Celebrating Dad – Find The Perfect Products To Help Nurture Their Role by Heather Ledeboer
Soccer games, ballet lessons, play dates, business meetings, homemade lunches, carpools and birthday parties. Today’s woman often feels she needs to bring home a paycheck, run a household and be the perfect mother. No wonder we’re called super-moms – not to mention stressed out, overworked, exhausted and overwhelmed.
Fortunately, we are not in this alone. Today%u2019s dad is more involved than ever before and he is definitely shouldering his part of the responsibilities. With so many women going back to work outside the home and starting home-based businesses, dads have really had more of an opportunity to step it up and share the family roles while mom helps to ease the financial burden. And it is no different with stay-at-home moms because being with children all day while taking care of a house and trying to have some personal time can overwhelm even the toughest woman, so help is still needed and perhaps even more so, by dad in this situation.
Despite how well dads are doing these days at contributing to the awesome responsibility of parenting, sometimes they still feel lost in their role at home. At work they thrive. They know what to do, how to do it and they receive financial compensation for their labor. At home however, they may have to be reminded of when the kids eat, what time baseball practices and tap classes are, and what new discipline strategies mom has implemented. It can feel awkward, challenging and frustrating at times.
Thank goodness we live in a society that understands this dilemma and strives to provide families with creative solutions. From feeding time reminders and self-swaddling blankets to catch-all bags created with dads in mind, there is something out there for every dad who feels he needs an edge on parenting.
Awkward Adjustment
The newborn stage is an especially awkward time for dads because mom has spent nearly ten months with her child living inside of her and she is pretty much the sole provider of comfort and feeding when the bundle of joy is born. This leaves dad to wonder how he can bond with the baby and what he can do to contribute. One way dads have been successful at bonding with their newborns is through sharing feedings. And there are products out there, like the bottle that is shaped like a mother’s breast, that allow dads to share in the joy of feeding their baby while allowing mom to rest easy knowing that her child will not experience nipple confusion or become gassy from a bottle.
Another way dads can bond with their newborns is through comfort. This is sometimes intimidating for them because it seems moms are pre-programmed with the ability to soothe, while it is often a learned art for dad. There are several products that can help comfort baby and ease them into sweet slumber, such as easy swaddling blankets and stuffed animals that attach to the crib and make soothing noises.
Brave Daddy
As your baby starts to get a little older, dad may feel brave enough to go on an outing alone with him or her, perhaps in an effort to give you a break. This is a confidence builder for him and a sanity saver for you. And it may only take one failed attempt to discourage him from trying it again, so make sure he%u2019s loaded with all the right products to ensure success on his outing and future breaks for you. One thing he is sure to need is a diaper bag outfitted with all the diapers, wipes, bottles and binkies he could possibly need, but do you really think he wants to be seen carrying that hip satin Chinese print shoulder bag/backpack you use? If so, think again. Dads are simple and practical, which is why companies have started making daddy diaper bags that come in a variety of dad-approved colors and keep their hands free to chase after babies on the go.
Shared Experiences
You and your husband have no doubt shared the duty of changing diapers, so why not continue to do that when you enter into the realm of potty training? This way you are a team and your child knows you both mean business. It also ensures that if you need to run an errand or be away from the child while your husband watches him or her, he will know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it with regard to potty training your child. In the spirit of dads loving to make everything fun with their kids, equip him with fun aids such as PottieStickers. They are portable, consistent and rewarding, making dad%u2019s involvement in this process that much easier. And if you want to reduce frustration from not being able to readily find all the potty training tools and supplies you are using, provide your child with an organized potty seat like the one from Boon. These genius little seats organize all your potty training supplies, make cleaning up a breeze and most of them convert to step stools so you and your husband can remember to enforce the necessary habit of hand washing after going potty. If you want your husband to partner with you on this sometimes challenging journey, be prepared with the right equipment and make it fun and enjoyable.
Dads Just Wanna Have Fun
Dad does a lot to help out around the house and with the kids, but there is more to parenting than just being responsible and doing what%u2019s best for your children. It has to be fun! Playing is an element that cannot be overlooked because it is all too important to the learning and development of little ones, not to mention an excellent way for dad to bond with his children as they grow older. Dress Up used to be thought of as something only little girls did. But there are some great products out there that make it cool for both girls and boys to play pretend, and in turn, play together with dad, such as capes for boys that can be personalized with their initial and classic Tutus for the little princesses in your house. This kind of play will inspire your boys to be imaginary superheroes and will definitely bring out the little kid in your husband. Then there is the classic tutu that will take your little princess to a far away kingdom where Daddy is her knight in shining armor, ready to rescue the damsel in distress. And whether dad is pretending to soar through the air with your little superhero or slaying dragons to save the princess, the perfect setting for their adventures is under a homemade tent or one from Lucy and Michael. So keep the camcorder on hand for those spur-of-the-moment dress-up sessions because these are memories they will all be fond of in years to come.
