
I took my 2 year old daughter to her playschool a few weeks ago. In many ways it was a blast from the past as I had taken my now “big boy” 4 year old son to the very same location when he was two years of age. The owners/operators were still the familiar friendly duo of ladies singing tunes, creating crafts, doling out snacks, and finishing up with story time. Even the parents in attendance gave me a striking feeling of deja vu as the faces may have changed but the characters remained the same. Yet there was a distinct difference. I was not the rookie parent in the room anymore. At four and half years into parenthood, I felt the confidence and swagger of an experienced veteran Dad. “Step aside rookie parents, Big Poppa’s in the house!” Yet my glorious self-coronation as King of all Dads would need to wait. My daughter threw down the gauntlet by declaring in no uncertain terms, “Daddy, I have a squishy diaper!”
Dadbloggers
Active Indoor Activities for Kids in the Winter

Bitingly frigid weather poses pitfalls for young and old alike. As a parent of young children though, the challenge lies in how to keep your active kids entertained indoors when the temperature becomes too extreme outside. They’re bound to get cranky due to boredom unless you engage them with compelling activities. Therefore, the CuteMonsterâ„¢ team has come up with a list of ideas to diminish the possibility of kids plunging into cabin fever meltdown.
Sick Days Gone Forever?

When you’re a father of young children you will inevitably discover the foolhardy endeavor of taking a sick day. This holds true for whether you work at an office or are a stay at home Dad. Sure you can plan to take time off to recuperate. But when you have young children residing in your humble abode, their expectations of receiving undivided attention remains unfettered by a parent’s state of health.
Lying To Your Children

My entire life I’ve been told to tell the truth. The noble premise imparting “the truth shall set you free” forever ingrained in my mind. The memorable tale of George Washington admitting his complete guilt in the cherry tree massacre resulting in his personal transformational epiphany that truth holds more power than any lie. All wonderful deeply profound concepts I treasured. Then I had children. As they’ve grown more aware of the world and their surroundings, the use of the “little white lie” has gained prominence. That’s right folks, I lie to my kids. And I do it because I love them.
Eating Lunch Outside

It was a simple idea really. Eating outside with my 4 year old son. Nature’s very own showcase dazzling our senses by means of fresh air, vibrant colors, rich sounds, a chance meeting with a lady bug, and an industrious ant carrying a leaf 3 times its size.
Remembering the Play in Playground

I went to the playground over the weekend with my 3 year old son. Quite frankly I felt tired, irritable and hazy courtesy of the latest flavor of antihistamine potion taken to combat seasonal allergies. My son on the other hand, a veritable explosive comet streaking across the playground universe, descended upon his kid nirvana ready for adventure. He stormed the playground apparatus racing up the steps, dashing across the bridge, then hurtling his agile frame down the slide. Filled with excitement, he playfully implored me to “Catch me Daddy! Tag your it!” Yet I was too consumed with my state of health to chase him so I passed on his request. Uncharacteristically, I allowed my mood to dictate my response.
Darwin’s Playground

Attended a baptism party recently. On the surface, one would guess such a gathering would be a low key family event. Little did I suspect the combination of an empty dance floor, balloons, eight or so kids ranging in age from 2 to 10 and a copious amount of sweets could erupt into a cage match of epic proportions.