Welcome to Dad’s Corner.  Each of my columns focuses on particular “fatherhood” issues, as well as suggestions on how to address them.  I’ll also provide links to other sites for further reference, where possible.  I definitely welcome your own comments and advice as well. Together as fathers, we’ll share our thoughts on how best to guide our children, nurture them and support them along the way.

One-on-one Time

As fathers, some of the best opportunities we have to connect with our kids come about when we spend “on-on-one” time beyond usual family activities.  But what kinds of activities should fathers consider to produce those special moments?  The most successful activities often are ones that tie into your own personal interests and give your children a chance to see how much you want to share that excitement with them.

“It needs to be something where the father feels comfortable, and is going to be something they enjoy and get involved in,” said Jeremy Schneider, MFT, a marriage and family therapist living in Baldwin with his wife and fraternal twins.  “His enthusiasm really becomes infectious with his kids.  That’s what makes it such a special event.  If it’s something that they’re interested in, the kids just follow in their wake and become excited as well.”

Fishing has always been a great way for dads to spend an afternoon with their kids.  A relaxing day fishing usually requires minimal effort, other than investing in a fishing pole and some bait, and provides a unique perspective for experiencing the outdoors together and learning more about nature.  There’s also the added pleasure for a father of seeing the sense of accomplishment on their children’s faces the first time they reel in their first “catch.”   
           
Fathers who are golfing enthusiasts can use their love of the sport to create a common interest with their kids.  Dads can show their children the “ins and outs” of the game, whether it’s battling the revolving windmill at a miniature golf course or playing 9 or 18 holes at a golf course when they’re older.  And it gives children a chance to exercise and build their eye and hand coordination as they approach swinging a club to hit a golf ball.

Finally, there’s nothing like a special construction project to help fathers and their children enjoy both quality time and share in the satisfaction of a “job well done.”  Something as simple as having your children “read” you instructions or hand you child-safety tools help build their self-confidence, give them a better understanding of how things work, and a chance to learn proper safety.
           
These are just a few ideas.  But keep in mind; it’s really the chance to put your best foot forward when you’re with your kids on these occasions that counts the most.  If you love to take photos, show your children how to use a camera.  If it’s gardening, ask them to come out in the yard and help you plant.  Even a day spent at the playground swing can have the same positive impact.
           
Simply, it’s important to choose something that gives you the chance to walk away from your usual stresses so you can relax and be yourself.  When that happens, your kids will definitely notice and treasure the experience.

Michael A. Casano is still trying to master the fine art of being a successful father, husband, and writer – with some days working better than others. 

Great Dad Activities
Here are some places for fathers to take their children (keep in mind that they charge a fee to participate).  But I encourage you to look for similar opportunities in your community as well.

FISHING:
From Friday through Tuesday of each week, the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium offers a setting for you and your children to fish for trout.  You can either bring your own fishing equipment or rent from the facility.  And, for younger children, the Hatchery features the largest living collection of New York State freshwater reptiles, fish, and amphibians – and a chance to feed some fish on the premises.  Captree State Park in Babylon is also a very popular choice among fishing enthusiasts, offering a boat basin with open and charter boats, and open pier fishing from dawn until 11pm each day.  There’s also a “Bait and Tackle” shop, a restaurant for snacks and a picnic area if you want to bring your meals.   

GOLF:
Nassau and Suffolk Counties have a number of golf courses (both public and private) for those fathers and their children interested in spending a “day on the links,” along with many miniature golf courses for younger children just starting out.  Eisenhower Park in East Meadow provides the best of all worlds – with three public 18-hole golf courses (reservations required) and a driving range.  There are also two 18-hole miniature golf courses, which are wheelchair and baby-stroller accessible.  

PROJECTS:
On the first Saturday of each month, The Home Depot in your area sponsors a “Kid’s Workshop” for children and their dads to work on a project together.  Past projects include building a window birdhouse, a mail organizer and a picnic caddy.  Once completed, your child receives a kid-sized orange apron (similar to the one worn by The Home Depot’s associates, and an achievement pin.