Fatherhood Factor

For all the "dealings" of dads...

Emily Joswiak

The Best Graduation Presents for the Teen in Your Life

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This year’s graduates deserve a special salute. These students spent most of the year learning remotely, and they had to miss out on special events. For this reason, they deserve a little special something after everything they’ve been through. Here are some of the best graduation presents for the teen in your life that they’ll surely adore.

Drones

Technology lovers should look into getting the top racing drone for their graduates. Drone racing is becoming more and more popular. Teens will have a blast getting out this summer and perfecting their skills. So, think about getting them a drone so you can watch them in their first competition.

Class Ring

Perhaps the teen you know isn’t into technology. There’s no need to worry! You can purchase them a class ring instead. Class rings are so sentimental and something they can look back on with fond memories. Who knows, one day, the item may even become a family heirloom.

TV and Video Game System

Sure, parents might not want their kids to be couch potatoes all summer. However, the point of a gift is to give someone something they wouldn’t normally get themselves. That’s why a TV and video game system is perfect for teens. If they’re headed to college, they can take the mechanisms with them and be the coolest kid in the dorm.

Room Décor

Teenagers don’t want to feel like children. As a result, you could get them something that indicates their transition into adulthood—bedroom décor. Think about buying them a grown-up comforter and art for their walls so they can get rid of their childhood things.

These are only a few of the best graduation presents for the teen in your life. Remember, this year’s seniors deserve something special after the year they’ve had. So, don’t be afraid to splurge a little and show them how proud you are of them for making it through these difficult circumstances.

How Dads-To-Be Can Help on the Day of Delivery

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When the due date for your baby arrives, every part of you may want to panic. Take a big breath and focus on learning how dads-to-be can help on the day of delivery. An important note, though: your role will change as the day goes on, so pay attention to cues.

Equipment Manager

For months, your partner has been making lists and packing up a bag for the hospital. But when the contractions start, all planning can go out the window. While she’s trying to navigate the pain, you’re in charge of ensuring that everything gets to the hospital with you. Some things are essential. You’ll need proper identification to check in, and you won’t want to forget the collection kit if you’ve decided to bank the baby’s cord blood. Some things aren’t as critical but definitely help the day go well. A favorite pillow can be a comfort, while a charger will keep your phone ready for those precious first pictures. Make sure you know where everything is because you’ll be in charge of everything from the delivery room song list to the ice chips.

Communications Liaison

You can be a valuable advocate for the mom-to-be by making sure that her needs are met. Hospitals can get chaotic, and once the epidural goes in, your partner won’t be leaving the bed anytime soon. If she needs a nurse, get one. If she needs the doctor, roam the corridors. If she wants more pain medication, get the facts. In some ways, you’ll be an interpreter, especially if the pain gets tough and the doctor doesn’t understand the grunts. Your family and friends will want to know how it’s going, so hold onto the phone so that you can send dispatches from the front.

Cheerleader and Coach

Being supportive won’t be enough. You will need to be a wise, seasoned, Olympic-class coach, even though you have no idea what you’re doing. You’ll be getting a lot of questions, but the more important thing is just to remain calm. Yes, she’s doing it right. No, it’s not too hot in here. Yes, it seems like science should have come up with a better way by now. No, the baby’s still in there. Because you can actually see more of the action than the mother can, she might call on to give some play-on-play narration.

Silent Partner

At some point on the day of delivery, the best way dads-to-be can help is to shut up. The time for stoic assurances is over, and you might receive instructions—rudely, no doubt—to remain silent. It’s common, and it’s not something to take personally. You can still be there so that your partner can squeeze your hand to shreds. If you don’t have an active role for a few minutes, give yourself a break to take it all in. It can be terrifying to bring a new life into the world, but it’s also a miraculous experience you don’t want to miss. Everything is about to change for you.

Best Ways To Protect Your Home From Intruders

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There’s nothing more important to a father than keeping his family safe in their home. That’s why we put so much effort into precautionary measures. For those new dads or those who have decided it’s time to really focus on house security, this article on the best ways to protect your home from intruders is just the thing you’re looking for.

Lock All Doors and Windows

When we say that you should lock everything up, we don’t mean you should do it 24/7. We simply mean that you should ensure everything is secure when you leave or when everyone is asleep. Of course, opening some windows or doors on a nice summer day is always nice.

If you feel like you aren’t the best at remembering or checking all the doors and windows, there are products on the market that allow you to do it all with the press of a button. This is especially useful if you are out and can’t recall if you locked everything up before you left.

