Steve Biddulph's Blog

How Does a Slide Help a Child’s Development?

Every child is unique and develops peculiarly. Starting from childbirth to crawl, sit-stand, run, and walk, they show various developments physically and mentally. These developments just won’t come only with the foods they have. Apart from that, they require physical activities like playing, which makes them feel happy.

For example, if you take them to a park or a playground they just lead towards either slide, swing, or climbers with a smile and curiosity. Obviously, as parents, we just wish to see the happiness that overflows from your little loved ones. The primary use of all these activities will be beneficial to their entire body development.

 If your toddlers get a free-falling feeling from sliding down a slide is captivating. Children enjoy doing it over and over repeatedly. It’s such simple yet invigorating fun. Its noise as their butt hits the ground off the plastic ramp always sounds a little scary.

In this article, we are going to check out the benefits of a slide in child development along with the options of the best indoor slides for toddlers. According to the board certification safety certified small slides are safe under supervision. Parents did not put toddlers on larger slides just yet, but otherwise, they’re ready to play with. So either small or large parental supervision is mandatory for playing.

Does a slide help in child development?

To make this question interesting, we require a few vital explanations for parents to opt for the best indoor slides for toddlers. As they play either in a park or a ground naturally, the muscles get oxygen which leads to the production of endorphins. Endorphins develop a positive mindset healthily. Thus it creates a base for learning by the development of sensory organs.

Playgrounds are like social hubs for children that provide them with an opportunity to develop their socialism by interacting with other children. This helps a lot in the development of body movement and coordination in young kids. We give some vital developments of a child with the help of a slide below. 

Promoting Balance
Increasing Strength and Flexibility
Developing Social Skills
Increases Grip Strength
Boosts Spatial Awareness
Increases Coordination
Reduces Obesity


Benefits of slide in child development



A slide helps in bringing social interaction among kids and thus develops the sensory system of the brain.
It stimulates motor skills.
It develops hand and leg coordination known as fine motor skills.
Skills like muscle balance give the ability of the brain to function simultaneously.




What is great about a slide?

Children often have slower metabolic rates. A slide gives your toddler the flexibility to stretch their body. This provides strength to the hands and legs to move forward. This is one of the major developmental benefits of playing in a slide. Then comes the social development which keeps your children healthy in mind.

We give some social developmental skills important for your children below

Cooperation while playing in a slide
Sharing their turns
Patience to wait for their turns
Tolerance
Physical abilities

So investing in a versatile slide or climbing set is a worthy purchase for your little ones. Thus go for the best indoor slides for toddlers, which encourage toddlers to exercise without being affected by the weather. Indoor slides for toddlers are more joyful if you are having over one child.  

Awareness to parents

Safety is the topmost concern of every parent. These are the precautions taken while playing in a slide.

Sliding down with the child in lap is a risk, especially for infants under 18 months. We may think it may be safer to slide down holding the child, it isn’t.
It may lead to leg fractures happen when an adult slides down with their child on their lap.
This play should not end in distress. Parental supervision is always a need while kids play.
Safety – Considering the safety of toddler always check that the slide bordered by a barrier that is high enough to stop your child from falling off.   



Features of a slide

A slide with a ladder attracts toddlers to reach the top of the slide. As they climb the ladder with their hands and arms it builds strength for arms with body grip. Likewise, while leading to the top of the ladder by legs, it gives strength for legs with coordination.

It, therefore, assists the sense of balance thus developing the vestibular system of the brain. There are so many slides available, all offering unique features, from simple steps and slides with platforms to full jungle workouts.   

Flexibility

 Among the various slides, choosing the right product depends on the quality. Flexible options depending on your choice are available. The preferable choice is poly plastic make, which both outdoor and indoor. The one made of wood can be used only indoor. It’s cost-effective with high-quality standards, which last for a longer period.

Construction

First, avoid slides with any metals. Always purchase the indoor slides for toddlers that are fully plastic in construction if you are placing it outdoor. It is safer and long-lasting outdoor only if it’s plastic. If it is indoors, you can use either plastic or wood of your choice. Second, consider the construction time.  

