ML Interest Tag: father

Dear Husband: I Need More Help from You

By Celeste Erlach

Dear Husband,
I. need. more. help.

Last night was hard for you. I asked you to watch the baby so I could go to bed early. The baby was crying. Wailing, really. I could hear him from upstairs, and my stomach knotted from the sound, wondering if I should come down there and relieve you or just shut the door so I could get some desperately needed sleep. I chose the latter.

You came into the room 20 minutes later, with the baby still frantically crying. You placed the baby in the bassinet and gently pushed it just a few inches closer to my side of the bed, a clear gesture that you were done watching him.

I wanted to scream at you. I wanted to launch an epic fight that very moment. I had been watching the baby and the toddler all damn day. I was going to be waking up with the baby to feed him all damn night. The least you can do is hold him for a couple of hours in the evening so I can attempt to sleep.

Just a few hours of precious sleep. Is that too much to ask?

I know we both watched our parents fulfill the typical mother-father roles growing up. Both our mothers were the primary caretakers and our fathers were relatively hands-off. They were excellent dads, but they weren’t expected to spend a significant amount of time changing diapers, feeding, caring, and tending to the kids. Our mothers were the superwomen who maintained the family dynamics. Cooking, cleaning, and raising the children. Any help from dad was welcome but unexpected.

I see us falling into these family dynamics more and more each day. My responsibility to feed the family, keep the house clean, and take care of the kids is assumed, even as I return to work. I blame myself for most of it, too. I have set the precedent that I can do it. And in truth, I want to. No offense, but I’m not sure I want to know what a week’s worth of dinner would look like with you in charge.

I also see my friends and other moms doing it all, and doing it well. I know you see it, too. If they can manage it, and if our mothers did it so well for us, why can’t I?

I don’t know.

Maybe our friends are playing the part in public and secretly struggling. Maybe our moms suffered in silence for years and now, 30 years later, they simply don’t remember how hard it really was. Or maybe, and this is something I berate myself over every single day, I’m just not as qualified for the job as everyone else. And as much as I cringe just thinking it, I’m going to say it: I need more help.

Part of me feels like a failure for even asking. I mean, you do help. You are an amazing father, and you do a great job with the kids. And besides, this should come easy to me, right? Motherly instincts, no?

But I’m human and running on five hours of sleep and tired as hell. I need you.

In the morning, I need you to get our toddler ready so I can care for the baby and make everyone’s lunches and drink a cup of coffee. And no, getting the toddler ready does not mean plopping him in front of the TV. It means making sure he goes potty, giving him some breakfast, seeing if he wants water, and packing his bag for school.

At night, I need an hour to decompress in bed, knowing our toddler is asleep in his room and the baby is in your care. I know it’s hard to listen to the baby cry. Believe me, I know. But if I can watch and pacify the baby for the majority of the day, you can do it for an hour or two at night. Please. I need you.

On weekends, I need more breaks. Times when I can get out of the house by myself and feel like an individual. Even if it’s just a walk around the block or a trip to the grocery store. And some days when I’ve scheduled swim class and play dates, and it seems like I’ve got it all under control, I need you to offer to lend me a hand. Or suggest I go lie down during the kids’ naptime. Or start putting away the dishes without me suggesting it. I need you.

Lastly, I need to hear you’re grateful for all I do. I want to know that you notice the laundry is done and a nice dinner has been prepared. I want to know you appreciate that I breastfeed at all hours and pump when I’m at work when it would be easier for me to formula feed. I hope you notice that I never ask you to stay home from your networking events and sports activities. As the mom, it’s assumed I’ll be home all the time and always available to care for the kids while you’re out and I feed that assumption by, well, being home all the time.

I know it’s not how our parents did it, and I hate even asking. I wish I could do it all and make it look effortless. And I wish I didn’t need kudos for doing things most people expect from a mom. But I’m waving a white flag and admitting I’m only human. I’m telling you how much I need you, and if I keep going at the pace I’ve been on, I will break. And that would hurt you, the kids, and our family.

Because, let’s face it: You need me, too.

This post originally appeared on And What a Mom!

Hi! I’m Celeste. I consider myself a relatively new mom with two boys ages 4 and 2. Other titles I go by include: wife, health & wellness coach, marketing guru, avid reader (self-help books are my favorite), writer, travel/adventure seeker and fitness nut.

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54 Easy Riddles (& the Answers That Go with Them) Perfect for Kids

by Amber Guetebier

Looking for some fun riddles for kids to keep those little minds sharp? Or maybe even a few hard riddles for kids? We’ve found kid-friendly puzzlers just right for your family. Share these riddles for kids with answers on the way to school or over dinner. And for even more, check out this adorable kid’s book.

Don’t stop here! Check out our trivia for kids and our ultimate list of jokes for kids for more fun.

What is a riddle?