Dads deserve to be celebrated for how they provide for their families, come home to relieve mom, and create lifelong memories with their children as often as possible. They are not perfect but they are invaluable. As moms, we have the ability to equip the fathers of our children with all the right tools to help them feel more comfortable in their role as daddy, from newborn to graduating senior. All it takes is a little creativity, forethought and caring. So, whatever stage of parenting you are in, consider what it will take to get your husband more involved on all levels and then be proactive in helping him get there. You never know; he might just surprise you.
About the Author
Heather Ledeboer is the owner of Mom4Life, a website that offers 100% mom made and invented products.
Let It Snow (A Christmas Spectacular – aka the Kid’s ballet recital)
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Pink Dance Party Ballet Tutu for Toddlers Kids sz 2-3T $0.99 |
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Girl Kids Black Ballet Dance Elastic Skirt Tutu Party $54.66 |
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Kids Girls Child Red Ballet Dance Elastic Tulle Tutu $4.69 |
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NEW WITH TAG KIDs pink ballenina spangled ballet dance TUTU GIRLs $28.89 |
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NEW WITH TAG KIDs pink ballenina spangled ballet dance TUTU GIRLs $28.89 |
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NEW WITH TAG KIDs pink ballenina spangled ballet dance TUTU GIRLs $28.89 |
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NEW WITH TAG KIDs pink ballenina spangled ballet dance TUTU GIRLs $28.89 |
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NEW WITH TAG KIDs pink ballenina spangled ballet dance TUTU GIRLs $28.89 |
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NEW WITH TAG TUTU spangle ballet dance ROLL DUFFEL bag KIDs pink roll bag $25.45 |
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Fairy Princess Tulle cotton lycra Dress Up Dance Ballet Tutu Tutus Toddlers Kids $0.99 |
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Halloween Disney Minnie Mouse Girls Kids Pary Costume Ballet Tutu Dress 6-8Y NEW $14.99 |
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L’AMOUR Ballet Tutu Princess Dress Dance Costume CHOICE $35.00 |
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L’AMOUR Ballet Tutu Princess Dress Dance Costume CHOICE $35.00 |
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L’AMOUR Ballet Tutu Princess Dress Dance Costume CHOICE $35.00 |
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L’AMOUR Ballet Tutu Princess Dress Dance Costume CHOICE $35.00 |
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Girls Pink Ballet Costume Kids Tutu Dress Dance Class Outfit Medium $24.99 |
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SKATER’S WALTZ Ballet Tutu CHRISTMAS CAROLERS PAGEANT Dance Costume CHOICE $39.99 |
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SKATER’S WALTZ Ballet Tutu CHRISTMAS CAROLERS PAGEANT Dance Costume CHOICE $39.99 |
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SKATER’S WALTZ Ballet Tutu CHRISTMAS CAROLERS PAGEANT Dance Costume CHOICE $39.99 |
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SKATER’S WALTZ Ballet Tutu CHRISTMAS CAROLERS PAGEANT Dance Costume CHOICE $39.99 |
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SKATER’S WALTZ Ballet Tutu CHRISTMAS CAROLERS PAGEANT Dance Costume CHOICE $39.99 |
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SKATER’S WALTZ Ballet Tutu CHRISTMAS CAROLERS PAGEANT Dance Costume CHOICE $39.99 |
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SKATER’S WALTZ Ballet Tutu CHRISTMAS CAROLERS PAGEANT Dance Costume CHOICE $39.99 |
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PARTY TIME Ballet Tutu Pageant Dance Costume Child XS $35.00 |
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PARTY TIME Ballet Tutu Pageant Dance Costume Child M $35.00 |
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PARADISE Tutu SHORT Ballet Pageant Dance Costume 2-3yr $35.00 |
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THINK YOU CAN DANCE Camisole Top & Romantic Tutu Ballet Dance Costume SZ CHOICE $39.99 |
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Super cute LC large child sz 8-10 black leotard with tutu dance ballet EUC $1.99 |
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THINK YOU CAN DANCE 2pc Crop Top & Short Ballet Tutu Costume SIZE CHOICE $39.99 |
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THINK YOU CAN DANCE 2pc Crop Top & Short Ballet Tutu Costume SIZE CHOICE $39.99 |
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NWT CAMISOLE TUTU DRESS BALLET LIGHT PINK Chiffon Rose $23.99 |
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TWILIGHT Short Ballet Tutu Dress Dance Costume Child L $30.00 |
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TWILIGHT Short Ballet Tutu Dress Dance Costume Child L $30.00 |
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Children’s Girls Pink Dance Ballet Tutu – Pretend Play Ballerina Costume $8.00 |
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OLE’ Spanish Ballet Tutu Pageant Dance Costume CHOICE $35.00 |
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OLE’ Spanish Ballet Tutu Pageant Dance Costume CHOICE $35.00 |
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Girls Pink Cupcake Tutu Dress Ballet Costume Kids Dance Outfit Small $24.99 |
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VICTORIAN ROMANCE Ballet Tutu Dance Costume SZ CHOICES $35.00 |
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VICTORIAN ROMANCE Ballet Tutu Dance Costume SZ CHOICES $35.00 |
