribly Funny
Do you know what the loudest pet is?
A trumpet.