Conclusion

Nowadays children started spending the entire day with much more technology and limit their time for physical activities. By getting the best indoor slide for toddlers, they will start showing interest to play more and avoid spending more time with gadgets. By playing in a slide they are giving a chance to develop tactile touch and vestibular balance by the brain. Sliding assists to develop these important systems of the brain. The slide is the favorite plaything for my kids in many playgrounds which assist the development of children. They are safe under parental supervision and thus provide them with things that make your toddlers happy, healthy, and secure.

The post How Does a Slide Help a Child’s Development? appeared first on Good Dads Great Dads.

How Much Solid Food for 6 Month Old

In the first 6 months of life, babies are exclusively breastfed. After 6 months, you should practice feeding your baby to get essential nutrients other than milk. Having to constantly change the weaning menu for 6 months to get them excited about weaning sometimes makes it difficult for you.

During the weaning stage, you should pay attention to the following: Pay attention to the scientific weaning menu for children to ensure adequate nutrition for 6-month-old babies, help children develop well physically and mentally. Check out the 6-month weaning menu with 9 nutritious foods from the following article of us, guys!

When should you practice weaning your baby?

You can offer solids when your baby is 4-6 months old. Previously, breast milk or formula milk was considered an essential source of nutrition for the child’s development . Children at this age, the digestive system is still not fully developed. Therefore, you should limit your child’s solid or solid foods. According to many published studies, you should only feed your baby after 6 months of age.

You should only practice weaning when your baby shows the following symptoms:

You can sit if you are supported: In order to develop a solid eating habit without the help of an adult later, you need to sit up to chew and swallow properly.
You can keep your head upright and stable without any help.
He knows how to squeeze and chew food with gums . You should not offer solid foods if your baby pushes food out of their mouths.
You can practice feeding babies when their body weight is double that at birth and at least over 4 months old.
Your baby needs to eat more even though you have breastfeed 8-10 times / day.
Babies seem interested, curious about the type of food. You may notice that your baby has strange behaviors such as staring at what you are eating and demanding food.

When starting to introduce solid foods, you can consult more about  weaning method and combine with the following information to develop the most scientific 6-month-old weaning menu:

Essential nutrients in the weaning menu for 6-month-old babies

After 6 months of age, babies need other nutrients besides milk. Therefore, you need to practice feeding your baby to get essential nutrients from food. As your baby gets used to weaning, you should feed him a variety of foods, especially foods that provide the nutrients he needs. Important nutrients for babies include:

Iron
Calcium
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Omega 3 fatty acids

Develop a 6 month baby food menu with 9 nutritious foods

When feeding your baby, you should give your baby the following 9 foods:

1. Butter

This is a great food for babies first time weaning. Avocados are high in fat and essential nutrients for healthy baby development. Butter contains vitamins A , C, niacin, folate and minerals like potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, calcium … This fruit is soft, smooth and creamy, so babies can easily eat. and good digestion.

You can prepare butter for your baby to enjoy in the following way:

Peeled avocado, remove lint and other broken parts (if any).
Cut the butter into small pieces, using a spoon or fork to mash it up.
You can add formula (mixed) or breast milk or water to make the butter liquid, smooth for easy swallowing. Alternatively, you can add cereal flour if you want a thicker, thicker paste.

2. Bananas

Bananas are also another great option for toddlers for the first time. Studies show that the banana’s mucous membrane can cover the stomach, making it easier for your baby to digest. Bananas have a sweet taste, which can help your baby get used to them the first time they eat solids. Bananas contain vitamins A , C, folate and minerals like potassium, phosphorus, selenium, magnesium and calcium … very good for babies.

You can cook bananas for your baby to enjoy in the following way:

Peel and ripen ripe bananas, use a spoon to crush them, use a fine sieve or you can also put them in a blender and puree. You can put the bananas in a microwave for about 25 seconds before grinding to make them soft and easier to grind.
Add breast milk, reconstituted formula or water to dilute the mixture, or add cereal if desired to make the paste thick.

3. Brown rice

If you want to make baby cereal yourself, make cereal from brown rice . Whole grains are a healthy, nutritious food for your baby and your entire family. Choose organic brown rice to make sure the grain doesn’t have pesticide residues.

You can cook brown rice for your baby to enjoy in the following way:

Material:

20g of rice flour made from finely ground organic brown rice
100ml of water.

Processing:

Boil water, add brown rice flour slowly and stir well.
Simmer for about 5 minutes and stir well.
Cold powder, you can add milk powder or breast milk or vegetables, finely ground fruits (if desired).

