Young Dads: work on communication with your child on a continual basis. In the beginning years, be mindful to speak face to face with them and very clearly so they can see how you pronounce words, which help develop their speech. It also makes it easier on them repeating your words - so be careful what words you use...mmhmm..

 

With the world being as fast and as loud as it is nowadays, effective communication will be of great value and peace of mind. When teaching words, write the words out. I used to use index cards and place them on the walls, now I use paper scraps (#TeamSustainabilityGoWuTang.) Use painter's tape, for example, to place them on the walls. Dry-erase boards also work well because they can see it visually it on large display. 

 

This is a cool article on how science plays a role in our kids brain development.

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As they age to construct dialogue, talk to them as much as you can... about anything. It is a beautiful thing to hear your child talk.

 

The. Cutest.

 

Building effective communication with your child will be one of the greatest things you can do for your kids. And as they continue to grow and comprehend better, you will find that you, too, will be a better communicator by trying to keep up with them! So it seems that investing in your kids also helps invest in yourself.

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Here's probably another fact - a lot of times... we don't have a lot of time. (LOL) What I mean by that is that if we have kids, then we are probably full-time employed. Which means that we are probably away from the house 10 hours of the day. And in our current times, we may not get to spend a lot of time with our kids. So it is important to use effective language as early and often as possible.

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Here's another article that's pretty good.

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I talk to my kids about all types of stuff. They know about wu-tang. They also know that it's not appropriate in general circumstances, but it's just part of daddy's adult life - before they were born. My son asked me once "So what kind of other things did you do before you had kids?" and I'll say stuff like I played for the Dodgers, I made movies, could dunk a basketball (at an elementary school playground). He laughs. He used to believe some of it. Being a Dad who enjoys telling stories, I was sure that the kids understood the difference between blatant lying, and "telling a tall tale" - I'm very open and unashamed of my tall tale telling.

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I remember there would be many times in which all the kids were laying in there beds in preparation to go to sleep, and the light would be off (with just a night light on.) And in the semi-dark, I would converse with the kids quietly and calmly, and get a little extra catch-up time in before they fall asleep. I find this one of the best times to chat with them as they are more relaxed and less distracted. Also, you have the ability to plant some positive thoughts for their mind to dwell on during sleep.

 

So the moral of this story is: communicate with your kids as frequently as you can in order to build a strong relationship with them through their entire life. That would be a dedicated father right there! 

 

I'd like to leave you with one of my favorite poems:

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"Young Dad, there's no need to feel down
I said, young Dad, pick yourself off the ground
I said, young Dad, 'cause you're in a new town
There's no need. to. be. unhappy.

Young Dad, there's a place you can go
I said, young Dad, when you're short on your dough
You can stay there, and I'm sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time"

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...or something like that. Take Care! 

(* I love that song) 

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