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Summer Send-Off: How To Throw the Best Family Pizza Night

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It’s near the end of the season, and you’ve scratched what feels like a million activities off your summer bucket list. Whether you camped in the backyard for many weekends, visited a theme park, or hosted more pool parties than you can count, it’s safe to say that you’ve done it all!

However, the kids are planning their last hurrah of the break before returning to study nights and pop quizzes, and you want in! How about taking part in the summer send-off and learning how to throw the best family pizza night your young ones will experience? Continue reading below to learn more!

Just Dough It

Pizza night is the perfect opportunity to make your dough. Regardless of the recipe you use and the ingredients it requires, you never want to forget to proof your pizza dough.

As one of the most common pizza making mistakes, not allowing your dough to rest and rise for a final before pulling can result in a dense, rubbery, final product that your family may struggle to enjoy.

While most dough suggests a two- to three-day proofing process, a 24-hour minimum is acceptable if you’re under time constraints. You can involve your young ones in this step by allowing them to mix the ingredients.

Pro tip: If you don’t have the dough ingredients readily available or you’re really crunched for time, you can always make it a pizza bagel night and have kids pick out their favorite bagel.

The Sauce Is the Boss

Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s an essential first layer to your pizza festivity. If you would rather make it yourself, you can’t go wrong with quality canned tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and basil.

On a separate note, kids are creative, fascinating people who can spice up recipes instantly. If your family prefers barbecue over red sauce, feel free to test it out! You can also use alfredo sauce as an alternative.

Make It Cheesy

Now that you have your dough and sauce, it’s time to consider your cheese options. While there is an overwhelming amount of cheese options on the market, a low-moisture mozzarella is typically the go-to for that epic cheese pull.

However, the decision is entirely up to you and the family! A sprinkle of parmesan is also a tried-and-true detail that is the genuine chef’s kiss to a perfect pie.

Top It Off With Finishing Touches

Now the best part: toppings! Traditional pepperoni slices for that instant classic, but if you’re using barbecue or alfredo sauce, consider grilled chicken slices, black olives, and pepperoncini as delicious options.

You can use a variety of leftover vegetables you have on hand and take a poll of everyone’s favorite toppings so you have them readily available during the final customization. Pair the meal with the kids’ favorite dessert to end the night on a sweet note!

Throwing the best family pizza night takes plenty of work, planning, and toppings! You don’t have to have an elaborate setup or state-of-the-art equipment to make it successful. All you’ll need are a few ingredients, patience, and the people you care about most to share the experience with.

Top Father’s Day Tips for Divorced Parents

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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

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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

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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.

Being a Father to Grown-Up Children

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What’s that? You thought fatherhood ended after 18 years (err, and nine months)? Figured you could just kick the kids out of the nest, ship them off to college and that would be that?  Or maybe from the moment of graduation: no more summers at home, kids are drinking-age now, so you’ll just be friends, peers, comrades?

Not so fast. Sure, the relationship changes between father and child when you’re both adults. But the responsibilities of fatherhood last forever. Though your kids (if you’ve done your job) will be mature adults in most ways, mature adults could still use a dad. You can be a friend to your kids, but don’t be just a friend. Be a father.

Indeed, striking the right balance as a parent of twenty-somethings has never been so important, or so difficult. The Millennial generation that’s been coming of age lately (usually defined as births from 1982-2004) is sometimes also called the Boomerang Generation. The even more obnoxious neologism “twixter” was coined a few years back to describe these young adults who move back in with their parents – not students anymore, but not quite productive members of society either. You may also recall a film which characterized this situation by means of the title Failure to Launch (or maybe not; it was a pretty forgettable film, but a useful label).

In the, unfortunately very likely, event that your child is among these boomerangs, it’s important to react in the right way. Stereotypically, “tough love” tends to be expected more from fathers than mothers (especially toward sons), and that can be just what the doctor ordered in this phase…but don’t overdo it. Set clear expectations for an aggressive job hunt while they’re living under your roof, but don’t lose your temper or project hostility. Paradoxically, this may not light a fire under them but trigger a counterproductive avoidance response.

Also, remember to appreciate their presence, even if it’s troubling to you as a parent: the bittersweet thing is that this will be the last chance you get to live together. Someday you’ll miss that. But do what you can to help them get out on their own.

Even if your kid has been one of the success stories, totally self-sufficient, with their own car, job, apartment, health insurance, phone plan, etc. (in which case, I salute you), they still need you to be available and involved.

They’ll likely be busy with jobs, social life, and perhaps a serious romantic relationship. Make sure you don’t lose touch too much. Try to talk on the phone at least once a week. Take an interest in their work, especially. You’d be surprised how much it still means to get some good fatherly advice. Even if it all looks like smooth sailing on the outside, this can be an overwhelming time of life. Nothing boosts a child’s confidence to tackle the big, bad world like being secure in the knowledge that a great dad is still standing behind them.

The Sole Source of Testosterone; Fathering Girls without Becoming One

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There are specific reasons why a man longs to have a son.

There’s football in the backyard and fishing on the weekends, and undoubtedly a few trips to the movie theater for the latest action flick. You also get to look forward to that special moment when you get to teach your son the tactical advantage of peeing standing up.

There are the intrinsic things that a dad is especially wired to pass along to a boy as well. Things like imparting your wisdom about the opposite sex and teaching them what it means to be a gentlemen.

The landscape between a father and his son is deep and wide, and fraught with success and failure. But, it is still uniquely theirs.