4. Pear

This fruit contains vitamins A , C, folate and minerals like potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium … very good for your baby’s development.

You can prepare pears for your baby to enjoy in the following way:

Peel, remove core, cut pieces, and blend into a blender until smooth. You can also use a spoon, fork pear and then use a fine sieve.
You can add water to make the mixture thinner. However, pears are fruits that contain a lot of water, so adding water is not really necessary. You can add more cereal to make it thicker if necessary.

5. Potatoes, sweet potatoes

You can prepare potatoes and sweet potatoes for your baby to enjoy in the following way:

Rinse the potato, do not peel, use a toothpick or fork to pierce a few holes in the potato.
Wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil and place in the oven and set to 400 degrees, bake for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Cooked or finely cooked potatoes, add water or milk to make a smooth, liquid mixture and feed the baby.

Or you can process it by the following method:

Using a double-edged potato knife, cut the potatoes into small cubes.
You steam the potatoes or the potatoes in the pot, pour water, then boil until the potatoes are soft. Note to check the water in the pot, do not let shallow water burn the potatoes.
Cooked potatoes using a spoon, crushed, fine sieve or puree.
Add water or milk so that the mixture achieves a smooth, smooth texture and then feed the baby.

6. Cereal

At the weaning stage, many babies love to eat solids, especially cereal flour. You can use ready-to-eat baby cereals from reputable brands. In addition, you can make your own cereal flour from rice, brown rice and beans … for babies.

When preparing baby cereal, you can mix it with formula, breast milk or water. Change the thickness or consistency of the cereal to match your baby’s ability to swallow food.

Whenever you feed a baby, make sure it is made specifically for young children. This will help ensure adequate nutrition your baby needs at this age and that the food does not contain too much salt.

7. Animal protein

If your baby is primarily breastfed, your baby may need to get extra nutrients from meats containing iron and zinc. At 6 months of age, your baby’s body can absorb the nutrients found in these foods.

Pork, chicken, beef, egg yolk, shrimp, white fish … are an excellent source of iron and zinc for babies during weaning. Note that you should feed your baby little by little and observe if your baby is allergic to any foods.

8. Foods containing vitamin D

Although scientists recommend that you should exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months after birth and maintain this as long as possible, did you know that breastmilk does not contain enough vitamin D that babies need? Therefore, you should supplement your baby with vitamin D to avoid diseases such as rickets .

Although sunlight helps stimulate the skin’s production of vitamin D, all children are wearing sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing when outdoors to limit the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. This causes skin to not be exposed to sunlight to produce vitamin D. Therefore, researchers have suggested that breastfed babies and formula drinkers should start taking vitamin D supplements as soon as possible. born by taking vitamin D supplements of 400 IU daily. Talk to your pediatrician to see how much vitamin D your baby needs.

9. Foods rich in iron

In the first 4 to 6 months, breastfed babies have no need to supplement with iron because the amount of iron in the mother’s body before birth is completely enough for the baby. After that period of time, the amount of iron stored in your body will gradually run out and your baby’s iron needs will increase as he grows up.

If during pregnancy, you have complications like diabetes or a baby born with a low weight or premature birth, your baby may need iron supplements . Ask your pediatrician for further advice.

In addition, researchers believe that babies who are not breastfed or breastfed only for a short time need to take iron-fortified formula from birth to 12 months. Researchers also discourage you from using low-iron fortified formula because they do not provide all the iron your baby needs.

Therefore, feeding your baby weaning helps him get additional iron from meats, fish, cereals, vegetables …

The post How Much Solid Food for 6 Month Old appeared first on Good Dads Great Dads.

How to Care for a Smooth Baby Skin

Baby’s skin is very delicate, sensitive, and easily affected by the environment. Here are some simple care tips you can do to help your baby get ruddy, smooth skin.

The first time you hold a baby born in your arms, you will feel your baby’s skin is dry, red, not smooth as what people often say “smooth like a baby’s skin”. Don’t worry, as your baby gets older, his skin will become smooth and soft. Your baby’s skin is very sensitive and may be affected by the environment. Here are some simple care tips you can follow to give your baby a smooth, rosy complexion.

Do not bathe your baby often

Bathing regularly can remove natural oils from the skin, helping to protect the baby’s skin. This can make the skin more vulnerable to dryness and can lead to eczema.

