O.K. Dad, it¡¦s time to get going with a whole new set of fun time activities with your son. No matter what the age is of your son the list is endless of activities. In this article I am going to help make a list for you. Perhaps these ideas are exactly your cup of tea, but have you tried? In any case, I am sure that once you read this list, you can come up with your own set of ideas. So mom, this would be a great article to print out and put next to your husband¡¦s cereal bowl!

Toddlers:
„Ï Spread a big soft blanket in the backyard and pack a lunch. Bring some playpen toys so that the two of you can play a little after lunch. How about taking a nap on the blanket after play time? No, not you, but the baby can sleep, you can pretend!

„Ï Time to load up in the stroller and take a walk to the park. Too far away to walk? Ok, then drive, play on the kiddies¡¦ swings, but then take a walk around the park. You would be amazed how much children just love to look at things around them. Leaves, birds, shiny things. They are amazed by nature.

„Ï Rainy days call for an inside fort. Take blankets, sheets and kitchen or dining room chairs and make a huge fort that the two of you can crawl around in. Then, perhaps you would like to have snacks in your fort.
Elementary School Age boys:

„Ï Pitch a tent in the backyard so your son can get used to not sleeping in his own bed. Get a battery operated lantern, ghost stories from the web or a good book, sleeping bags (or blankets will do), and a flashlight to make funny faces. You can grill hot dogs outside and make smores at night.

„Ï How about picking your son up and going through a drive through and taking your lunch to the park. It is so much better than just bringing it home. Sit on a picnic bench and squish French fries through your teeth. Then play on the swings, slide down slides or play catch.

„Ï This is the time to teach your son how to catch a ball. How to watch it come towards him without turning his head and being afraid of it. The first time your son plays catch, IT IS NORMAL for him to turn his head, shut his eyes and miss. And guess what, it¡¦s going to happen quite a few times! There is nothing wrong with him, it just takes practice.

„Ï Perhaps you and your son are not outdoorsman or sports people. That¡¦s fine. Remember though, fresh air and exercise is essential for your son in order to grow strong. It is necessary for pulmonary function, muscle maturity, and a strong heart. Get out there with him! But back to the inside activities. Chess is an excellent game for dad and son. It is a thinking game, strategy and a thought process is necessary. Other board games are great as well. There is always fun when dad asks how to play a son¡¦s favorite game station game.
Older boys:

„Ï Spring time, so much to do for older boys and their dads. What about fishing? What happens if dad doesn¡¦t know how to fish? Great, learn together. Let your son realize that you don¡¦t know everything about everything and learn some things together. Take away a little mystery and intimidation from the father figure and let him be human.

„Ï Camping. The internet offers great web sites for state and federal parks. The beauty is untouched; the grounds are often wonderfully kept up along with restroom facilities. No one has to be Daniel Bowie and go into the woods with a knife between their teeth. Most camping areas will offer swimming, hiking, biking, and fishing. Cook dinner outdoors, sit around a campfire. It is amazing what kind of deep conversations come from sitting around a fire.

„Ï Get out there and shoot some hoops Dad! Kick the soccer ball, grease up your old baseball glove. You need some air and exercise! You don¡¦t have to make it an all afternoon game if you don¡¦t have the time or the stamina, but show your son you are interested in what he does to relax.

„Ï Not into sports huh? Well what do you know about cars? Does your car need an oil change? Does your son¡¦s? Let¡¦s get the car ready for spring. Change the oil, flush the radiator, check for plugs and wires, and check the windshield wipers. Good things to know when you own a car!

Dads, don¡¦t let these activities intimidate you. If you don¡¦t know it, learn it. If you know it, share it. Laugh at yourself. If you make a mistake, laugh! Allow yourself to be human. It will allow your son to be human and less intimidated. Have a great time with your son!

Be Blessed