No one likes boring, dads don’t like it and kids don’t either. So what’s the solution, a dad upgrade, dad 2.0? I always find it good to switch from the normal and challenge the status quo. I want us as dads to start stepping out of the box and doing things we are uncomfortable doing.
Even as a child, I was always shy. I remember this skit I played in my church, many years ago, I was maybe 10 or 12 years old. I played the King, a well-scripted play I might add. When it was time to kiss the queen I froze, head bowed like a wilted flower.
We should mitigate these uncomfortable moments as adults, teaching our little ones not to be afraid of the unknown. There is a list of ten things we will be talking about today. I intend to try at least a quarter of these on the list.
Full transparency: There are a few items on the list that I have started and will do in my spare time to make my full-time gig, but we will get to those later.
Embrace the Curiosity of Learning
Learning doesn’t stop when school ends; it’s a lifelong journey. Showing a love for learning can light a spark in our kids’ hearts, teaching them the importance of constant evolution.
At the age of 40 plus, I am learning daily how to run and support a small and upcoming business with all the intricacies it entails. Picture it like planting a seed that continues to flourish over time, and your actions can be the sunshine it needs to blossom.
Learn to Play an Instrument
Have you ever dreamed of strumming a guitar under the stars or playing soothing tunes on a piano for your family? I have a nephew who taught himself to play the piano and guitar, learning by ear, he afterward went to university and received a bachelor’s degree in music.
For dads learning to play an instrument is a beautiful thing. It gives you more opportunities to sing along with the family, or in church perhaps.
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Learning a new instrument tends to enhance certain skills your skills in everyday life. With some practice and patience, you might find yourself becoming the rock star dad your family always admired.
So why wait any longer? Grab that guitar or sit at the piano. Let the music flow, and embrace the new melodies of your parenting musical solo.
Take a Cooking Class
Let’s be real, who doesn’t like showing off their culinary skills either by choice or on purpose? I have a bunch of family who are nothing short of foodies, and there is competition and trash-talking daily.
Even when it comes to preparing variations of food for the family to keep it fresh and interesting, children really appreciate variety. Imagine the aroma of a freshly baked pie wafting through your home as your little one hugs you tight, knowing they will get a piece of the pie in return. That’s the power of taking a cooking class.
Mastering Knife Skills: The Beginner’s Guide to Cooking
For a stay-at-home dad like me, cooking is more than just preparing meals—it’s a way to connect with my family, create memories, and pass on traditions. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to model independence and creativity to the kids.
Cooking classes might be an excellent opportunity for both novice and experienced cooks, there is always more to learn. Not only do they teach new recipes and techniques, but they also provide a chance to bond with fellow parents, sharing parenting stories. This is one of those activities that can truly enhance your life as a dad.
Start a DIY Project
DIY projects are great outlets for dads to do stuff they really enjoy. Living near the beach in Mexico there was always something to fix. In this instance, I want to talk about things that Dad wouldn’t mind doing uninterrupted for hours. I love cars, working on cars, watching F1, and even going to my friend’s garage and helping him fix other people’s cars.
Some dads might enjoy fixing a leaky faucet, building a treehouse, creating a piece of furniture or diving into a random project. DIY projects offer a special kind of satisfaction, a chance to use your hands, and see your ideas come to life.
They can also be a touching way to carry forward a father’s legacy, reminding us of those Sunday mornings spent in the garage, learning from our dads. Plus, these projects you enjoy give your mind a break from everything going on in life. A sanity break.
Join a Public Speaking Group
I once heard a joke by Jerry Seinfeld stating that public speaking is the number one fear for most people and the second is death. So in that sense, folks would prefer to be in the casket than giving the eulogy?
Public speaking is indeed the number 1 fear of most people and rightly so. Most of us are self-conscious enough when we leave the house wondering who is looking at us, or judging what we are wearing.
For dads aiming to boost their confidence and communication skills, joining a public speaking group can be a beneficial step. Being part of such a group would help to articulate your thoughts better but also bring out a version of you that might have otherwise been subdued.
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Get into Martial Arts
In honor of the wise and steadfast guidance you often impart, taking a swing at martial arts and learning about self-defense might do you some good. It’s a journey that stirs the soul, nurtures discipline, and rekindles the strength within.
