“When’s the next All Pro Dad chapter meeting?” my daughter asked out of the blue. The All Pro Dad chapter she was talking about is a monthly breakfast before school that we started this year. Once a month, dads and kids eat breakfast together and discuss character traits like courage, compassion, and diligence. We also take time to share why we are proud of our kids—something every kid, especially my daughter, loves.
“It’s actually this Tuesday,” I answered. She smiled and I could feel her excitement. The All Pro Dad chapter meeting is something both of us look forward to. It’s a great opportunity for us to bond. Bonding with our kids is important, not only for our relationship with our kids, but for their development. Each time we’re able to connect with our kids, it gives us more of a voice to mold and shape them. Here are 5 ways to bond with your kids each month.
1. Start or attend an All Pro Dad chapter.
The All Pro Dad Chapters program provides a great opportunity for you to bond with your kids.There are All Pro Dad chapters like mine all over the country. The All Pro Dad Chapters program provides a great opportunity for you to bond with your kids. They’ll get excited about your presence at their school. It’s also an easy way to talk about some important aspects of their character development and affirm them in front of others. Check to see if there’s a chapter in your area or see what it takes to start one.
2. Do something special on their birth date.
If your child was born on fifth day of the month, then do something special on the fifth of each and every month. It doesn’t have to be huge. You could take him or her out for ice cream or a hot chocolate. Have dinner together or go miniature golfing. Whatever it is, make it one-on-one time with you.
3. Lay down with them at bedtime.
Some of you lay down with your kids at bedtime a lot. That’s great. Keep it up. If not, start doing it one night each month. Some of the best conversations emerge when our kids are ready for bed. If you have teenagers, you probably won’t lay down with them, but when you are saying goodnight, don’t be in a hurry to leave. This is the time teenagers tend to talk.
4. Create an animal together.
If you have young kids, create an animal together. Ask your child to pick what type of head, body, legs, and tail the animal will have. For example, my daughter often chooses a tiger’s head, a giraffe’s neck, a turtle’s body, a horse’s tail, and a cheetah’s legs. Choose its colors, whether it has spots, stripes, teeth, and fur. Ask your kid to name the animal and if it has special powers. Finally, ask your him or her to draw the animal.
5. Teach them a new skill.
Every month, focus on an age-appropriate skill your kids need to learn. Reinforce that skill during the entire month. If they are young, maybe show them how to wash dishes or make their beds. As they get older, teach them about car maintenance or finances. You can even give each month a name: Finance February, Automobile April, Dishes December, Make Your Bed March. The point is to bond while doing these things together. And, as a bonus, they can take over these tasks around the house!
Sound off: What are some other ways you can bond with your kids each month?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “If there were one thing we could do together this month, what would you want to do?”