The Worlds Greatest Dad

You are in the final round of your favorite game show. The category is "Fatherhood". All that stands between you and the grand prize is the answer to this question: "Describe the World's Greatest Dad. He would ?"

Each spring, I play this game with the students in my class as we brainstorm ideas for poems, cards and gifts for Father's Day. Regardless of the age of my students, out of the hundreds of answers I have amassed, they all remain quite similar. What do they say? What would your kids say? What is that special ingredient that turns a father into a special Dad? The results might surprise you ?

Healthy ?

The World's Greatest Dad in most cases is tall and strong, but more importantly, very healthy:

? He would not smoke.
? He would be active and always have lots of energy.
? He would take us for hikes, walks, bike rides, and play sports with me.
? He would eat supper faster so he could come outside and play.

Wealthy? ?

While variations on, "He would be rich and buy me things," inevitably make the list each year, it is one of the least popular responses. The top answer does involve spending, but it is time rather than money. Here are some popular responses about spending more quality time with Dad:

? He would take me fishing, hunting, to sporting events, or to the park.
? He would help with my homework.
? He would read with me and tuck me into bed at night.
? He would want to spend time with me."

? and Wise

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Coping With Colic

Quite simply, an absolute nightmare for parents and babies alike,... Read More

Whats Mine Is Mine

You are at the grocery store with your daughter and... Read More

Teaching Reading: Part One

One of the biggest milestones in our children's education is... Read More

A Call For Fathers

Dads, please let me encourage you to change some things... Read More

Helping Your Kids Handle Divorce

Every year over one million parents have to talk to... Read More

Preparing Your Child for the Three Rs

There is little doubt that reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic are... Read More

Why A Father Is Not A Dad

It can be said that any man who procreates is... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: 8 Things You Need to Be Doing

Get into their world. The world that teens are growing... Read More

Thriving As A Family When You Live In The Fast lane

It is extraordinary times that we find ourselves in. Change... Read More

The Parent Teen Relationship: How Effective is Yours?

It was the homework that did it. Each night became... Read More

Are You Reading to Your Kids?

Over a number of years there have been issues raised... Read More

The POWER of Reading

Reading to your child at a young age is one... Read More

Diet Sodas And How They Can Affect Kids

Many of us have grown up drinking caffeinated diet sodas... Read More

Positive Parenting - Oops! I Really Lost My Temper With My Kids, What Now?

Ever blown your top to your children, only to regret... Read More

What Makes a Good Evaluation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

So you have just returned home from your third meeting... Read More

How to Foster a Love of Reading and Writing in Your Child

The key to lifelong learning is reading and writing. When... Read More

Who Will Be Their Guardian?

If you are like most people today, you do not... Read More

How to End the Misery of Bedwetting

When a child wets the bed they worry. Children tend... Read More

Summer Marks the Time to Remember Active Supervision Around Family Swimming Pools

LOS ANGELES (May 19, 2005) - With Memorial Day weekend,... Read More

Back to School Responsibilities Again

It's that time of year when mom and dad look... Read More

Co-sleeping, a personal story

When I was pregnant, we knew that we had some... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: 7 Tips for Back to School Success

Blink. That's all we did, blink, and summer is ending... Read More

Son, Can I Use The Car Tonight?

I recall somewhere in the recesses of my aging brain... Read More

ParentingYour Teenager: Dont Buy the I Dont Know and I Dont Care Attitude

"I don't know and I don't care."I've heard those words... Read More

Handling Failure -- Teaching Kids How to Profit From It

There is nothing pleasant about failure, at least not at... Read More

The Secret, Unconscious Game Children and Parents Play Where No One Wins!

Did you know there's a game children and parents play... Read More

How Effective Are Ritalin and Dexedrine in Treating the Symptoms of ADHD?

Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More

10 Secrets To Know You?re A Good Working Parent To Your Kids!

How are parents to know they are doing the right... Read More

The Science of Mother Love

A growing body of scientific evidence shows that the way... Read More

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: What is Impulsivity?

Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More

How to Get Your Children Brand Free

Those of you that have children know what an excursion... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: When is it OK to Quit?

Q. My daughter is a junior in high school and... Read More

Putting Your Child To Bed

Are you glad for the chance to put your child... Read More