Fatherhood Factor

For all the "dealings" of dads...

Father

3 Reasons Why Your Child Won’t Drink Water

By Leave a Comment

Water is a drink that boosts your mood, provides abundant energy, and prevents dehydration. Water is universally the best beverage you can drink to improve your health.

As a parent, you want the best for your children, but you may struggle to encourage them to drink water. You understand its value, but your children still refuse. Continue reading about the reasons why your child won’t drink water, so you can find solutions.

Preference for Sugary Drinks

Sweet drinks like juice are enticing for people of all ages—especially children. Water, however, can taste somewhat bland. Kids don’t think about the health benefits of water. All they want is something they can sip on those tastes good. When water doesn’t taste like much, your children may quickly deem it undesirable.

Try cutting up slices of fruit and adding them to your kids’ water. The many health benefits of fruit-infused water will improve the flavor and provide your children with additional beneficial nutrients.

Another method to improve the taste is to add sugar-free drink mixes to their water. Instead of drinking sweet beverages made of pure sugar, your child can consume the water they need while savoring the flavors they adore.

Forgetfulness

Another reason why your child won’t drink water is they simply forget to. Children are frequently active, whether running around outside or playing with toys. Even when eating a meal that they love, TV sounds or their favorite toy in the living room may distract them. And since water isn’t the most appealing beverage for kids, they often get distracted and forget to drink it.

Not Understanding Water’s Benefits

Your kids may not drink water because they don’t understand how much they need it. Fortunately, kids are curious and ask their parents questions all day! Take advantage of this curiosity by teaching them the importance of water.

Talk to them about how water makes them healthy and strong. Use visual aids like books and videos to make the learning process even more interesting. You can also conduct an interactive game that challenges your children to drink water.

Encouraging your child to drink water and finding which solutions work best will take some time. But with experimentation and patience, your kids will drink water every day before you know it!

How Often Should You Inspect Commercial Mower Blades?

By Leave a Comment

Commercial mowers are efficient, effective tools that many businesses use to care for professional landscapes, lawns, and farms. One of the keys to their effectiveness is their blades. Keeping your mower blades sharp and in good condition will help you continue to landscape and cut as needed. Keep reading to learn about how often you should inspect your commercial mower blades and how to care for them in general.

Inspection Frequency

The frequency of mower blade inspection partially depends on the quality of the blades you use and how frequently you use them. If you have medium- or low-quality blades that you use frequently, you’ll want to inspect them every 10-20 hours of use, as they could have dulled or been damaged in that amount of time. If you have higher-quality blades that you don’t frequently use, you can wait to inspect them after about 50-70 hours of work.

Replacement Frequency

If you notice your blades are dull or damaged during your inspection, then you need to either sharpen or replace them. Professional landscapers and those with plenty of lawn care experience should have the means and ability to sharpen and replace blades themselves. For those who’ve only recently invested in a commercial mower for their business, you may not know how to sharpen and replace blades yet, and that’s okay. Take your mower to a professional who can perform this service for you until you can learn how to handle the job and feel confident doing it yourself.

Additional Blade Care

Before someone reinstalls your sharpened blades or you do so yourself, make sure to check the balance. Failing to properly inspect, replace, and balance your blades are common mowing mistakes you need to avoid so you can focus on getting the job done instead of worrying about the equipment. You can easily check that a blade is balanced by placing a screwdriver through the center hole and letting the blade go. If the blade doesn’t stay level, you’ve accidentally sharpened one side more than the other. Shave off the heavier side, which is the one closest to the ground, and check the balance again before reinstalling.

Knowing how often you should inspect commercial mower blades, as well as how to replace and care for them, is an important part of owning a lawnmower. No one can know everything, though, so be willing to learn more about lawnmower maintenance and care from other professionals who can help you learn more about caring for your tools.

Top Father’s Day Tips for Divorced Parents

By Leave a Comment

After a divorce settlement is final, the work of managing child custody and support arrangements begins. Holidays can still feel strained, even if your divorce settlement spelled the matter out in detail.

Holidays that celebrate parenthood are especially fraught. It might feel like something is missing or diminished. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Consider these top Father’s Day tips for divorced parents.

It’s Not About You

Parent holidays are not actually about parents. They’re about kids. These observances are a chance for your kids to show you how much they love and appreciate you and to celebrate their connection with you, despite your divorce.

Make a big fuss over homemade cards and gifts. Your kids worked hard on them, and their hearts are invested in what they’ve made for you. Regardless of whether your ex was involved, let your child know how much you appreciate their effort.

Communicate Ahead of Time

Perhaps the top Father’s Day tip for divorced parents is communication and planning. If you have an every-other-weekend arrangement and Father’s Day falls on your partner’s weekend, see if you can agree ahead of time to trade weekends so that you can spend Father’s Day with your kids.

If it doesn’t work out, be generous about it. When you’re a Dad, every day is Father’s Day, so reassure your kids that you’ll have a great celebration when it’s your turn for the kids to stay with you.

