quick clicks

dads today articles

dads today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Out and About!

Educational, Fun and Fit Outings with Dad

By Teri Brown

Pet stores are another wonderful learning opportunity. Beyond just your normal array of barking puppies and cute kitties, pet stores now carry a variety of animals such as exotic birds, rodents and reptiles. Depending on the age of your child, you can find out what kind of care each pet needs or where they originate from. Most of the personnel are more than happy to give mini tours and talk about the animals.

"Any place where other kids congregate is a wonderful place to teach kids social skills," says White. "Playgrounds, 'Daddy and Me' classes, libraries, bookstores all involve socialization. I think the simplest and most frequent social activity is just play dates at other stay-at-home dads' houses."

Restaurant play areas are another good place for your children to meet and play with other children. Learning to make friends with children they don't know is a good skill for your child to develop. Just remember that it may take a while. However, fast food isn't the healthiest food alternative, so you may want to go after lunch and enjoy a yogurt parfait with fruit instead.

Social outings are perhaps the easiest to arrange for your children, as any public activity geared for children is bound to have a social component. Playgroups, library programs, athletic clubs and classes offered through your local parks and recreation district will offer your children valuable social time as well.

Having an objective in mind can help you get the most out of your outing, and even those that don't turn out exactly the way you planned can be a wonderful learning tool. Fun family outings are a wonderful way for dads to teach their children about the world around them and can create family memories that can last a lifetime.