This is a guest post from John Hughes on fun activities Dads can do with their children.
I’m always aware of how fast my kids are growing, and I want spend as much time with them as I can before they become teenagers with a permanent attachment to their mobile phones and iPods. It isn’t hard to find an activity that kids will find fun…the challenge is finding something that both you and your children can enjoy together. Here are a few fun activities for you to do with the kids – no mums allowed!
Get active
We all know that Aussie kids on average tend to be a little soft around the edges (literally). As a dad, you want to make sure that your kids are healthy, so kill two birds with one stone and enjoy some quality time with the kids outdoors doing something active. Whether it’s throwing a Frisbee, kicking a ball around or climbing trees, just get the little critters on the move and work off a bit of that puppy fat. They’ll get fitter and enjoy a healthy dose of fresh air and vitamin D. As a dad, that’s your job. Resulting mud and grass stains… well, that’s Mum’s job.
Cook up a storm
Spending time getting your kids to achieve something is its own reward, but a delicious treat at the end is a nice little bonus! Kids love creating things, so why not teach them a useful skill while they’re at it? Download a recipe, dust out the aprons and get the kids making something simple and scrumptious. They’ll love to see their handiwork taking shape and then getting to eat it. As long as you clean up afterwards, I can see this one getting the tick of approval from Mum as well. They could make great little domestic sous-chefs in the future as a result of the work experience you’ve given them. Just be sure you supervise anything involving heat, fire and knives.
Bushwalking
Hit the great outdoors and take the kids out on a trail. See the animals and plants and immerse yourself in the wilderness for a while. The solitude will give you plenty of time to talk with the kids and build some character; plus, every dad wants to show off their Bear Grylls skills. Just as long as you don’t end up drinking your own urine and don’t have to confront too many life and death situations, it should be a fun experience for the kids.
Doing it for the kids
While I wouldn’t mind checking out places to buy used cars on the weekend, there can be plenty of time for that later. Your kids won’t be kids forever though, so savour every moment you can with them!