If You Can’t Be There Physically, Be There Virtually

When it comes to relationships, technology leaves much to be desired. But if it is your only option, make the best of it. Schedule a time to meet online via your preferred app, and plan some online games you can share with your kids. The web is full of sites that provide free games you can share, from trivia to word games to charades.

Try Something New

Accept that you can’t recreate what Father’s Day used to be. Create a new tradition with your kids. Go to a movie, take a hike, visit a zoo, play a board game, or take in a kid-friendly exhibit at a museum. Make a meal together, listen to their kind of music, teach them a new skill, or share a hobby with them.

Money Is Not the Point

Don’t fret if your budget is tight, as it is for most divorced parents. What your kids want is time with you. Maximize your time with your kids in a way that has nothing to do with expensive toys or gadgets.

Be Flexible

Whatever you’ve planned, keep it age appropriate. If you’ve got a teenager, factor some eye-rolling into the day. Don’t disrupt care routines for toddlers. They’ll love you no matter what, but it won’t seem that way if they miss a nap.

If your kids are not thrilled with your ideas for the day, don’t sulk—pivot. Find some other way to spend the day that gives them the time with you they want and lets you be the Dad you want to be.

3 Unique Birthday Presents for Outdoorsy Kids

By Leave a Comment

Celebrating your kid’s birthday is so much fun. Children still love their birthdays when they’re little. Adults know this excitement dissipates as you get older. So make the most of these years while you can! Read about these unique birthday presents for outdoorsy kids if your little one can’t stand being inside.

An Electric Bike

Your kids will love you if you get them an electric bike for their birthday. These take traditional biking to the next level. They can speed across the neighborhood and learn about all the technology has to offer. Know that there may be an age requirement in your area and that safety gear is a must. So if you decide to get an e-bike for your kid’s birthday, you should also get a helmet and pads. They need to be safe while having fun.

A Microscope

Outdoorsy kids might love the outdoors because there are a bunch of creatures out there. If your kid loves looking at creepy crawlers, then a microscope is the perfect gift for them. They can use the tool to look at bugs and other animals that fascinate them. Be careful; you may have a future geologist on your hands!

Rollerblades

Another unique birthday present for outdoorsy kids is a pair of rollerblades. Rollerblading is a blast because you can glide across the neighborhood with your friends. Additionally, it’s a great workout! You can trick the kiddos into breaking a sweat by purchasing skates. As is the case with e-bikes, you’ll need to get safety gear with this gift.

Celebrate your kid’s birthday as they grow up. As they age, the excitement surrounding the day will go away. For this reason, it’s vital to make the day as special as you can while they’re still living with you. These gifts are perfect for kids to get out and explore.

The Best Dog Breeds for a Family With Young Children

By Leave a Comment

When you’re ready to add a four-legged family member, you may wonder which breed will be best. When you have kids, that adds to the complexity of your decision. There are many beautiful dogs to choose from, including beagles, Irish setters, and collies. These are the best dog breeds for a family with young children.

Labrador Retriever

There is a reason that the Labrador retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are extremely friendly, highly trainable, and patient. The Labrador retriever is also a versatile breed. They enjoy dock diving, hunting, tracking, and obedience.

Labs are regular shedders and need weekly brushing. They are great with kids and love being active. Labrador retrievers also play reasonably well with other dogs as long as there’s supervision.

Beagle

Beagles make excellent family dogs because of their small size, easy-to-maintain coats, and intelligence. Personality-wise, beagles are curious, merry, and friendly. They are great with kids and get along with other dogs.

Beagles need plenty of exercise, so they’re an excellent dog choice for you if you have an active family.

Irish Setter

The Irish setter gained popularity in the 18th century. Another breed that’s great for active families, the Irish setter loves spending time outdoors and is full of energy.

They’re seasonal shedders and need weekly grooming. Find a local professional groomer to help keep your dog’s coat clean and shiny. Irish setters are excellent with kids and other pups. They also respond well to training and are wonderfully sweet-natured.

French Bulldog

The French bulldog is one of the world’s most popular dog breeds. They’re an easy-going breed, perfect for families, and they respond well to training. French bulldogs love to play with other dogs, kids, and adults.

They don’t require a lot of exercise, and a brisk walk will help keep them trim. They require occasional grooming and respond well to training.

Collies

Collies are affectionate, loyal, and known for their legendary herding skills. If your family loves being outside, the high-energy collie will make a great addition to your family. When they aren’t moving around, they enjoy being chill. Collies are lovely with kids and require occasional grooming.

Many dogs are out there ready and waiting to find their forever families. Understanding the best dog breeds for a family with young children will help you make an educated decision. Refer back to this article if you need to.

4 Tips For Being in a Relationship with a Single Mother

By 2 Comments

Generally, fatherhood is something you prepare for. You and a partner either decide to have a child, or when you’re surprised by one you have 9 or so months to get ready for what it takes. Parenting is always harder than most men expect, but the preparation at least allows you to think about how to become a great parent.

