As I dropped my youngest off at daycare this morning, the teachers’ in the 18 month old ro… more
Posts Tagged ‘humor’
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Dad, the App
By Daddy Clay Friday, September 9th, 2011
Austin is a tech town, and I do a bit of writing for the web, so I often get approached by parents concerned about kids and their digital world. There are certainly plenty of things in the virtual realm for parents to be anxious about — violent video games, bullying on Facebook, Miranda Cosgrove — but technology also offers solutions like net nannies, parental controls, and an “off” switch.
I generally feel that technology is not to be feared, but rather should be embraced as a tool to enhance parenting. As I look back on my career as a dad and husband, I can think of a number of apps that would have helped me along the way. For example: Read the rest of this entry »
How to Explain Your Midlife Crisis to a Second Grader
By Daddy Clay Wednesday, August 24th, 2011
If you are experiencing a midlife crisis, I have a strong recommendation: have or acquire a seven-year-old. I am grateful to have to explain my various 40-something compulsions to my second grader. Kids of this age are keen observers and quite curious. Under the barrage of their questions, the crisis-haver is forced to formulate elaborate rationalizations for kooky behavior which can prove very useful in subsequent conversations with a spouse.
For my specific mid-life crisis, I have chosen running through which to express my lunacy. After a lifetime of being borderline obese, I decided that I never wanted to be called “Big Guy” ever again. I also decided that running makes you immortal. So I run a lot. Read the rest of this entry »
How to Deal with Homesickness and Sleep-away Camp
By Daddy Clay Monday, June 14th, 2010
June 9, 2010
Dear Ri-ri,
I can see from the photos posted on the camp website that you are having a ball with all the girls in your cabin, smiling and enjoying the many activities. Nevertheless, I think you should come home because I’m having a major identity crisis.
Your mother says “hi” and also that I should not impose my “personality issues” on an 8-year-old. You know mom and her opinions! Ha, ha. Read the rest of this entry »
Tutoring Tooters to Toot: Dad’s Awesome Homework Help
By Daddy Clay Friday, May 7th, 2010
Homework, to my mind, is a time for children to spend in their rooms with the doors closed, a perfect opportunity for a little parental “me time” and maybe a long-awaited turn on the Wii. But lately the amount of homework assigned to our kids has picked up, and our little Poindexters are requesting a billable amount adult help.
This is a problem for many reasons. First, there is the matter of integrity. I was opposed to homework as a student, how can I change my tune now? Just because I’m a parent? What kind of example does that set? And speaking of integrity, what happens when I do my daughter’s math homework for her and she gets a “D?” What damage does that do for her image of her father? A 3rd grader should not be expected to carry that kind of burden. Read the rest of this entry »