A riddle is a brain-teasing question with a hidden meaning or answer requiring creative, out-of-the-box thinking. The answers are often things you wouldn’t think about, so be sure to take your time solving these easy riddles for kids!

Why should you share riddles with kids?

Riddles, and other brain teasers like hidden word puzzles, sudoku, and crossword puzzles help keep the brain sharp and help to develop problem-solving skills and creativity. Plus, it’s just fun to ask kids funny riddles and see their reactions!

One-Word Answers for Easy Riddles

1. What has hands but cannot write or clap?

A clock.

2. What has stripes and goes through the air?

Hint: It sometimes goes on the ground, too!

A basketball.

3. I am yellow, and I write, and my mate is white. What am I? 

A pencil.

4. What gets wetter the more it dries?

A towel.

5. What has a neck but no head and arms but no hands?

A shirt.

6. Remove my skin and I won't cry, but you might! What am I?

An onion.

7. What kind of ship has two mates but no captain?

A relationship.

8. I'm taller when I'm young and shorter when I'm old. What am I?

A candle.

9. What is always right in front of you, yet you cannot see it?

The future.

10. What has a tongue but cannot talk?

A shoe.

11. What is easier to get into than out of?

Trouble.

12. What always ends up broken before you use it?

An egg.

13. What begins with T ends with T and has a T in it?

A teapot.

14. What breaks as soon as you say its name?

Silence.

15. If you threw a yellow stone into a blue sea, what would it become?

Wet.

16. What number is odd until you take away one letter; then it becomes even?

Seven.

17. What runs but cannot walk, has a mouth but no teeth, and has a bed but cannot sleep?

A river.

18. There is one word spelled wrong in every English dictionary. What is it?

Wrong.

19. What goes in your pocket but keeps it empty?

A hole.

20. What has legs but cannot walk?

A chair.

21. I sometimes run but cannot walk. You follow me around. What am I?

Your nose.

22. What word begins and ends with the E but only has one letter?

Envelope.

23. What do you find at the end of a rainbow?

The letter W.

Related: Here Comes the Pun: 300+ Best Jokes for Kids

dad and daughter laughing at easy riddles
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24. What are two things you can never eat for dinner? 

Breakfast and Lunch.

25. I can be cracked or played; told or made. What am I?

A joke! 

26. I give you one, and you have two or none. What am I?

A choice. 

27. What has four eyes but cannot see?

MISSISSIPPI 

28. What belongs to you but is used most often by everyone else?

Your name. 

29. I fall but I never get hurt. What am I?

Snow. 

30. What's full of holes but still holds water? 

A sponge. 

31. What has a bottom at the top?

Legs

Related: 18 Unique Facts About the Wright Brothers

Riddles for Kids with Long Answers

little girl telling her little sister an easy riddle
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32. A man holds $5.50 in his hand but only has one coin. How is this possible?

He has a $5 bill and one 50-cent piece. 

33. How many months of the year have 28 days?

All of them (they all have at least 28 days). 

34. When is "L" greater than "XL"?

When you use Roman numerals.

35. What is always on the dinner table but you cannot eat it?

A plate. (Or a fork, etc.)

36. What can you hold in your right hand but never your left hand?

Your left hand. 

37. A cowboy comes into town on Friday. He stays two nights at a local hotel. He leaves on Friday. How is this possible?

His horse's name is Friday.  

38. A woman is sitting in his cabin in Minnesota. In less than three hours, she's in her cabin in Texas. How can this be?

The woman is a pilot and she's sitting in the cabin of her airplane. 

39. What is as big as a hippo but weighs nothing at all?

A hippo's shadow. 

40. What bank never has any money?

A river bank. 

41. How do you make the number “one” disappear?

Add a “g” and it is “gone.”

42. If an electric train is traveling 60 MPH and going against the wind, which way will the train's smoke drift?

There is no smoke from an electric train. 

43. Why did the kid bury his walkie-talkie? 

Because the batteries died. 

44. Two fathers and two sons went fishing. They only caught 3 fish, but they caught one fish each. How is this possible?

It was a grandfather, a father, and a grandson/son. (Both the grandfather and father are fathers and both the father and grandson are sons). 

Easy Riddles Submitted by Readers

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45. I am loved, for I am sweet

I come in many forms

but I’m always a treat

before apple and after cotton

dentists contend that I’ll

make your teeth rotten

What am I?

Candy

—from young reader Gloria, age 8

46. There was a circle house. There was a chef, a nanny, a butler, two children, and a maid. The boy child was found dead. The nanny said she was playing with the girl, the chef said he was cooking dinner and the maid said she was dusting the corners. So who killed the boy? 

The maid because she was lying about dusting corners. A circle house has no corners. 

—submitted by Joshua Y., age 9

47. What has a head and a tail but no body?

A coin. 

—Young reader Katelyn

48. Mr. Red and Ms. Red live in the red house, Mr. Purple and Ms. Purple live in the purple house. Who lives in the white house? 