When you’re dating – or marrying – a single mother, there’s often considerably less preparation. Not only do you have to try to make a relationship work – you also immediately become someone that has an impact on a child, whether you want to have one or not. Being in a relationship with a single mother means that you’re in a relationship with both her and her kids, and for many men this can feel a little difficult.

How to Be With a Single Mother

The good news is that it’s actually very easy to make these relationship works. You simply have to know how to approach both the relationship and the children, and you’ll find that the relationship will thrive if you’re with the right person. Consider the following tips for improving the success of the relationship.

  • Talk to Your Partner About Expectations

You and your partner need to understand what the other person is looking for. This is important in any relationship, but especially important when there is a child involved. You need to discuss what she’s looking for, what you’re looking for, and what you both want to do for the child. It’s also important that you both have an understanding that the child cannot be a factor in whether the relationship works. Meaning, if the two of you are struggling as a couple and are not meant to be, you need to end the relationship as you would any other. Staying together for the child will only introduce further stress.

  • Be An Old Friend Authority Figure, Not a Dad

Most children already have a father, and even in the event the father is not in their life, your role isn’t to replace her father. Your role is to be a really nice guy, while also being an authority figure. Don’t try to take over as dad, especially if the child is affected by their parent’s relationships. Instead, interact with the child when it makes sense. Don’t be afraid to tell them to stop doing something (nicely, of course) if they’re misbehaving, but otherwise let the child get to know you…rather than you doing whatever you can to raise the child.

  • Find Fun Group Activities

You need a chance to get to know the woman your dating, but you also know that the child is going to be more involved. Ideally, you find date ideas that are fun for everyone. For example, playing mini-golf is something that a lot of men enjoy doing on dates, and it’s also something that works well with kids. This will keep you actively “dating”, while still allowing your partner to be a parent.

  • Take It Slow

Chances are if you’re with her you’re not playing a game – you’re actually interested in her and being part of her life. Usually when men have that desire, they have the tendency to rush things. In this case, however, you can’t. Don’t expect her to put you first right away. You also shouldn’t expect the child to warm to you for a long time. Be patient with her and the child, and in the meantime work on your own stress and anxiety so that the pace of the relationship doesn’t affect you negatively.

Being a Sudden Father

Your partner’s child has their own personality. Get to know them like you would any child, and don’t be afraid to talk to your partner about your reservations or fears. If you truly care about the woman you’re with, and she cares about you, you’ll easily work through it and eventually be a great male figure in your partner’s child’s life.

Navigating Teenage Pregnancy; Helping your Boy Become a Man

By Leave a Comment

So Dad, what do you do when your teen son reluctantly announces that his girlfriend is pregnant with his child? It’s not exactly the kind of news you want to hear on a lazy Sunday afternoon, but it’s not the end of the world, either. Your reaction and how you move forward will have a major impact on how well your son and his partner are able to manage the storm that lies ahead.

What Makes A Boy A Man?

What better way to be thrown into manhood than by becoming a father? Okay, there are better ways, but there are worse ways too. Your son is a man now, whether he likes it or not. This is the perfect opportunity for him to learn that if he wants to be treated like a man, then he has to act like one.

Your Grandchild Is A Blessing

Despite the consequences your son has placed upon himself, never forget – this is a happy occasion! You’re grandparents! Your son is a father! He might not be all grown up yet, but he is a man! The miracle that is life has been created right before your eyes; this is an opportunity for celebration!

Your son may not be ready to be a dad, but were you ready when you became parents? No one is every ready for parenthood the first time, not really. His decisions and actions will largely depend on the level of support and encouragement that he receives from you.

Don’t Let Your Son Take The Easy Way Out

You may think that your son is too immature to do the right thing. You may think that he won’t step up and be responsible. You know that he’ll need to get a job, and he may even need to postpone his education to support his baby. If he’s not showing any interest, don’t just let him off easy by doing the job for him.

He might not be showing any initiative, and you might think that there’s no way he’s going to take responsibility for his actions. As tempting as it may be, don’t tell him that he has to either man up or move out. That will simply make him feel isolated. To succeed as a dad, he needs his parents as allies, not adversaries. Your son may actually surprise you and rise to the challenge, but in order for that to happen, you may need to surprise him first. You need to remember that he came to you; he wanted you to know because he needs your support and advice.

How to Boost Your Son’s Confidence and Self-Esteem:

  • Surprise him by showing him how happy you are that he gets to experience the joy of being a parent. Just like you did.
  • Surprise him by showing enthusiasm and offering to help him live up to his new responsibilities.
  • Surprise him by telling him how proud you are of him for stepping up to the challenge, getting a job, and taking care of his baby and the baby’s mother.

He messed up, he knows this and he’s expecting you to shove that fact in his face. Surprise him, and he may surprise you back.

And Now You Have A Daughter

Your son has a rough road ahead, and his partner has an even rougher road ahead. She may not technically be your daughter-in-law, but accept her and support her anyway, even if she’s initially uncomfortable with your involvement. Welcome her and her child into your family. Nothing you do will benefit your grandchild, the mum, and your son more than offering them your unconditional love and support.