Estrogen Overload

Conversely, consider the guy who finds himself in a house full of women…to no fault of his own. The guy whose little swimmers couldn’t quite grow a set. The guy who, after an unexpected blow to the groin, will only ever hear, “Ouch, I hurt my bagina!”

That man has a long road ahead of him. He is often faced with “girly nights” and “dance parades,” and the occasional request to paint his fingers and toes. A man such as this must take special care of his “maleness.” Because at any moment, if he’s not careful, he could find himself tearing up after an especially moving performance on “So You Think You Can Dance?”

I must admit…I am such a man. With a wife and three daughters, I know a little something about carrying the man-flag…solo. It doesn’t signify a lack of love, because most dads I know would do anything for their little girls. It is more a matter of sanity really.

You see men are never fully equipped to handle a constant onslaught of female interaction…in all its complexity and emotion. We are capable of small, varied doses, but that’s only after periods of solitude and/or a time of male bonding. Only then are we prepared for another round.

Take Care and Prepare

So if you find yourself in a position where guy-time is only a figment of your imagination, then take note of a few things that will help you recharge.

  1. Create your own space. If room permits, carve out a place that you can call your own. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it must be a place where you can retreat.
  2. You need to schedule time. You fill your calendar with all kinds of things, but some of that time needs to be carved out for guy stuff. If it’s not on the calendar it probably won’t happen.
  3. Find guys that know your plight. This means finding other guys with the same kinds of obligations. Grownups with families…not single friends that will most assuredly lead you down a dark path.
  4. Battle the bulge. I have found that one of the fastest ways for me to recharge is to work out. It could be a full-on P90X kind of thing or it could be a walk around the neighborhood. Just remember the man-tunes.
  5. Exercise a hobby. We all have something we’re passionate about. It may be tempting to abandon our pursuits when our lives get hectic, but that would be a mistake. Small or large, they are important.
  6. Get your girls involved. Test out something you love with one of your daughters. Things are usually pretty soothing when it’s one-on-one. Plus, you never know which one might actually like something that you like!
  7. Don’t feel bad. Every dad needs some guy time. This isn’t a license to become self-obsessed, but you needn’t feel neglectful just because you spend some time away.

Face the Music

The first step is admitting that you have a problem. You’re a dad with an estrogen-filled home and you need to do something about it. Running away is not an option, nor is trading in one of your daughters for a son…at least not in this country.

You just need to create some space and get your mojo back. Then, once you’re in the mix again, love those little girls with everything you have. You’ll be a better dad because of it!

Early Fatherhood – Lessons Learned

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Though I’ve only been a father for about 5 months now, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that I feel all new and expectant fathers should know. 5 months, 5 lessons learned:

  1. Babies are adorable, but not at 2 a.m. – When my daughter was born, she was the most beautiful baby in the world. When she sneezed, it was during the day; she could do no wrong and brightened everyone’s day. But then there’s the night.  Not the peaceful 8-9 hour restful nights, but the screeching, ear piercing, screaming nights. When you’ve had a long day, and finally fall asleep, there is nothing more tiring than hearing the screams through the baby monitor. And no matter how adorable she was during the day, there was nothing adorable about her that late at night. So to all the expectant and new parents I would advise you cherish all the happy, daytime moments just a little bit more, because your little angel will more than likely make up for it some nights.
  2. Mothers don’t get enough credit – Mothers just can’t get enough credit for the work they do. As if the labor process wasn’t enough, my wife also seems to know exactly what to do at all times. When my daughter can’t get settled and I’m getting frustrated, she can morph the screaming beast (and I mean that with all the love possible) back into the adorable princess we know her to be. I sometimes wonder how I would get through parenthood without her there to support me along the way.
  3. Get used to the mess – Before our daughter arrived, we weren’t the best at keeping the house nice and tidy, but we managed. After our daughter arrived, things are starting to pile up quicker and stay there longer. So to all the new parents, get used to the mess. There just won’t be enough hours in the day to keep the house as clean as you would like. Yes, we still pick up around the house when we know we’ll have company, but the toys, the mail, the clothes, the dishes…just get used to seeing them around a lot more. My mom used to hang a sign in her kitchen that read “Dull people have immaculate houses.” As a child I didn’t know what that meant. As a parent without a dull moment to spare, those words ring very true.
  4. Learn a whole new level of patience – You better learn fast that your child will not always be the perfect angel you want them to be, and to think otherwise is silly. But even knowing that there will be fits and tantrums doesn’t prepare you for the mental wear and tear you will soon endure. You have got to learn how to be more patient, and trust me the Lord will provide those opportunities. And I think how you deal with those opportunities will determine the type of parent you will be. You probably won’t be able to spend as much time doing some of the things you love, having to sacrifice that time to raise your child(ren). And without less time spent on those hobbies, the stress level may rise even quicker. But in spite of the added stress, remember to just take a step back from time to time, take a deep breath, and know that it’s all more than worth it in the end.
  5. Be thankful! – Finally, I can’t stress the importance of simply being thankful for the opportunity to be a parent. Some people don’t get the joy of raising a child, whether by choice or circumstance and as a parent you get to share in the ups and downs of parenthood. And I feel most would agree that the good times outweigh the bad. Be thankful for the good times, more thankful for the great times, and of course, thankful when the stresses are alleviated. Be thankful for each giggle, smile, and laugh. Be thankful when your boy or girl squeezes your finger, grabs your shirt, and gazes into your eyes. Be thankful that the Lord has blessed you with a child, and make the most of the biggest opportunity of your life.

Any lessons you’d like to share? Comment, email, tweet away!