The President! 

—from young reader Gwen I

49. If you feed me, I grow, but if you give me water, I die.

Fire

—Young reader Sai Sri Vallabh

50. What has a mouth, a bed, and always runs? 

A river. 

—Chase, age 9

 

Riddles for Brain-Teasing Fun

51. What five-letter word gets short when you add two letters to the end? 

Short.

52. What type of cheese is made backward? 

Edam

53. A cat wants to get in better shape. She’s going to start by climbing the stairs. Starting on the fourth floor, she climbs up five stories, down seven stories, up six stories, down three stories, and up four stories again. What floor is she on?

The ninth floor.

54. There was a blue one-story house in a nice neighborhood. Everything in it was blue—the walls, the carpets, the furniture, and even the dog! What color were the stairs?

There are no stairs because it's a one-story house.

 

 

 

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15 Things to Teach the Whole Family about MLK

by Amber Guetebier

Make sure your kiddos know that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is about more than a day off of school

Your little dreamers naturally understand the power and importance of having hopes and wishes, so learning facts about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his “I Have a Dream” speech is a tactile way to help kids understand the significance of who MLK Jr. was. Help the kids learn more about this chief spokesman for nonviolent activism, civil rights, and the end of racial segregation.

Bee Calder on Unsplash

1. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on Jan. 15, 1929. His birth name was Michael but was changed to Martin by his father (who also changed his name) in 1934 (after Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s).

2. At 14 he won a contest with a speech about civil rights. 

3. He started college when he was just 15.

4. He worked for a newspaper as one of his first jobs.

5. Stevie Wonder wrote his song "Happy Birthday" to help build on the campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a national holiday. He asks a simple question throughout the song, “Why has there never been a holiday where peace is celebrated throughout the world? The time is overdue.” 

6. According to the King Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. was jailed 30 times for charges such as civil disobedience.

7. MLK Jr. was awarded 20 honorary degrees.

8. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was instrumental in getting the Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed. This act outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It made it illegal to segregate based on race in schools, the workplace, and public accommodations (or facilities that serve the general public including hospitals and libraries). It may be hard for your kiddos to believe that there was once a time when children could not drink from the same drinking fountain or use the same bathroom because of the color of their skin. MLK fought to end that.

9. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in April 1964.

10. Martin Luther King Jr. married Coretta Scott on June 18, 1953. The ceremony was performed by his father, Martin Luther King Sr. Coretta had the vow "to obey" removed from the vows, which was almost unheard of at the time. 

11. MLK Jr. and his wife had four children: Martin Luther King III, Bernice King, Yolanda King, and Dexter King.

12. His "I Have a Dream" speech was not his first at the Lincoln Memorial. He gave a speech there on voting rights in 1957.

13. He survived an attempt on his life in 1958. He was stabbed with a letter opener by Izola Ware Curry. He underwent hours of emergency surgery. Surgeons said one sneeze could have punctured his aorta and killed him.

14. Martin Luther King Jr.'s mother was killed six years after his murder. She was shot while playing the organ at church.

15. One of the best ways kids can understand what he was all about is by listening to his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, which he made on Aug. 28, 1963. Kids of any age can listen and read along through this link. 

Unseen Histories on Unsplash

After listening to the speech, ask your kids a few questions to help them grasp the magnitude. Here are a few suggestions:

  • What does it feel like to be excluded? Have you ever been excluded from something?
  • What is a slave? What does it mean to be enslaved?
  • What was the emancipation proclamation? 
  • What is something you can do to make others feel more included?
  • Can you think of a time when you saw something wasn't right, and you spoke up?
  • What does the word "community" mean to you?
  • What do you love about your community?
  • Is there one thing you can do each day to help others?
  • What are the big things you'd like to change in the world?
  • What is your big dream?

with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

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11 Important Things Dads Should Say to Their Sons

by Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

These should all make an appearance in future father-son talks

From simple, everyday interactions to more serious, big-picture issues, there are important life lessons we dads can—and should—share to help a young boy grow into a courageous, honorable, and kind adult. That said, we realize that not all families include fathers, so these words of wisdom for a father-son talk apply to any parent figure who wants to help their child stand a little taller and do good in the world.

I’ll always be here for you.
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. Reminding your son that you always are available to him and mindful of his needs will go a long way in establishing and building trust over time. Mindful parenting means being present in the moment and aware of what’s happening. Modeling positive, supportive behavior while your son is young will show him that good men are reliable and responsible.

Treat others with compassion and empathy.
The Golden Rule may be a simple principle to follow, but teaching empathy can provide a deeper framework for how people should behave regardless of circumstance. Fostering empathy can help young boys to find commonalities between themselves and others who are seemingly different—and encourages them to positively and proactively think about and care for others.

