Things I Aim To Do In 2016 Like A Dad
When a year comes to an end, everyone is taking a look back and what they did or didn’t do over the last 12 months. Then, they look ahead, making lists of what they want to do in the future. The changing of the calendar to 2016 is a great time to start fresh. To take stock of life and make some goals for the next 365 days. I have never been one for resolutions, but I do like to have a few goals on the go, even if I don’t express them.
But as someone who works in marketing, setting benchmarks is the only way to really measure success and failure. I read a great post from fellow dad blogger, Casey Palmer, where he lists in great detail, his goals for the year. So, I figured I could do the same, but in fewer words.
See You In Hell Diapers
This week was a turning point in our parenting lives. We changed our last diaper. Okay, let me rephrase that. We probably changed our last diaper. There is still always a chance as they say.
But let’s focus on the present. We finally pulled the plug on Charlie’s night-time pull ups. Why? Because we had a hunch he was being a bit lazy when it came to doing a number 2. For months now, Charlie has practically been potty trained. I don’t remember the last time we sent diapers to daycare. But….
He never did number 2 at daycare. He would save it up for that glorious time when a pull up was put on. Every night after about 10 minutes in bed, he would do his business. It was frustrating on so many levels. It meant two diapers per night. It meant Harry had to walk into a stinky room to sleep. It meant messy hands for mom and dad. It was not fun. Heck, some nights Charlie would even smirk at us like it was a big game.
Kumon: Work Hard and the Results Will Come
For close to three months, Harrison has been attending Kumon twice a week and doing work almost every day. It’s been a long road, a lot of hard work and this week we saw the results. Amazing results. Even the wonderful people at the center are surprised at how quickly Harrison has moved.
When he started, he was not enjoying reading and learning as much as we thought he should. It was a perfect storm of things I believe that was holding him back. It was never having the smarts, we were sure of that. Harrison I believe hit the Grade One wall. SK was all fun and games and now actual work was cramping his style.
He had to learn to do work in a specific time frame, focus on the teacher and figure out how to do it all on his own. That is quite a challenge for a kid just starting real school.
So Long Old Friend, I Will Miss Your Sweetness
Breaking up is never easy. It brings with it, sleepless nights, awkward conversations, stressful decisions, inner struggles and the stone-cold reality that things will never be the same.
It absolutely blows. But some relationships are so toxic and wrong, that once you break through to the other side, life is good again. The hard part is getting there. It’s a journey that makes what they did in The Hobbit, look like a walk down the street.
Truly giving up on something you love, there is nothing harder.
But I must.
As of an hour ago, I have decided to break up with a dear, old friend.
The Tooth Fairy is a She and knows Magic
For quite some time, Harry has had a few wiggly teeth going on in his mouth. Finally yesterday, without him even knowing, he lost his first tooth. Where it went remains a mystery. I explained he probably ate it by accident. This brought on many questions as Harry wanted to make sure the Tooth Fairy will still come.
He was pretty confident “she” would still come. Yes, Harry said the Tooth Fairy is a she. He also was quite confident the Tooth Fairy had magical powers to know that he lost and tooth and that he needed a visit overnight.
Boobies, Night Poopies and The Beginning of Advent
During the course of a week, so many things happen that I want to share. I really should write them down. Anyways, here are some of the highlights happening in our house these days.
The Discovery of Boobies
No, not the actual boobies. But the word. Harry learned the word from, get this, an older girl at school. He can’t say it without giggling. It’s really hard as a parent not to laugh as well. It’s part of childhood. Learning those funny words that make grown ups cringe. The really funny thing is, even when he is 16, he will still be saying it and giggling just the same.
Time To Do Your Homework
Who remembers liking homework? Just the thought of it gives me the shakes. I remember the day when I finished school. Of all the things it meant in my life, the biggest was no more homework. I was never great at homework either. Spoiler alert, I did not do much and always scrambled at the last-minute to make it look like I did something. I never enjoyed studying or doing assignments at home. I was much more into sports and doing my own thing. I think I also watched a lot of TV. Anyways, homework has reentered my life.
Our oldest son now has homework. He is in Grade One. It started off slowly with the occasional task that needed catching up on. But now, we have full monthly homework packages to be worked on 100% at home. It’s all detailed and spelled out on a calendar and there is the freedom to do it when you want. But it has to get done for Harry to keep up.
One of my biggest fears as a parent is the day I am not smart enough to help with homework. Good news, I looked over the 31 tasks for December and I feel confident I can still be relevant.
Harry loves homework. Maybe it’s because he has no idea what it will be like in 10 years. Maybe he will love it forever and be an academic wonder? Who knows. But at this point, it’s great to see his excitement. It makes it so much easier to do with him when we have the time.