The experience that often makes me feel alone in my role as a stay-at-home father is when I take my daughter to the park on weekdays.
We go to the park every weekday unless the weather prevents us from doing so, so I am talking about a very common occurrence.
No matter what park we go to, the ratio of mothers to fathers is usually around 10 to 1 (or more). So usually, I’m the only father at the park – and when other men are present, it is in the context of the full family being present, whether they are on vacation or just off of work. This is all fine with me!
I immediately embraced my new role when it began, and I honestly do not recall ever being uncomfortable in being in a minority with respect to this circumstance. In fact, I think it is pretty cool. It is not as if anyone is looking at me in a negative context, and, I presume, it is more the opposite. I am doing something most fathers simply are not in a position to do. Beyond being comfortable in spending weekdays at the park, is the importance of learning from the other parents.
When we are at the park, I enjoy meeting and talking with the moms. It’s fun, but is also the perfect opportunity to find out what other parks they recommend and how they prepare for these types of outings. Just being very observant really enhances my parenting skills. I see how other parents play and interact with their children, how they react when their child falls, or throws a tantrum, and how they handle their departure from the park, which can be quite tricky.
Sometimes my daughter simply says, “'Bye, park” and we head out easily. Other times, when she is very tired, she screams “More park! Park! Park!" … and our departure is less than elegant.
Everything cannot always be real graceful with children, but observations of others can be a huge aid. Believe me, through these observations you can learn the best – and worst – methods for reacting to various public situations.
By Brian Doolittle, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting
There are more than strawberries (but plenty of those too) at this festival! Kids can enjoy carnival rides, a petting farm, wagon rides, the children's playground and lots more.
Don't be late for this very important date! the Fancy Tea Party at the Butterfly House will have you feeling fancy and acting silly while celebrating mommies, grammies and aunties. Bring your kiddos to enjoy tasty treats, delightful drinks, fun crafts and more.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
Young visitors and their families are invited to the Energy Stage to enjoy interactive read-alouds of science-themed picture books. Story times are followed by a short demonstration or discussion connected to the book's main concepts.
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the new Animals Aglow exhibit. Bring your family to experience the luminous glow of 50 towering lanterns depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements. Don't miss this celebration of culture and art!