Related: Daughters (Who’ll Conquer the World) Need to Hear These 8 Things

father-son-talk-playing-basketball
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Winning is great, but losing with grace and humility is just as important.
Good sportsmanship is a beneficial trait that goes well beyond what happens on the playing field. By teaching our sons how to win and lose with dignity, we’re giving them strong interpersonal relationship skills that will serve them well in many other aspects of their lives besides sports. Telling them that the main point of competition is to have fun will alleviate the feeling of needing to win at any cost, and allows them to enjoy themselves.

Surround yourself with people you admire.
Dads can’t always pick our son’s friends, but we can encourage them to choose their friendships wisely. Find out who your son admires and who his heroes are, and you’ll quickly discover the kinds of people he wants to emulate. Real friendships are fundamental in early childhood development, so teaching our sons how to find good friends and be good friends will help guide them in the right direction.

I can teach you how to throw a punch, but never start a fight… and always know when to walk away.
A parent should teach their son when to stand their ground and when to walk away. Establishing a baseline that it’s never appropriate to hurt others for no reason is a critical, essential first step.

Never make an important decision on an empty stomach.
Over the course of a young boy’s life, he’ll have to make many important decisions. These are just warm-ups to the big ones that he’ll have to make as an adult, and every dad knows that important decisions should never be made on an empty stomach. There’s a science to explain why people become grumpy or have poorer judgment when they are hungry. Remind your kid to have a full belly before making any major decisions.

It’s OK to play with dolls.
Or dress up as Beyoncé. Or sing like Beyoncé. Or dance like Beyoncé. By the time most boys are five years old, they’ve already learned lots of things that perpetuate toxic masculinity. Break the cycle by letting your son know that there are no such things as “girls-only toys” or “girls-only behaviors.” Instead, teach your son that there’s more than one way to be a man.

Honesty matters.
Whether it’s telling the truth about a broken window/bike/toy or speaking up against bullies, honestly is always the best policy.

What was the best part of your day?
At the end of a long day of work and school, many dads will simply ask their sons, “How was your day?” And the typical response is a bluntly delivered, “Fine.” Rather than try to start a conversation with a generic question, be specific. Avoid questions that can be answered with a single word. As our kids get older—particularly as they enter their tween and teen years—they may be less inclined to volunteer information about what’s happening in their lives. Asking pointed questions will help tease out what’s really going on and what’s really on their minds.

Let’s talk about sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
Because if you’re not the person who’s initiating conversations with your son about topics as important as these, then someone else inevitably will, and that someone else may not always have your kid’s best interests in mind. There are plenty of resources to help parents talk to their kids about sensitive and sometimes awkward topics. At the very least, make sure your son has a handle on the basics from the school of rock.

I’m so lucky that I get to be your dad.
And while you’re at it, tell your son that you love him every day, and give him lots of hugs and kisses, especially while he’s still young so that he gets used to receiving affection from (and giving it to) his old man.

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18 Unique Facts about the Wright Brothers

by Amber Guetebier

Did you know the Wright Brothers’ path to flight started with a toy?

Do you know when the first airplane was flown, and where? Known as the pioneers of modern flight, the Wright Brothers were inventors from a young age. In fact, their road to being the first to launch a controlled, engine-powered airplane began with a toy from their dad. Read on for 18 cool facts about the Wright Brothers you might not already know. 

learning interesting facts about the Wright Brothers
Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons

1. Yes, they were actually brothers. Wilbur Wright was born on April 16, 1867, and Orville Wright was born on August 19, 1871.

2. They decided who would fly first with a coin toss. Wilbur won the toss, but his first attempt failed. Orville went second and managed to fly for 12 seconds. 

3. Their mother, Sarah, was very mechanically inclined. Her own father was a carriage maker, and she spent a lot of time in his shop. She made her own appliances as well as toys for her children. The Wright brothers consulted their mother’s advice regularly as they designed their own machines.

4. In 1878, when Wilbur was 11 and Orville was 7, their father gave them a helicopter-like toy to share. It was based on an invention by Alphonse Pénaud and was made of paper, bamboo, and cork with a rubber band to twirl the motor. The brothers later said this toy was the beginning of an obsession with flying machines.

5. A little-known fact about the Wright Brothers was that neither brother ever married.

Wikimedia Commons

6. In 1889, Orville and Wilbur started a newspaper printing business. In 1892 they opened up a bicycle repair shop. They designed their own bicycle with custom features like an oil-retaining wheel hub and coaster brakes, things still used today in modern bikes. 

7. One of the newspapers they printed, The Tattler, was for the African-American community in Dayton, Ohio.

8. The Wright Brothers made life-sized copies of their beloved helicopter toy with the intention of making an aircraft that would hold them both.

9. They also made gliders of increasing size, which they tested over several years and flights. These glider planes put to test theories about wing-warping. By twisting the wings in different directions, they began to see how an airplane could be controlled.