Babies’ bodies are not as dirty as you think they are, except when they are drooling and changing diapers, so bathing too often is not necessary. In the first month, a baby only needs to shower two or three times a week. For saliva and diaper areas, wash it off with water or mild soap made for the baby.

You should not wash your baby’s eyes unless directed to do so by a doctor. If your baby’s eyes are full of blisters, it is best to gently wipe them with a cotton cloth dipped with sterile, slightly cold water, using 2 different towels for both eyes.

Don’t worry about the white wax on your baby’s skin

After birth, your baby’s skin will have a layer of creamy white wax covered. Those waxes are called fetal sebum and they will naturally come off, you don’t need to run as hard.

You can use a baby comb to remove the dirt from your baby’s hair. This is an alternative to shampoo in the first weeks after your baby is born.

There is no need to use soap when bathing a baby

If your baby does not crawl much on the tile floor, you do not need to use soap to bath him. You just need to bathe with water and remember to wash your baby well in the skin folds such as the neck, armpits, and thighs.

If you use soap, use as little as possible, choose a mild, fragrance-free fragrance that won’t irritate your eyes.

Wash your baby’s clothes

Remember to always wash clothes before putting them on your baby, including new clothes, because you can’t know what the clothes are sticky or exposed to. You do not need to use special laundry detergent for your baby’s clothes, because most current detergents are not irritating to your baby’s skin. Therefore, it will be more convenient for you when your baby’s clothes use the same washing powder as the whole family. But if you want to be safer, you can use the right kind of washing powder for your baby.

Avoid the sun

Just like us, the baby’s skin is very sensitive to the sun, even more, sensitive than adults. When taking your baby out, put on baby sun protective clothing including hats, long sleeves, pants, and socks. You should choose lightweight materials so your baby does not overheat.

You should keep your baby in the shade always by using the roof of the stroller, umbrella, or standing under the tree shade. It is best to use sunscreen on the baby’s sun-exposed areas. You can ask the doctor what kind of sunscreen is appropriate for your child’s skin.

Moisturize baby skin

If your baby’s skin is dry or cracked, you can also use moisturizers designed specifically for her delicate skin. You can also use natural oils, such as olive or almond oil, to moisturize your baby’s skin. However, some products can cause allergies or contact eczema in children. You should consult with your doctor or pharmacist to choose the best product for baby skin.

Avoid giving babies an insect bite

Currently, some insect repellents slightly irritate the baby’s skin. You can give the medicine to your hands, then rub it on your baby’s skin, avoiding them into the baby’s eyes or mouth.

Take care of the diaper area

Wearing diapers throughout the day causes confusion and rubbing between diapers and skin, which can irritate your baby’s skin. To overcome this, you should clean the diaper area with water whenever changing a baby’s diaper, using good absorbent diapers to keep the skin dry and clean. In the case of diaper rash, redness much, please take your baby to see a dermatologist for the best treatment.

In general, to care for a baby’s healthy skin, you should follow the principle of “little effect means protection”. This means you should shower less, use less soap, wear diapers for a short time. If you need to use any baby skin products, you should consult your doctor before use.

The post How to Care for a Smooth Baby Skin appeared first on Good Dads Great Dads.

What Is the Cause of Cradle Cap in Babies?

Most of the parents are finding a better way to treat cradle cap problem in their baby’s scalp without any negative side effects. They have to know about the causes, signs and symptoms of the cradle cap in babies at first. Once they have explored the latest collection of shampoos for the cradle cap problem in babies, they get loads of choices and require the professional guidance to pick and purchase one of these shampoos. They can contact and discuss with the experts to choose the best baby shampoo cradle cap. This is because they have to narrow down a list of baby shampoos mostly suggested for the treatment of the cradle cap in babies.

Basics of the cradle cap in babies

Cradle cap causes oily or crusty scaly patches on the scalp of the baby. Though this condition on the scalp is not itchy or painful to the baby, this problem can cause thick yellow or white scales which cannot be easily removed. In general, cradle cap problems in babies clear up on their own in a few months or weeks.

As a parent of the baby with the cradle cap problem, you have to be conscious about how to take care of your baby and cure this health problem as quickly as possible. You can prefer and buy the shampoo particularly made of high-quality ingredients to enhance the scalp of the baby in all the possible ways.

