SOS

Hey oh, this is Dynasty Dad, each week we help you hone your dad reflexes so you can snag your kid right before they go careening face-first into a car (dad save).

This week’s dad save: ☀Dad-In-Distress☀

Dad Meme and Joke Of The Week

Meme

Joke

Why did the scarecrow win an award?

Because he was outstanding in his field!

Dad-In-Distress

Hey, Dad-in-Distress!

Ah, kids.

Those adorable little bundles of unpredictability who can, and WILL, turn a relaxing Sunday brunch into an impromptu recreation of Saving Private Ryan – syrup edition.

Been there, I’ve got a stained T-shirt to prove it.

So did the poor lady in her Sunday best at the next table over.

Got a text from my pal the other day.

"Hey, buddy, we've been branded as the 'aggressive kid' family."

Ouch! I knew what he was going through, though.

The feeling of embarrassment.

My kiddos, well, let’s just say they give us plenty of 'opportunities' to up our parenting game.

But hey, I've been in the daddy-trenches for half a decade, so while I’m no expert, I've picked up a few tricks on turning these tiny tantrum-throwing tornadoes and backyard brawlers into somewhat civilized beings. (Work in progress.)

To my dear fellow mortified dad, here's what I told him:

1\ Embarrassment Shmembarrassment 

Ever feel like there's a spotlight on you when your kid goes rogue in public?

The lasting feeling… embarrassment.

But remember, most parents are just happy it’s not their little angel channeling his inner Godzilla today.

They're not judging you. They're whispering, "Phew, not me today!"

2\ Be the Mr. Miyagi of Parenting 

Goal?

Raise kids who are independent, confident and emotionally stable.

And who don’t use syrup as weaponry.

The old-school "spare the rod" isn't the way anymore.

Hello, respectful parenting!

You'll label feelings, teach empathy, and model good behavior until you're blue in the face (resource on learning how in #5)

But it's worth it.

Wax on, wax off.

3\ Give Yourself a Gold Star 

Parenting ain't for the faint-hearted.

If you’re here you’re already a great dad. And let’s celebrate that.

But as any dad knows, it took MJ years of practice to overcome the Detroit Bad Boys (Pistons) and create a dynasty.

Like a fine wine or a slow-cooked brisket, raising kids takes time and patience.

Small daily wins, my friend.

4\ Born This Way 

Your kid might be bossy or shy, and that's just how they're wired.

According to research, there are four ways (temperaments) your child could be wired and they play a huge role in their behavior and what they need (Sanguine: Happy, Choleric: Bossy, Melancholic: Thoughtful, Phlegmatic: Calm).

Embrace their nature and tailor your game plan (a resource in the next section).

5\ Phone a Friend (or a Book) 

Parenting takes a village... or at least a friend who's been there, done that.

If you can’t find a friend, find an expert.

Or pick up a book.

Here are a few reads that saved my bacon:

1. No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury: Helps you ditch the "bad" label.

2. The Temperament God Gave Your Kids by the Bennetts: A cheat sheet to your kids’ personality. (Recommended to me by a nun)

3. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber: The Rosetta Stone for kid talk. (Recommended to me by fellow Dynasty Dad, Anoop)

To wrap it up, if you're ever on the verge of shipping your kids off to Timbuktu after they've turned your world upside down, remember you're not alone.

And a little syrup never hurt anyone.

Well, except that lady in her Sunday best...sorry, ma'am!

This Week's Interesting Thing:

The internet is going wild over this vintage Lego Manual.

And specifically this statement below.

And it cuts right to the heart of a core parenting philosophy.

Parents should be gardeners, not woodworkers.

Parents should provide the right conditions and watch their kids thrive…

Like a gardener.

And not try to mold their children into their own creations like a woodworker.

We should give our kids the tools and time to create.

Other Dynasty Dad Topics:

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