10. On Dec. 17, 1903, the brothers successfully launched the world’s first airplane. The Wright Flyer I. It was made of spruce and had propellers and a specially designed engine cast mainly from lightweight aluminum. It was the first controlled and powered flying machine that could fly with the weight of humans. From this design, the modern airplane was born.

ohn T. Daniels [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

11. The Wright Flyer I cost about $1000 to make.

12. They tossed a coin to see who would fly first, and Orville won. 

13. The Wright Brothers only flew together once (though both piloted the planes individually): on May 25, 1910, they took a six-minute flight piloted by Orville with Wilbur as his passenger.

14. On that same day in May, Orville took his 82-year-old father, Milton, on a seven-minute flight. They flew at a height of about 350 feet.

15. The Wright Brothers established the world's first test flight facilities (which is now known as Wright Patterson Air Force Base) near Dayton, Ohio. 

16. One fact about the Wright brothers is that neither brother attended college or even obtained a high school diploma.

17. When Neil Armstrong took his world-famous trip to the moon, he had pieces of fabric from the 1903 flyer in his spacesuit. 

18. Ohio and North Carolina often battle over which state is truly the "birthplace of aviation."

Related: 47 Quirky & Fun Science Facts for Kids

 

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16 Easy Homemade Father’s Day Card Ideas

by Allison Sutcliffe

Show Dad the L-O-V-E this year with a crafty card made at home

Father’s Day is nearly here! To celebrate the amazing job your special dad does every day, why not celebrate with one of these homemade Father’s Day card ideas? You don’t have to be a master crafter or daring DIYer to make one, so dust off your crafting stash and check out some genius Father’s Day cards!

That’s Not My Daddy Card

This adorable handmade Father’s Day card idea is pretty easy, and it’s definitely one he’ll want to keep. Have your kids pick out the character they want to use, and have fun with it.

Handmade Father’s Day Card

This one takes the concept of a handmade Father’s Day card literally. It’s easy to recreate and lots of fun for the kids.

Coolest Popsicle Card

 

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The kids will have fun with this one! Not only is it a creative Father’s Day card, but it’s also a fun project to make.

Bomb Pop Father’s Day Card Idea

This Bomb Pop card is a super cute and easy way to make a card your kid’s “pop” will love! Also, take the perfect opportunity to follow it up with actual yummy Bomb Pops afterward.

Handyman Heart Card

 

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This homemade Father’s Day card idea perfectly fits the bill for the handyman in your life.

Cricut-Made Father's Day Card Idea

A Cricut homemade father's day card idea
Karly Wood

Is the dad in your life into everything? This DIY card is the perfect fit! Made with a Cricut Joy, we snagged this completely free design and let this mini machine do all the work. Peppered with images of outdoor activities, and typical dad icons, this card will perfectly communicate about your fave father.

The Greatest Gift (Card)

A Lowe's father's day card
Lil’ Luna

For DIY-obsessed dads, we love this easy idea from Lil’ Luna. It’s a free printable, so all you have to do is print it out, cut it out and stick it on the gift card of your choice.

Crayon Father's Day Card Idea

A hand-colored "I love you," a homemade father's day card idea
Solis Plus One

Get your little one involved in making this simple homemade Father's Day card idea from Solis Plus One. Tots can go to town filling the page with color. 

ASL Homemade Father's Day Card

A sign language father's day card
Delia Creates

Emojis are so yesterday. Use sign language to tell Dad how you really feel about him. Delia Creates has designed stylish (and free) downloadable templates that your sidekick can use to choose just the right message to tell Dad how much he means to everyone. It’s almost too easy! 

The Story of His Life

A father's day card that says "my dad is rad" is a good homemade father's day card idea
Hello, Wonderful

Timepieces like this creative fill-it-out-yourself booklet designed by Hello, Wonderful are what memories are made of. Your guy will forever cherish the innocently hilarious answers his kiddos give to creative questions like, “the most fun thing I’ve done with my dad is…” and “my dad smells like…”.

Happy Father's Day Paper Banner

Strung letters that are a homemade father's day card idea
Modern Parents Messy Kids

Surprise Dad when he walks through the door on his special day with this colorful card that doubles as a banner. Let him slowly pull out the greeting, like a magician pulling an endless string of hankies from his sleeve. Then hang it across the mantle, so Dad really gets the message. Skip over to Modern Parents Messy Kids for the tutorial.

Fill-in-the-Blank Father's Day Card Idea

homemade father's day card idea
Alpha Mom

This coloring superhero card by Alpha Mom is an easy-breezy option that ranks high on the cuteness factor—the best combo if we say so ourselves. The kids can customize the fill-in-the-blank section to make it their very own. 

Sidewalk Chalk Picture Card

two girls surrounded by a happy father's day chalk drawing card
Crafty Texas Girls

Chalk, check. Driveway, check. Adorable kids that make your photo come to life, double check. That’s everything you need to make this sweet Father’s Day card we spotted over at Crafty Texas Girls. Looking for a gift too? Have the photo turned into a mug, mousepad, or keychain!

