Parental Leave Is Starting To Get That Sunday Night Feeling

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Don’t be confused, that’s not Charlie. I just like the photo. 

If you have ever worked the usual Monday to Friday grind, you know what it feels like on a Sunday night.

You are bummed the weekend is over.

You have a lot on your mind as you get ready for the new week.

You wish it would all just slow down a bit.

That is how my current run of parental leave is starting to feel.

Now before you start giving me grief about feeling bad that a 6-month run of being away from work is coming to an end, I get it.

I am a lucky guy to be experiencing this journey with my baby boy. I am not looking for sympathy. I am just starting to get that feeling that it is all starting to slip away, and at a very fast pace.

It seems like yesterday that is was April and I was just getting my feet wet.

With August coming to an end, everything is starting to feel like a Sunday night.

Off To The Movies With Dad – Planes

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This weekend, I got to do something very cool. I got to take our 3-year old son to see his first movie theatre, big screen, big popcorn, holy crap this is an awesome movie.

We went to see Planes.

Ever since I showed him the movie trailer a few weeks ago, his life has been all about planes.

Building planes with Lego, reading books about planes and even pretending to be a plane.

The movie was a can’t miss.

First Rule Of Dad’s Club – Don’t Forget The Diaper Bag

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This is a post I did for HRM Parent that originally ran on August 13th.

A Dad’s Life: Diaper Bags!

Forget American Express, as a Dad of young kids, you should never leave home without a diaper bag.

Don’t assume it is packed already. Don’t assume that Mom put it in the car. Don’t assume that your wonderful little guy or gal won’t take the opportunity to make you wish you remembered.

It will all come crashing down without one of the most important accessories a parent has.

I am sure we have all been there. Out of the house with the kids and an accident strikes, usually of the smelly and messy variety.

Where are the extra diapers? Oh, no biggie they are probably in the diaper bag where your better half so smartly keeps them.

Wait, where is the diaper bag? Yep, on the table by the door at home.

Like A Dad’s Photos Of The Week – August 16

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I love taking pictures. Whether it is of my kids, grilled meat or anything else that catches my eye.

Every Friday, we will be wrapping up the week with the best of the photos added to Like A Dad’s Instagram page.

The last week went by so fast, that I don’t even think I took that many snaps. Regardless, there are always some worth sharing.

Here are some of the best photos I posted to Instagram this week.

Former Iron Chef Winner Likes My Cooking

The timing could not have been better. It was just the other day that we watched the finale of season 9 of Food Network Star, which ended up being won by Damaris Phillips.

One of the other contestants, who was an early favourite to win, was Viet Pham.

His claim to fame besides his restaurant in Utah (Forage), is that he beat Bobby Fley on Iron Chef America. That is a huge accomplishment to put on the resume.

So, the guy knows food.

Benefits Of Drawing for Kids

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Today I am excited to feature a guest post by Kathleen Wilson. She reached out to Like A Dad, asking to share her thoughts on the benefits of teaching our children arts and crafts. How could I say no.

Drawing is typically seen as a great past time for kids; keeping them busy while giving parents a little break to clean or pay bills. Here is some great news, not only is drawing fun for children but it also provides huge health benefits as well.

One great benefit that drawing provides kids is that it stimulates brain activity and development. Drawing stimulates a child’s brain to grow which results in better observation, perception and critical thinking skills.

Our Son’s First Trip To The Dentist Office


If only we got that far. That boy looks quite calm doesn’t he?

Ah Dentists. They are required part of life, but so many of us fear their existence and the dreaded trip to their offices.

You would think with all the cool stuff a dentist office provides, kids would love it.

Televisions everywhere including on the ceiling, toys, books, cool gadgets, the best flavours in toothpaste and the free toothbrush you get at the end.

I wish dentist offices were like that when I was a little guy.

Anyways, we had our first trip to the dentist for our 3-year old on the weekend and it was a learning experience.

The final verdict – he called it off at the moment of truth.

What we learned? That too much waiting time can hurt your chances of success. The wait was not the only factor but I think that is what put it over the edge.

Harrison’s day started really early. He was up at 6 am I believe, which was not a good sign for a noon appointment with the dentist that he had never met.

Anyways, with him, it is hard to ever really tell.

All week we had been getting him used to the idea of what a dentist was and what was going to happen. My wife even book her appointment before his, so he could get a live look at what the dentist would do.

The mood shifted. One day, he would be interested. The next, he would say he did not want to go.

Back to Saturday morning.

Like A Dad’s Photos Of The Week – August 9

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I love taking pictures. Whether it is of my kids, grilled meat or anything else that catches my eye.

Every Friday, we will be wrapping up the week with the best of the photos added to Like A Dad’s Instagram page.

We went on a lot of adventures in Halifax this week. The Public Gardens, the Halifax Waterfront and even a park by the ocean.

Here are some of the best photos I posted to Instagram this week.