Most of the parents are finding a best baby shampoo cradle cap brands on the market and get the complete assistance and make a well-informed decision to buy the appropriate shampoo.  Parents who wash their baby’s scalp daily with the high-quality shampoo can loosen and remove the scales. They have to avoid their approach to scratch the cradle cap in any situation. This is because this approach worsens the problem.

You may have used the shampoo to heal cradle cap and failed in your efforts. You can contact a doctor when the cradle cap problem in your baby seems severe. Your doctor will prescribe the medicated lotion, shampoo or treatment for the cradle cap problem.

Signs of the cradle cap in babies

New parents are unaware of the cradle cap signs in their baby. They have to understand and remember the main signs of the cradle cap in the baby. The following details explain you these signs.

Possibly low redness
Skin flakes
Dry or oily skin enclosed with the flaky yellow or white scales
Patchy scaling or solid crusts on the scalp

Cradle cap is common not only in the scale of the baby, but also in the groin, nose, eyelids and ears of the baby. Some people who are aware of some skin problems in babies like the atopic dermatitis may get confused with the cradle cap. They have to keep in mind that the main difference between the cradle cap and other skin problems in particular atopic dermatitis is no itching sign in the cradle cap. They must immediately contact their doctor when they do not support their baby to heal cradle cap at home and the cradle cap spreads to the face or body of the baby.

Causes of the cradle cap

Many women search for the causes of the cradle cap problem in their baby. This is because they have decided to get rid of possibilities of cradle cap.  There is no known cause for the cradle cap in babies. However, medical professionals consider that some hormones pass from the mother to the baby prior to birth may cause too much oil production in glands and hair follicles which lead to the cradle cap. Malassezia is yeast which grows in the sebum together with the bacteria. If your baby suffers from the cradle cap caused by this fungus, then you can make use of the best baby shampoo and antifungal treatments such as ketoconazole.

Reasonable prices of high-quality baby shampoos of top brands on the market give ever-increasing interests for many parents to take note of pros and cons of these shampoos. If you read testimonials from buyers of baby shampoos of well-known brands known for the cradle cap treatment, then you can get an overview about how to properly heal cradle cap in your baby within a short period. You have to keep in mind that cradle cap is not caused by poor hygiene and contagious in nature.  You must spend enough time to research well-known brands of shampoos made of the best elements to take care of the scalp and hair of the baby in all the possible ways.

Buy and use the high-quality shampoo

Regular updates of the baby shampoo in the cradle cap treatment category not only attract parents, but also encourage such parents to directly find and buy the suitable shampoo. You can contact and discuss with doctors specialized in the cradle cap treatment soon after you have noticed the cradle cap in your baby. This is because you must follow the professional guidelines to cure this scalp health problem in the baby as quickly as possible.

Ads regarding the shampoo designed for infant seborroheic dermatitis these days get the maximum recognition among parents of newborns worldwide. You can focus on these ads and read unbiased reviews about such shampoos one after another. You have to be conscious about how to be safe and successful in your baby’s cradle cap treatment.

The latest researches regarding the cradle cap in babies worldwide reveal and make certain that one in three babies get the cradle cap. There are so many reasons behind the scalp and skin problems in babies. However, an exact cause of the cradle cap problem in the baby is unknown so far.

It is the suitable time to buy a high-quality shampoo suggested for the cradle cap treatment. You can discuss with an experienced medical professional with a specialization in the best treatments for cradle cap. You will get the best guidelines about how to use home remedies such as baby shampoo at home to heal cradle cap within a short period.

The post What Is the Cause of Cradle Cap in Babies? appeared first on Good Dads Great Dads.

Validate Your Children

When travelling on public transport we always need to validate our ticket by swiping on and or swiping off. This makes the ticket valid for that trip.

Our children look to us as their parents to validate them as valuable, contributing and worthwhile human beings. We “swipe on” by encouraging our children, being attentive to them, spending lots of meaningful time with them, one to one, as well as altogether as a family.

When we make the effort to attend their sporting or creative events and show genuine interest in their hobbies and pursuits we are adding to this validation.

When you write notes of affirmation or send them a hand written letter that communicates our love to them that is letting them know how much they mean to you that is validating them.

A boy wants to know above all things that he measures up as a man in his father’s sight and that he is loved unconditionally by his mother.

A girl likes to know that she is a princess in her Father’s eyes and that she is loved and emotionally connected to her mum.