Father's Day Spin-the-Wheel Card

a father's day card with a wheel to spin on front
Julep

Between a great meal, a nap, a chance to cheer for his favorite team or dad-on-kid quality time, you can keep it simple when deciding on Dad's gift this year. This printable card from Julep is ready for him to spin the wheel of wish lists and decide just what he wants most for Father’s Day. Card AND gift completed.

Happy Hero Father's Day Card

A jar of candy as a father's day card
Tatertots and Jello

Celebrate the spider-killing, boo-boo-kissing guy who waits patiently at the bottom of the slide so his cutie pie can slide confidently down, knowing he’ll be there, with this well-earned jar of goodies. Let your little one decide what to fill it with. And find the free printable at Tatertots and Jello.

Bow-Tie Father's Day Card Idea

A father's day card with a blue bowtie
Julep

This bow-tie card is a keeper, especially when you take a photo of your little one holding it and turn it into a gift or (even better!) dad’s new screen saver. The template and tutorial are available at Julep. This a perfect DIY card for the three and under set—easy-peasy—just the way we like it!

 

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Fatherless Dad Starts YouTube Channel to Teach Basic Skills

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Rob Kenney is looking out for kids who don’t have a father figure in their life. His popular YouTube channel,  “Dad, How Do I?” has recently gone viral. There he teaches skills you would normally ask your dad about. 

According to an article in Shattered, Kenney wants to leave a legacy, particularly for those who come from a broken family or have an absent parent. Kenney’s own father left when he was still a child. After raising two children of his own, he started making videos to help fill his empty nest. 

So far, the videos cover topics like checking the oil, checking your tire pressure, how to fix a running toilet, how to tie a tie and how to iron a dress shirt.

After the outpouring of support made its way to Kenney’s various inboxes, he shared a video to his account thanking everyone for their kind words.

 

 

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Everything You Need to Know about the Santa Hotline

by Amber Guetebier

Santa’s number can be hard to find. Lucky for you, we’ve got the scoop

You’ve snapped your photos and written your letters to Santa, and probably already hung your stockings with care. Well, here’s one more way to get in touch with Ol’ St. Nick: Santa’s Hotline. It couldn’t get easier: all you need is a phone to dial up a free, international number that connects kids directly to a voicemail box, where they can leave messages at the North Pole. Available throughout the United States as well as 13 countries including France, Sweden, and Australia, it’s a simple concept that will add that little extra pinch of magic dust to your holiday. If your kids can’t get enough, here are six other ways to get in touch with Santa Claus during the holiday season.

Dial up +1-605-313-4000 in English

or  +1-605-313-4001 in Spanish

(There’s a list of international numbers on the site as well).

Your kiddos will hear the following message:

“Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! This is Santa Claus and you have reached my personal hotline. We have been very busy making all of those toys to deliver on Christmas morning, and I want you to know that your family loves you very much and so do I. So, be good and don’t forget to always listen to your parents. When you hear the tone please leave me your Christmas gift wishes and holiday cheer. And, remember kids, I know who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. Merry Christmas and I’ll see you soon.”

Then at the beep, your little elflings can leave their own message to Santa. (Be sure and listen in so you can take notes!)

When you use your mobile phone, Santa will send a text so you can listen or share your child’s message with the whole family!

Tip: keep the number handy in your contacts under Santa and surprise your sweeties, perfect for long lines or after-school doldrums. “Siri, call Santa” is sure to elicit a raised eyebrow and giant grin. 

The hotline was created by David Erickson, CEO of FreeConferenceCall.com and father of three. He thought of the idea when his daughter was little, and he hopes it brings a little more fun to the season. Last year, 9 million kids called in.

Visit the website to learn more and find downloadable flyers you can share with your teacher, family, and friends.

 

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Celebrate Dad with These Fun Father’s Day Activities

by TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton

Family head. Source of tough love. Our greatest supporter in all we do. Fathers are special people in our lives and a constant reminder that we are loved. This Father’s Day, make Dad feel special with these fun activities that are sure to bring on the smiles and create lasting memories. After all, just like a homemade DIY card, the gift of time is priceless.

Take Dad to a Ballgame

Fans watch an Oakland As' baseball game
Matt Dodd via Unsplash

Channel your inner sports fan and take Dad to a baseball game this Father’s Day. The Oakland A’s will face the Kansas City Royals at home. This three-game series starts on Friday, June 17 and runs through Sunday, June 19. Batter Up!

Classic Car Show Fun

TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton

Rev up the fun at a Classic Car Show. The Garlic City Car Show is back to Gilroy after two years! This year’s car show will take place on Saturday, June 18 from 10am-4pm in Downtown Gilroy. There will be live music, vendors, and over 200 of the coolest classic cars in Gilroy.