Light Up Your Front Yard

Most burglars use the cover of night to try to sneak into people’s homes. If you use lights to cover all the entrances to your yard, intruders are much less likely to try to break into your place. One major downside to doing this every night is the increased electric bill. If that is a concern for you, motion-sensor lights will only turn on when someone approaches them.

Set Up a Security System

The options for at-home security systems are practically endless these days. If you want to keep things simple, the standard alarm system route is a tried-and-true method. However, if you are looking for something more comprehensive, many packages include an alarm system, cameras, and automatic locks, all controlled by a simple app. Homes have never been as secure as they are today.

Look Into Self-Defense Options

Sometimes, no matter how secure you make the exterior of your house, some people still manage to find a way inside. That’s why you should have a last line of defense. One of the very best ways to protect your home from intruders is to know how to protect yourself.

One of the most common options for self-defense is to own a firearm. They have the benefit of allowing you to keep your distance, and they provide an inherent fear factor. Most intruders will flee the second they see a gun. However, firearms can be dangerous to have in a house with children in it, so make sure you understand how to be a responsible gun owner.

If you don’t feel like a gun is a good option for your family, look into self-defense classes. There are many different forms out there, so make sure you do your research to figure out which is best for home defense.

Reasons Why Jeep Wranglers Are Cool

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A Jeep Wrangler catches the eyes of many passersby when it’s on the road. Since its inception, the Jeep Wrangler has gained significant popularity for automotive enthusiasts, everyday commuters, and all vehicle drivers in between. There are many reasons why Jeep Wranglers are cool, but we narrowed down our selection to our top three. Check out why the Wrangler continues to garner so much admiration in the automotive industry.

Historic Roots

The creation of the Jeep Wrangler was an essential part of the US military’s triumph in WW2. Originally called the “Willys MB model,” the Wrangler arrived from Willys-Overland in response to the US government’s request for a reconnaissance vehicle.

The vehicle needed to be able to tackle various adverse terrains and supply ample cargo space. Every evolution of the Jeep Wrangler since then has maintained these admirable features. Since the vehicle helped the US and the Allied troops come out on top, its practicality is clear.

Their Off-Roading Capabilities

Their near-limitless versatility is one major reason why Jeep Wranglers are so cool. Whether you enjoy getting out in nature or not, you can appreciate this model’s ability to conquer mud trenches, steep sandhills, and sketchy snowbanks.

The Jeep Wrangler consistently ranks on top off-roading vehicle lists. Reviewers regularly commend it for its high clearance, true 4WD drivetrain, responsive suspension system, and plenty of other high-quality features ideal for off-roading. Even with all these revered components, Jeep still offers its Wranglers at a fair price as well.

Great for All Seasons

Clearly, the Jeep Wrangler has some serious adaptability. So, it may come as no surprise that it performs well in any season. Even in the most formidable of winters, the Jeep Wrangler remains a trusty and safe car.

As we reach the summer months, you can enjoy the removable rooftop feature to welcome more sun and fresh air as you drive. You’ll also look plain cool while on the road. Just be sure to prepare your Jeep for summer weather to ensure a smooth ride all season long.

How To Enhance Your Vehicle’s Towing Capabilities

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Imagine yourself cruising down the highway to your lakefront vacation or camping trip, towing along your supplies behind your truck. If you have a powerful truck and have ever wanted to use it to tow something, you may be wondering how to enhance your vehicle’s towing capabilities. With these tips, you’ll be towing a trailer, camper, or even a boat behind your truck in no time!

Choose the Right Hitch

Without a tow hitch, you won’t be able to tow anything. Without the right hitch, you may be able to tow, but the trip won’t be pretty. Choose a hitch with a weight rating appropriate to the weight of the object you’ll be towing. This will allow for proper weight distribution throughout your vehicle’s frame, which will help it to handle all that weight.

Invest in a Programmer

Investing in a vehicle programmer will give your vehicle the extra torque and horsepower it needs to tow a load. Programmers do this by adjusting the settings of the vehicle’s computer to provide this extra power. Keep in mind, you may sacrifice fuel efficiency for the additional power.

Improve the Braking System

When you’re towing a heavy load, your vehicle’s braking system is even more important than usual. Before towing with your vehicle, upgrade its braking system for the heavier weight and make sure that all its components are working properly. You should also ensure that a braking system is installed on whatever you’re towing, making it easier to stop.

Upgrade the Suspension

Next on the list of parts to upgrade is your vehicle’s suspension. Whenever you’re towing a heavy item, it can take a toll on your suspension system. To help distribute the weight and avoid potential maintenance issues, replace the parts of your system with heavy-duty parts. Installing a suspension lift kit to your vehicle can also help raise it a few inches and keep it from sagging under the weight of the item being towed.

