Fatherly Advice from Top Dad Dennis
Dennis Julien is the winner of our Top Dad competition, and father to two-year-old Molly. He was entered by his wife Charlotte, who described him as someone always willing to go that extra mile. “He was heavily involved in the pregnancy and birth, even supporting me when breastfeeding felt too hard and encouraging me when I was ready to give up. He also helped with expressed feeds when I was just too tired.”
Dennis, a customer services advisor, has also played a pivotal role in a community-led parenting group in his home town of Reading. Our panel of judges not only felt he was passionate about being a dad, but his enthusiasm was infectious and inspiring.
And the good news is Dennis is now going to share some of that passion with us. He will be giving regularly updated practical advice for new dads. He will also be on the Philips AVENT stand at The Baby Show - so make sure you come and say hello!
Family fun on Father’s Day!
I’m told that the first official Father’s Day was held almost 100 years ago in 1910. A splendidly named American lady called Sonora Smart Dodd thought up the idea while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. It is said she wanted to let her father know how special he was and began a campaign for an official day to recognise the roles that father’s play. And may I say what a ‘smart’ idea it was too!
Obviously it’s nice to receive gifts – but really what better gift for any dad than to spend some real quality time with their children. There are loads of things that dads can do with their family on Father’s Day, and everyone’s tastes are different. Here are a few suggestions that I have found enjoyable:
- Soft Play - There are plenty of soft play areas for children. Your local leisure centre for example may have a dedicated area for this. They are great for burning off some energy together while having fun at the same time.
- Playgroups – I’ve found playgroups a great way to bring out the creative side of a child: It’s also a good opportunity for you to relight some of that creative sparkly inside you too! Often there may be a sing-a-long session, or a chance to play with various toys together or just run around in the garden.
- Lunch - There’s nothing like a lovely lunch together. You can sit down and talk (… or listen in my case since she’s a right little chatterbox!). You could even prepare a picnic and if the weather is nice go to the park where you may also have some slides, swings and sandpits to enjoy.
- A day at the zoo or local wildlife park/ farm - We recently went to the zoo with our daughter and she loved seeing all of the animals. This is another great day out to enjoy for all the family – and also very educational.
- Swimming - For most children swimming comes down to confidence. I learnt a lot about my daughter when I had the opportunity to take her swimming. We had loads of fun and it brings no end of happiness to see them splashing away.
A lot of dads out there work during the week and may only have weekends to spend time with their children. So although going out somewhere is great, there are also plenty of things you can do at home that you can equally enjoy together:
- Puzzles and games – I’ve had lots of fun doing various puzzles with my daughter, as well as other board games. It’s amazing how quickly they develop and you’d be surprised how fast they grasp the concept of things, particularly when you don’t see them much during the week.
- Barbecues - With it being summer a barbecue is a great way to spend some time outdoors in the garden with the family – obviously weather permitting! And if you’re feeling up to it, you may like to invite other friends along with their children. It’s always good for children to get together – and as a parent it’s lovely watching them having fun.
- And finally, Messy Play – Children love making and creating things – particularly drawing and painting. And there’s nothing like messing about with some paints at home to really bring out their creative and arty side. My daughter loves it – and I can’t help but think that all her pictures are worthy of being hung up in the Tate Gallery!
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