Celebrate Heritage and Tradition

A Native American dance group performs at Yerba Buena
Jim Watkins/YBG Festival

Father’s Day is a celebration of family. Enjoy a beloved Father’s Day tradition with the 20th annual Native Contemporary Arts Festival. Part of the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, the special event will showcase a diverse program of native music, dance, spoken word, visual artists, vendors and native crafts. 

Celebrate Juneteeth

Celebrate African-American culture at the Children's Discovery Museum or at Lake Merritt.

Dine on the Water

Treat Dad to an unforgettable meal and memories aboard the Hornblower’s Father’s Day Brunch Cruise. Enjoy chef-inspired, plated entrees, music and more on this picturesque two-hour yacht cruise. Bonus: Seats are assigned and you even get a keepsake photo.

Head Outdoors

iStock

Fishing is a fun pastime to spend with dad and we've got the full scoop on all the great spots in the Bay Area to cast a line. Prefer a low-key, equipment-less outing? Take a family nature walk, join a Bioblitz or tidepool tour. We also enjoy exploring while hiking with our dad and these unique and waterfall trails are perfect for an outdoor adventure everyone will remember. 

Jam at a Music Festival

A father and daughter enjoy a music festival on Father's Day
Brett Sayles via Pexels

The music festival scene in the Bay Area is ripe this summer! Check out San Francisco’s North Beach Festival. One of the city’s largest street fairs, the two-day event will include live music, food, arts and crafts and more Father’s Day weekend. Other fun options include the Stern Grove Festival and Novato Art, Wine and Music festival.

Quality Time at Home

A father gardens with his children
TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton

Nothing beats good ole quality time at home. Does Dad have a green thumb? Plant a garden in your backyard. Here’s our list of fun gardening ideas.

Get Creative with Art

A handmade card speaks to the heart and we’ve gathered some festive DIY ideas to spark your creativity. Kick it up a bit by painting together at a local Paint Nite, Craft Night or even make a scrapbook together.

—TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton and Kate Loweth

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Super Fun Father’s Day Activities with Dad in Chicago

by Maria Chambers

Dad, pop, daddy, poppa, dadda, father, old man—no matter what you call him when ya need him, he’s extra special and oh so important. From baseball games celebrating Chicago’s love of hot dogs to art-filled exhibits, these Father’s Day activities in Chicago will make him feel celebrated. Here’s our list of what’s tops for pops (or someone extra special who walks in those shoes) in Chicago this Father’s Day.

For Food-Loving Dads

Blue Man Group & 2D Restaurant
Take dad to experience 2D Restaurant, an immersive and interactive 2D comic-book-like restaurant, and snag a Blue Man Group-themed donut. The donut features fresh blueberry puree sprinkled with colored cocoa powder and topped with a marshmallow. Purchase throughout the month of June to receive a code for 20% off an upcoming Blue Man Group performance, which would make a fun Father's Day gift.

Ribfest
There’s a reason why this annual, finger-licking extravaganza of BBQ is so popular: Grillers come from all over the country to dish their ‘cue and compete for the festival title and the music lineup is always impressive. This Father's Day, Brett Eldredge is headlining. The Family Area at Ribfest is a fest unto itself with a petting zoo, magic shows, inflatables and more.

Themed Restaurants
Dining out doesn’t have to be a snooze fest. There are lots of places to let imaginations run wild that range from a venue fit for a spy to a delightful meal in a rainforest. Sure, we know these themed restaurants in Chicago can sometimes be sensory overload, mostly for parents, but embrace the silliness. Who says you have to be serious all the time, anyway?

For Sports-Loving Dads

The Chicago Dogs
Chicago's newest baseball team pays homage to Chicago's favorite street food, HOT DOGS! Make it a low-key Father's Day spent at Impact Field in Rosemont watching The Chicago Dogs bring home a "W".

Miniature Golf
Maybe you have a dad that likes to spend weekends on the greens? Indulge his love of golf by hitting up one of Chicago's mini-golf courses. There's even a limited-time-only Pixar-themed course at Navy Pier.

For Art-Loving Dads

Mexican Art Exhibit at Cantigny
Cantigny Park in Wheaton is hosting Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World, Jun.-Oct., featuring dozens of mythical animals inspired by Mexican folklore.

Immersive Monet & The Impressionists
State-of-the-art video mapping and ground-breaking animation bring the art of Impressionists to life like never before in Immersive Monet & The Impressionists. Viewers will be bathed in the brushstrokes and colors of Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt and many more.

Human + Nature
Five massive outdoor sculptures created exclusively for Morton Arboretum rise above the natural landscapes in the Human + Nature exhibition. The 15- to 26-foot-tall sculptures installed across the 1,700-acre site use thought-provoking human forms paired with elements of nature to bring attention to the deep connections between humans and nature. Three new sculptures will be unveiled Jun. 17.