Take a moment to ask yourself, “What have I actively done this week to affirm, encourage and lift up my child?”

In other words, “Have I validated my child as someone that is of enormous value to me this week and is a truly wonderful human being just because they are who they are?

PS. Unlike a train or bus trip, you never actually swipe off as a dad.

Once a dad always a dad.

The post Validate Your Children appeared first on Good Dads Great Dads.

Validate Your Children

When travelling on public transport we always need to validate our ticket by swiping on and or swiping off. This makes the ticket valid for that trip.

Our children look to us as their parents to validate them as valuable, contributing and worthwhile human beings. We “swipe on” by encouraging our children, being attentive to them, spending lots of meaningful time with them, one to one, as well as altogether as a family.

When we make the effort to attend their sporting or creative events and show genuine interest in their hobbies and pursuits we are adding to this validation.

When you write notes of affirmation or send them a hand written letter that communicates our love to them that is letting them know how much they mean to you that is validating them.

A boy wants to know above all things that he measures up as a man in his father’s sight and that he is loved unconditionally by his mother.

A girl likes to know that she is a princess in her Father’s eyes and that she is loved and emotionally connected to her mum.

Take a moment to ask yourself, “What have I actively done this week to affirm, encourage and lift up my child?”

In other words, “Have I validated my child as someone that is of enormous value to me this week and is a truly wonderful human being just because they are who they are?

PS. Unlike a train or bus trip, you never actually swipe off as a dad.

Once a dad always a dad.

 

malwhite.com.au (live soon)

malwhite.com.au

New website is under construction

I am using the GDGD site  temporarily to gear up for my new website.

Mal White is a Business and Organisation Growth Coach (BGC).

He works with you and your team to increase your market reach and your market share.

Whether you want to:

build your leadership capacity
strengthen and improve team development
identify, review and / or realign your professional values, strengths and strategies
expand your brand
increase your revenue through improved client engagement and sales

Mal will coach you and your staff to reach further and enjoy greater success.

Mal’s Track Record

Starting his first business at 15 and then building 6 more personally owned businesses, writing 3 books and many published articles, together with a blog with a reach expanding across 106 countries, Mal has literally pounded the pavement and knocked on thousands of doors to get his ventures off the ground.

In 2003 Mal was engaged by World Vision to develop a strategy to establish a new national mentoring program for Aussie kids needing support. He was given the task to work with WVA staff and to oversee the National Marketing and Promotion activities required to build what is today Australia’s largest and most influential mentoring program. (according to independent research by Griffith University).

Mal has worked with Tech startups, Allied Health Professionals setting up their new practice, Mission Australia to establish a new national program addressing homelessness, CBM and The Australian Government’s Superannuation Complaints Tribunal.

Since 2012 Mal has worked with a technology company to increase their market share by over 65% and their income by several million dollars.

Mal has worked with dozens of Not For Profit organisations also to help them increase efficiencies through automating many of their business processes, reduce their operational costs and increase their client engagement.

Mal’s intellectual property on How to make Growth Happen is available to you and your business or organisation.

As a Certified Business and Executive Coach, Mal typically works alongside you and your team for 12-24 months.

As an educator by background he also understands how to empower people to learn and then apply their new knowledge for immediate and measurable results.

What others have said:

“Mal’s coaching and strategic input helped us develop our 5 year vision and action plan. The leadership course he took our senior staff through was excellent and favourably received by all.” Jocelyn Furlan, Chair – Superannuation Complaints Tribunal.

“Mal White is a credible voice in our society, an excellent communicator.” Tim Costello – past CEO World Vision

“One of the best communicators I have ever heard.” Alan Dunn, Chaplain -Essendon Football Club.

“Mal’s book needs to be read by every dad in Australia.” Warwick Marsh,  National Director – Fatherhood Foundation of Australia.

An inspiring story from a Dad

Hi Mal,

Thank you for sharing your ongoing story with us Dads.

Its nice to see your blog back and see you have pulled through a very tuff time.

Your story puts things right into perspective for me. Looking at our own lives, it makes you think about how important the simple things in life really are. Those everyday moments that we have with our children, especially whilst it is just a fleeting moment they are young. With the pressures of work and ever changing happenings in our lives – it is challenging. Your story is inspiring and uplifting to see that you are doing well now and remaining so positive. Well done Mal! Its such a credit to you.