For parents embracing this path will transform the body and the mind, offering a rich wave of benefits woven into the fabric of fatherhood. In this day and age, we are wound so tight that there is no place or time to unwind and unplug.
You don’t necessarily have to have a black belt but being a different type of protector for the family is a story you would enjoy hearing the family boast.
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Take Up Photography
cHave you ever thought about seeing the world through a different lens, being a shutterbug? Photography is a powerful way to capture moments, tell stories, and even develop a sharper eye for detail. It’s not just about snapping pretty pictures.
For the most part, no one enjoys taking in the pictures until it is time to reminisce. As someone who invested some time and finances into photography, to be more specific being a model there is a lot to learn. It’s about lighting and angels and timing.
The most difficult part of photography is expressing yourself in a shot or two or three. The secret to taking great pictures is to know the subject of the picture. Focus on the subject and zoom in until it fills the frame.
Explore Astronomy
When was the last time you stood under a sky full of stars and allowed your imagination to take you for a spin? For many dads caught up in the daily hustle, stargazing might seem like a forgotten hobby.
It’s like stepping into a vast cosmic theater where every twinkling star tells a story. Let’s journey through this celestial wonderland and discover how it can enrich your life.
Photo by Mazin Omron
A Stargazing Adventure with Your Kids
Growing up in the Caribbean and being a part of Patherfinders, we learned about the stars, planets, constellations, and everything in between. Even though my children aren’t in Pathfinders they find it very interesting and encourage me to do it more often.
Some nights we would look up and spot The Big Dipper or Little Dipper or Orion Belt, or even the random shooting star. Activities like this are an opportunity to chill out and spend time with the little ones.
It can be planned but often the best times are spent when it’s spontaneous. Don’t get me wrong; smores and chocolate over a firepit also make for a good time.
Participate in Improv Comedy
This comes back to the public speaking point again, but improv comedy is public speaking on steroids. In public speaking, your intention is to maintain the attention of the audience, which is easy enough, well not, but you know what I mean. Improv comedy is attempting to invoke laughter in the crowd, that is hella scary.
I apologize, it sounds like I am trying to dissuade you from improv, I promise you I’m not. It’s about embracing spontaneity and learning to think on your feet.
As a dad, you face unexpected moments every day, much like an improv scene where the script is unwritten, and you must craft something out of thin air. Take a crack at it you might find that improv has a wealth of lessons waiting for you on and off the stage.
Start a Podcast or Blog
Like I said at the beginning, I started a blog a few years ago about my journey as a Stay-at-Home dad and the things had to overcome on a daily basis. My intention for this blog is for two reasons 1, to let dads know they are not alone and 2, to grow a community of like-minded dads who just want some tips but mostly encouragement.
The podcast is something I am mulling over intently at the moment, it would help me to discover my voice and it would be like inviting friends into my living room for a chat. It would allow for both parties to engage in;
- Personal experiences: Moments that touched your heart or changed your perspective.
- Lessons learned: Mistakes that turned into powerful lessons.
- Parenting tips: Advice born from trial, error, and success.
Finding your voice might be difficult at first, but remember, it’s just like talking to a friend. Let your personality shine; you’ll find that others are drawn to authenticity.
Learn a New Language
Trying something new is like opening a door to a whole new world and that world was Mexico. We often focus on providing for our children’s needs, but sometimes it’s essential to nurture our own curiosity too.
In my case, I needed to learn the local language in the country which is the best way to learn a language, immersion. Although I took Spanish in school I never took it seriously and now I regret it. It is still a fun journey to learn and experience Spanish in such a beautiful environment.
Picking up a new language as a hobby is incredibly useful for understanding and engaging with different cultures. This skill opens doors to new experiences, allowing you to connect with people from different backgrounds.
It can enhance travel adventures, enabling more meaningful interactions and a better appreciation of local customs and traditions. It also equips you with tools to access literature, films, and music in their original form, offering a more authentic experience.
So there you have it, my top 10 things dads can do to shift things around and move the needle. Each step you take is a chance to grow and be different. Don’t procrastinate, take that first step today toward the bilingual or improv comedy dad.
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What are you waiting for? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