For Boat-Loving Dads

Sail GP at Navy Pier
Experience the high-adrenaline racing of Sail GP, sailing's pinnacle league, when 10 national teams race cutting-edge sailboats capable of speeds in excess of 60mph. They'll turn Chicago's lakefront into a racecourse at the United States Sail Grand Prix, Jun. 18 & 19.

Chicago Fire Boat Tour
The Fred A. Busse was the largest diesel-powered fireboat in the world and served the Chicago Fire Department until 1981. The Chicago Fire Boat was built specifically to fit under Chicago’s bridges, minimizing response times for emergencies and helping ease congestion in a booming city. Her new owners renovated the retired fireboat and she is now cruising the Chicago waterways once again!

For more boat tour ideas, read our story: Explore Chicago’s Waterways on a Family Boat Cruise.

For Movie-Loving Dads

Chicago Philharmonic's Black Panther
Experience Marvel Studios' Black Panther in Concert with Chicago Philarmonic at Chicago Theatre. The night will feature a screening of the complete film with the musical score performed live.

Movies Under the Stars
While an air-conditioned theater might be just what a sweltering summer ordered, the best way to watch a movie in Chicago is outdoors. There are parks, nature centers, drive-ins, hotels and historic attractions reeling family favs. And their lawns or rooftops are yours for the taking. Watch a flick while fireflies dance with our guide to summer outdoor movies.

For Music-Loving Dads

Prince: Immersive Experience
Chicago is glowing purple, Jun. 9-Oct. 9, with Prince: Immersive Experience. Fans can immerse themselves in the music and life of Prince in 10 multi-dimensional spaces. The Experience will also feature historic wardrobe pieces, photography, instruments and much more courtesy of The Prince Estate. 

Pride Fest
Home to an eclectic mix of arts and crafts, food and other vendors, Pride Fest is hands down the Midwest’s largest celebration of gay pride. Four stages play host to some of the most fun pop and dance entertainment acts of summer, one of which highlights Chicago’s best performers in the LGBTQ community.

For Play-Loving Dads

Raging Waves
Splish, Splash! Turn Father's Day into a play day at Raging Waves. Experience Aussie Mat Dash, a six-lane racing waterslide. Six riders race side-by-side on mats in tunnels to an exhilarating finish at the bottom. You'll also find several family friendly attractions, including 32 water slides, a huge wave pool, three kiddie pool areas and a relaxing lazy river.

Nickel City
Play old-school games like Skee-Ball and Bozo Buckets at Northbrook’s Nickel City where, you guessed it, games are a nickel.

Fairmont Chicago Lake House
Fairmont Chicago is capturing the magic of lake living with its summer pop-up experience, The Lake House. The lobby has been transformed to emulate the spirit of a Chicago summer spent on the lake with a built-in boat house surrounding the lobby bar accompanied by lake-house-inspired food, drinks and games like cornhole and fun photo opportunities throughout.

Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Travel back in time to a life on the Scottish Isles at the annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Jun. 17 & 18. Your wee ones are sure to enjoy the men dressed in kilts, caber tossing, bagpipers strolling, adorable dogs dressed in Tartan, beautiful Heather queens, Haggis eating, and the shortbread contest at the Midwest’s largest Celtic Family Festival.

For Exercise-Loving Dads

Bike Trails
Dust off those bikes, grease the chains, strap on a brain bucket and get those legs pumping on a Chicago bike path. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the furthest reaches of the suburbs, here are our favorite spots to cycle as a family in Chicago.

Climbing Walls
Keep the kids from climbing the walls this Father's Day and take the family for a rock climbing or bouldering experience at one of our favorite climbing facilities for Chicago families.

For Chicago-Loving Dads

Sky Deck
Sometimes it's fun to play tourist in your own city, especially when the payoff is great views of our gorgeous skyline and lake. Pay a visit to Willis Tower and, if you're brave enough, walk the 4.3 feet into a glass box—The Ledge. Before you head up, check out their new museum packed with Instagramable photo opps and fun facts.

360 CHICAGO
For more great views and heart-pounding adventure, head to Michigan Ave. to 360 CHICAGO and TILT. You'll shoot 94-floors high and lean (and squeal) 30-degrees over Chicago.

For Craft Beer-Loving Dads

Ravenswood on Tap
Ravenswood’s "Malt Row" is home to one of the country’s most prolific craft brewing communities and they're celebrating that scene at the third annual Ravenswood on Tap craft beer festival, Jun. 18 & 19. This two-day outdoor event features beer and spirits from local breweries, grub from some of Chicago’s favorite restaurants and food trucks, a killer lineup of live music, and handmade goods from local retailers and artists.

— Maria Chambers

RELATED STORIES:
DIY Father’s Day Cards for the Special Guy in Your Life
DIY Father’s Day Gifts for the Guy Who Has Everything

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