Episode 50 has the theme about stress.  As dads, how can we reduce stress and manage it in our daily lives?  We make a return to our segment structure within the episode. Alan and Jason start with a Dad’s Debate.  Do children have more stress than parents?  Kids don’t typically have the tools to understand how to deal with stress.  One suggestion is within Stuff To Do.  The guys suggest to meditate with your child.  There are great guided meditations on YouTube.  It will benefit you and your child.  In the SuperCharge segment, we introduce Bal Yoga for kids.  It takes the kids through poses for A through Z.  They follow along in a book and can watch a DVD.  For the Dad’s Homework, the guys suggest to meditate or do yoga with your child at least 1 time within the next 7 days.  In the Battlefield, we discuss how kids show symptoms of stress which is often irritability, moodiness, complaining, crying, withdrawal from activities and changes in sleeping or eating patterns.  The suggestion is to try one of these 5 techniques: Have them get some extra sleep Take a deep breath.  I learned to have them smell a flower, blow out the candle Start an art project Go outside.  Make time for play Hug them The guys finish up the episode with the Quote of the Day from Annette Funicello, “Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful”.  Jason now has this up on his refrigerator at home. SEGMENTS Welcome & Intros (0:00) – Working from home depression Dad’s Debate (4:48) – Do children have more stress than parents? Stuff To Do (11:10) – Meditate with your child SuperCharge (15:52) – Bal Yoga for kids. Dad’s Homework (18:54) – Meditate or do yoga with your …

Life hacks are shortcuts to make things easier in your life.  In this episode 49, the guys provide 39 Life Hacks for Dads.  These are tips and tricks that fathers can use to make their lives just a little easier with their kids. Going to a public place and scared to lose your kid?  Put a sticker or tape on your child that has your phone number – If you are going to public place Need organization in the car for kids stuff?  Tie a shoe caddy on the back of your car seat to hold dolls, games, etc. Children can’t reach the sink to wash their hands?  Either get a stool or cut a shampoo bottle and to extend the faucet Avoid kids hands getting messy with a popsicle – use a muffin cup to prevent dirty hands Need a door stopper – use a pool noodle Ladder for bunk bed uncomfortable – use a pool noodle Springs on a trampoline too dangerous when exposed, wrap them with a pool noodle Always losing bibs, can’t find them for meal time? Put a hook on the back of the high chair Don’t want to have your child interupt your video game?  Give them a fake controller that is not connected Having trouble with kids helping sweep up?  Put an area of colored tape and have the child sweep into the area – Make it a game Trouble getting your daughter’s hair into a ponytail? Use a vacuum Bath the baby in a laundry basket in the bathtub so toys stay close Use vinegar on burns – prevent blisters and ease the pain Use a lint roller in your play room or craft room to pick up glitter or other small pieces For those in hot places, use a small spray …

Manners are not something you are born with, they must be taught.  The reality is that many people really don’t have good manners.  In Episode 48, Jason’s 7 year old son Kasen joins in the discussion.  We do know it’s important to start early.  Studies show that we can start teaching children manners at about 18 months as they begin to be aware that other people have feelings.  The article we discuss in the podcast is from Parents.com. Not being taught manners can be problematic as they go off to school and begin to deal with other people.  We do know that it doesn’t happen overnight.  Manner smust be taught over and over.  Also, monkey see, monkey do.  If you want your kids to have manners, you must display them first.  Like many other parenting aspects, consistency is the key. There are 4 Basic areas of Manners Basic Table Manners What to expect: By age 3, your child should be able to eat with a spoon and fork, stay seated at the table for 15 to 20 minutes, and wipe his mouth with a napkin. What to do: During toddlerhood, use a no-break plate; encourage him to use his utensils; discourage him from throwing food by telling him, “We don’t throw food on the floor. If you don’t want any more, please say ‘no thank you.'” Please and Thank You What to expect: An 18-month-old may be able to say the words but not necessarily grasp their true meaning. By 2 1/2, kids can link the word to the concept. What to do: If your child hasn’t gotten into the habit, gently prompt him by saying, “What do we say after we get a gift?” or “What do we say when someone gives us a treat?” Sharing What to …