New (Dad) skillz that I've learned this year

[Shannow]

Being a Dad, have progressed over the last few years from diaper duty and the like 13 years ago to Dad of a Teenage daughter and a not quite teenage son.

Skills that I never thought that I'd learn, and I have this last 8 months.
* Nail technician...I can glue them, trim them, file and shape them. I can paint them in two with no over-run onto the skin, and also apply appliques and marbling technique.
* Hair colouring. Few weeks ago, it was a teal applied to the (already bleached) ends, while this week it was a shocking purple. Bloke over the road got some giggles (his sig other is a hairdresser) with my wheelbarrow being used as the hair dressing chair (works great), and my daughter reading conspiracy mags while the dye took...washes off into the grass, no mess inside.
* Travel agent for the worlds of either Skyrim or Fallout..."Where'd you get that weapon Dad" requires a response to the town, the building, and the cupboard...also holding conversations over the history of said places.

Can be frustrating when you can see in your simplified world that you've got "stuff" to be doing...then you think of the lyrics to Cats in the Cradle, and realise that these are moments to treasure.

 

[Shannow]

Oh, and throat singing too...

 

[Superflop]

Lol that's awesome.. mine are still too young for most of that thought my nail skills are improving. Did color their hair a while back daughter wanted purple and the boy wanted the colors of the local football team seahawks. He wasn't so sure afterwards with his green stubble and blue mohawk.

 

[SonofJoe]

Sounds like you are ready to progress to the Ultimate Level Of Parenthood. This is where you provide increasingly large gobs of cash to your much loved offspring!

It starts with giving them 'a bit extra' so they can enjoy their time at uni. You will inevitably buy them their first car so they can 'drive back at weekends' (a lie!). The car will be cheap but the insurance premium you will pay will be eye-wateringly expensive! Afterwards you will very likely offer to pay their student debts and tuition fees because you don't want then to start their careers 'saddled with debt'. Then there's the weddings and honeymoons (your present to both of them) and the providing of a deposit for a house because as everyone knows 'renting is throwing money over the garden fence'. Then there's a whole new raft of car buying to help with because the old bangers you first bought, or your old cars that you passed on, are dying of old age (I've done three in the last year!)

The latest thing, now that I've been made a grandad, is 'something for the baby'. I said a pram. They heard 'transport system'. What's the difference you may ask? About £400 is the right answer!

I console myself with the knowledge that the kids will probably choose my care home when I go gaga so I consider all this expense an investment in MY future!

 

[Shannow]

SonofJoe,
you make it sound all so appealing...however, the insurance aspect in your last line really brings home something I hadn't considered.

 

[Silk]

I don't have much to give my kids...but they take it anyway.

 

[Jetronic]

Giving them stuff or money isn't going to better their feelings for you anyway. It didn't help when they were in kindergarten, it doesn't help when they're teenagers, and it won't help after they've grown.

Quality time and dialogue + interaction (including chit chat) does.

 

[corndogzombie]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
Being a Dad, have progressed over the last few years from diaper duty and the like 13 years ago to Dad of a Teenage daughter and a not quite teenage son.

Skills that I never thought that I'd learn, and I have this last 8 months.
* Nail technician...I can glue them, trim them, file and shape them. I can paint them in two with no over-run onto the skin, and also apply appliques and marbling technique.
* Hair colouring. Few weeks ago, it was a teal applied to the (already bleached) ends, while this week it was a shocking purple. Bloke over the road got some giggles (his sig other is a hairdresser) with my wheelbarrow being used as the hair dressing chair (works great), and my daughter reading conspiracy mags while the dye took...washes off into the grass, no mess inside.
* Travel agent for the worlds of either Skyrim or Fallout..."Where'd you get that weapon Dad" requires a response to the town, the building, and the cupboard...also holding conversations over the history of said places.

Can be frustrating when you can see in your simplified world that you've got "stuff" to be doing...then you think of the lyrics to Cats in the Cradle, and realise that these are moments to treasure.

That's all awesome man
your living out the greatest moments of your life right now.

 

[Falken]

A bond between a Father and kids is a very special one.

I think I am the kind of Father that you are, when my little girl gets older I plan on giving her haircuts and stuff like that.

It's just fun haha!

They grow up way too fast it isn't cliche at all it is scary!!

 

[JTK]

Great skills indeed.

Don't forget tooth extractions and various other home medical procedures. Patching up toys too. Mine are 5, 10, 12 and 14 now.

 

[abycat]

Mine is only 3.5 but can't wait to do more things with her.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
SonofJoe,
you make it sound all so appealing...however, the insurance aspect in your last line really brings home something I hadn't considered.


The insurance will bring tears to your eyes.

 

[andyd]

Originally Posted By: abycat
Mine is only 3.5 but can't wait to do more things with her.
Axel and Patrick on You tube.for inspiration
Shannow, the next 10-15 yrs will fly by in a blur. My Princess is a mother of 2 boys. Children at best are a mixed blessing. Grandchildren are the real pay off.

 

[JC1]

The best skill I've developed with my kids is patience.

 

[SonofJoe]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Originally Posted By: Shannow
SonofJoe,
you make it sound all so appealing...however, the insurance aspect in your last line really brings home something I hadn't considered.


The insurance will bring tears to your eyes.


It was eleven years ago but as I recall, it was something like £200 for the car (a beat-up old Seat Ibiza which my lad loved) and £2,000 for the insurance

 

[Jetronic]

I think Shannow was talking about insurance for a "good" old day...

 

[Donald]

Side ponies. Did those for daughter. She is now giving her daughter side ponies.

 

[CT8]

I learned from my Daughter to not talk to the man because he thinks I am stupid. Not to ride the horse because I look stupid on a horse. I have been looking a getting a new motorcycle and the Harley Roadster looked really nice so my son and I went to the Harley dealer and I looked at it yes I really liked it. My Son said dad you look stupid on the Harley. Why Son? Because you are a Kawasaki type. I love being a Dad.

 

[andyd]

Originally Posted By: CT8
I learned from my Daughter to not talk to the man because he thinks I am stupid. Not to ride the horse because I look stupid on a horse. I have been looking a getting a new motorcycle and the Harley Roadster looked really nice so my son and I went to the Harley dealer and I looked at it yes I really liked it. My Son said dad you look stupid on the Harley. Why Son? Because you are a Kawasaki type. I love being a Dad.
Oh, that is one of the best things to do with teenagers, horrifying them with your uncoolness. We once had my daughter convinced that we were replacing the Jag with a used Mary Kaye pink minivan.

 

[pandus13]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
Oh, and throat singing too...

have you tried reading (in the "voices") Snow White the the 7 Motorcycle Riding Dwarfs?