Strengthen Your Axle

Like the suspension system, your vehicle’s axles will be put under a lot of pressure while towing. To keep your axles in good condition, consider replacing them with heavy-duty axles that can support more weight.

And there you have it—that’s how to enhance your vehicle’s towing capabilities. Before you jump to make these upgrades, however, be sure to check your vehicle’s towing capacity. If your vehicle isn’t built to handle the weight it’s towing, you risk seriously damaging your vehicle. Keep your vehicle and its load safe and be smart about any upgrades you choose to make.

The Most Common Causes of Transmission Failure

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If there are two words you don’t want to hear when taking your vehicle in to the mechanic, they are “transmission failure.” Few vehicle issues are more difficult and expensive to resolve. To avoid having to pay several thousands of dollars on a transmission rebuild or replacement, you need to prevent this costly problem from occurring in the first place. Below, we’ll address some of the most common causes of transmission failure so that you can take measures to avoid them.

Transmission Fluid Leaks

One of the top causes of transmission failure is the occurrence of transmission fluid leaks. Transmission fluid serves the important purpose of lubricating the moving parts of the transmission and protecting its surfaces from wear. If a leak occurs, the transmission won’t have an ample amount of fluid to provide lubrication. From there, friction will start to build up between the metal parts.

In addition to causing premature wear and tear, such friction will produce excess heat, which could cause the transmission to fail. To prevent a small leak from destroying your transmission, make sure to check your transmission fluid levels regularly. Since it doesn’t use up the fluid, low levels will indicate leak somewhere in the system.

Contaminated Transmission Fluid

In addition to low fluid levels, contaminated transmission fluid can also result in issues. Over time, fluid can become burned or contaminated with dust, flecks of metal, and other debris. In such cases, it won’t flow through the system properly, and excess friction and overheating may occur.

To prevent transmission failure, make sure to check the quality of your fluid regularly. If it appears discolored (it should have a translucent pinkish color) or has particles floating around inside it, you should have it changed. To further prevent any issues, you should also replace your transmission filter regularly.

Torque Converter Problems

Another one of the most common causes of transmission failure is a torque converter problem. A torque converter transfers rotating power from the engine to the transmission and then to the vehicle’s drive wheels. In addition, it also has a hydraulic pump that produces pressure that helps propel transmission fluid throughout the entire transmission. 

If the needle bearing on the torque converter wears down or becomes damaged, the converter may stop working properly. As a result, it won’t pump fluid throughout the transmission as it should, and the system will likely overheat and break down. To catch any torque converter problems before they result in a transmission failure, keep an eye out for common warning signs, such as whining noises, shuddering, gear slipping, or an inability to accelerate.

Quintessential Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids

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Summer is upon us, which means it’s time for your kids to finally get out of the house and enjoy what life is all about once the school year concludes. There are certain things we recall from growing up that made summers such a magical time, and it’s important as parents to give your child the same opportunities to create those memories. To help you remember what those memories might be, here are some quintessential outdoor summer activities for kids.

Pool Fun

With the summer heat always taking a toll, kids need a way to cool off when they are out playing. The first thing that comes to mind is going down a Slip ‘N Slide or running through sprinklers. Both are incredibly easy to set up and, more importantly, fun! Another essential for summer fun is heading to the pool, whether it’s yours or someone else’s. Pools offer an endless possibility of activities for kids and parents to enjoy!

Playground Visits

The next stop on the summer activity tour is the playground, where imagination runs wild. Like the pool, there’s no shortage of fun games kids can play here; parents can join in on the fun as well! COVID has limited the amount of socialization your child received in the past year. Now that things are heading in the right direction, a visit to the playground can continue your child’s development in many ways, such as giving them opportunities to interact with others in person.

Cruising Around the Block

Another quintessential outdoor summer activity for kids is riding around the block. This can be on a bike, skateboard, rollerblades, or even an electric car or scooter. Going for a ride in the neighborhood is great fun and exercise for you and your child.

Playing Sports

During the pandemic, kids might’ve also been kept from playing sports, but that might soon come to an end as well. Sports are another excellent way for kids to remain active. Summer is the perfect time to play outdoors, whether it’s just with friends or in a league.

Ice Cream!

The last activity on this list might not necessarily be very active, but it’s something every child should have the chance to enjoy. There’s not a lot that can give off that summer feeling more than hearing the sound of an ice cream truck in your neighborhood. In addition to all the activities to take part in this summer, make sure your child lives summer to its fullest with a delectable treat.