I remember meeting you at Eastwood primary school and enjoying your discussions, I will never forget that time and will treasure it. Soon after that night I enrolled my son in guitar lessons and included myself in his practice lessons. Its been almost 18 months now and we have been spending time together consistently to learn this great instrument. All inspired from that night with you. When I think back I can still hear your playing in my head today.

The time spent with my 11 year old son has been so enriching and rewarding and our relationship has grow so much from this common interest. Doing this has switched me off from those everyday pressures and brought us a lot closer. Not only has this effect my son’s and my relationship it has contributed to a loving and bonding family time with the rest of the family. Onto of this we are getting damn good at playing.

Take care Mal and thank you, keep up the great work, your message is positive and enlightening!

Ken D

What a powerful story, I am inspired.

What new hobby might you take up with your child?

The post An inspiring story from a Dad appeared first on Good Dads Great Dads.

An inspiring story from a Dad

Hi Mal,

Thank you for sharing your ongoing story with us Dads.

Its nice to see your blog back and see you have pulled through a very tuff time.

Your story puts things right into perspective for me. Looking at our own lives, it makes you think about how important the simple things in life really are. Those everyday moments that we have with our children, especially whilst it is just a fleeting moment they are young. With the pressures of work and ever changing happenings in our lives – it is challenging. Your story is inspiring and uplifting to see that you are doing well now and remaining so positive. Well done Mal! Its such a credit to you.

I remember meeting you at Eastwood primary school and enjoying your discussions, I will never forget that time and will treasure it. Soon after that night I enrolled my son in guitar lessons and included myself in his practice lessons. Its been almost 18 months now and we have been spending time together consistently to learn this great instrument. All inspired from that night with you. When I think back I can still hear your playing in my head today.

The time spent with my 11 year old son has been so enriching and rewarding and our relationship has grow so much from this common interest. Doing this has switched me off from those everyday pressures and brought us a lot closer. Not only has this effect my son’s and my relationship it has contributed to a loving and bonding family time with the rest of the family. Onto of this we are getting damn good at playing.

Take care Mal and thank you, keep up the great work, your message is positive and enlightening!

Ken D

What a powerful story, I am inspired.

What new hobby might you take up with your child?

Playgroups for Dads

Welcome to the Good Dads Great Dads blog. There are more than 100 articles I have written for you on this site covering many aspects of being a dad. Enjoy a scroll through them and I’m sure you’ll find something that will encourage you today.

 

 

 

 

 

Playgroups.

I recently had the privilege of meeting and spending some time with Ian Coombe, CEO of Playgroups Queensland (PGQ). PGG have an impressive 1000 playgroups meeting on a weekly basis. What an incredible achievement and good on all those people facilitating these playgroups.

I was inspired by Ian’s vision for developing men’s playgroups. Thinking outside the square of 9-5 when most dads are at work, Ian is promoting men’s playgroups that can take place on Saturday morning, Sunday afternoon or any alternative time that works for dads, their kids and their families.

PGQ are aiming to promote “Blokes with Little Folks” groups. Ian says the benefits for men being able to enjoy interaction with other dads in the midst of sandpit fun, playground frivolity, finger painting and story reading are invaluable. I agree.

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting weekly for an hour or so to have fun with a small bunch of dads and their kids is a great activity for many reasons.

Here are a few I can think of;

1. Make new friends.

2. Be able to encourage other dads in their fathering.

3. Have a good laugh.

4. Enjoy just having fun with your children in the company of other dads doing the same.

5. Observe how other dads interact with their children and pick up a few tips.

6. Give mum a break.

7. Cultivate your relationship with your child.

8. Its good therapy and who doesn’t want that?

9. You may find you get some support when you face some of life’s challenges through the camaraderie and mateship that develops and vice versa.

10. You will get some physical exercise as a bonus.

To find out if there is a dad’s playgroup near you or to get help to start one up contact your state playgroup body.

Here are some of their websites;

Vic; http://www.playgroup.org.au/

Tas; http://playgrouptas.org.au/

NT; http://www.playgroupnt.com.au/

ACT; https://www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/act/

SA; http://www.playgroupsa.com.au/

WA; http://playgroupwa.com.au/

Qld; https://www.playgroupqld.com.au/

NSW; http://www.playgroupnsw.org.au/