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VICTORIAN ROMANCE Ballet Tutu Dance Costume SZ CHOICES $35.00 |
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VICTORIAN ROMANCE Ballet Tutu Dance Costume SZ CHOICES $35.00 |
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VICTORIAN ROMANCE Ballet Tutu Dance Costume Child 12 $35.00 |
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VICTORIAN ROMANCE Ballet Tutu Dance Costume Child 2-3yr $29.99 |
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WOLFF FORDING & COMPANY BLUE / WHITE TUTU SIZE CHILD MEDIUM BALLET DANCE $9.99 |
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BON BON Ballet Tutu Dance Costume SIZE & COLOR CHOICE $34.99 |
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BON BON Ballet Tutu Dance Costume SIZE & COLOR CHOICE $34.99 |
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BON BON Ballet Tutu Dance Costume SIZE & COLOR CHOICE $34.99 |
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BON BON Ballet Tutu Dance Costume SIZE & COLOR CHOICE $34.99 |
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BON BON Ballet Tutu Dance Costume SIZE & COLOR CHOICE $34.99 |
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BON BON Ballet Tutu Dance Costume SIZE & COLOR CHOICE $34.99 |
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Kids Ballerina Dancing Musical Jewelry Box Pecoware Intricately Decorated Heart Shaped Box $12.99 This beautiful Ballerina Musical Jewelry box is intricately decorated with pearl beads, ballet slippers and a ballerina’s costume on a hanger complete with tu-tu on the top of this heart shaped box. Open it and wind it up the watch the ballerina inside twirl whimsically in front of the mirror as the music plays. An enchanting gift for the little ballerina dancer in your life…. |
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Art 4 Kids Peter Rabbit GC Mounted Art Print, 12×36 $52.10 … |
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Art 4 Kids Sports Equipment CAN Mounted Art Print, 30×17 $66.99 … |
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Wallpaper Border Pink Ballet Tutu Kids Childrens Border $19.99 … |
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Wallpaper Border Kids Purple Lavender Ballet Tutu $19.99 … |
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Tinkerbell Dance Studio Kit : Learn Ballet – Step-by-step – Instructional DVD with Bonus Music Cd , One Size Fits All Pink Tutu , Hair Tutu , Poster That Shows the Positions $15.00 Tinkerbell Dance Studio Kit : Learn Ballet – Step-by-step – Instructional DVD with Bonus Music Cd , One Size Fits All Pink Tutu , Hair Tutu , Poster That Shows the Positions… |
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Children’s Dances – Ballet $14.37 Over 40 minutes of your favorite Kimbo ballet 45′s. Musical sounds that kids will love. “Fun” classroom practice routines. Perfect for recitals. Dance Notes available… |
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12 Ballet Dancer Rubber Ducky Party Favors This set of 12 rubber duckys are each adorned with their dance outfits. You’ll receive 3 of each of the 4 styles pictured, for a total of 12 ducks. Each ducky measures approx. 2″ x 2″ x 2-1/4″. They do not squeak but do have a hole in their beak for squirting water. They are not guaranteed to float upright. These make great little decor pieces for your dessert or hors d’oeuvre trays at parties. Gr… |
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Rose Flower Petal Tutu Assortment (6pc) Fits 3-9 $28.95 A stunning assortment of rose flower petal tutus. The adorable tutu has an over-sized rose at the waist with rose petals trapped inside the tutu.You will get an assortment of colors (May be an assortment containing any of the following colors: pink, fuchsia, white, yellow, orange, light blue, lavender, red and lime. Assortments will vary and you may not get one of each color but an assortment of a… |
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Madame Alexander, Angelina Ballerina Cloth Doll, Angelina Ballerina Collection, Play Alexander Collection – 18 $35.00 Introducing Angelina Ballerina. Angelina Ballerina loves to dance. Star of the CGI series based on the popular children’s books by author Katharine Holabird and illustrator Helen Craig, this remarkable mouse makes her debut in our new collection of dolls and accessories. Our Angelina Ballerina dolls are designed to appeal to children of all ages.Features include: •This cloth Angelina Balle… |
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Ballet Kitty: Play Book: With Flaps and Tabs and Things to Touch and Feel $5.97 New – Kitty’s ballet slippers are lost, and she needs help finding them. As kids join in the search, they’ll have a great time opening drawers, doors, and toy chest lids, and touching the tulle of Kitty’s tutu and her soft fairy wings. Full color. |
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Ballet Kitty: Play Book: With Flaps and Tabs and Things to Touch and Feel $4.3 New – Kitty’s ballet slippers are lost, and she needs help finding them. As kids join in the search, they’ll have a great time opening drawers, doors, and toy chest lids, and touching the tulle of Kitty’s tutu and her soft fairy wings. Full color. |
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Baseball Ballerina $8.64 Used – A shortstop in a tutu? Not if she can help it! Forced by her mother into taking ballet lessons, a die-hard tomboy discovers that there’s team spirit at the barre as well as on the baseball diamond. “Kids will enjoy the situation comedy and the surprise in people and story”.–Booklist. |
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Baseball Ballerina $10.27 New – A shortstop in a tutu? Not if she can help it! Forced by her mother into taking ballet lessons, a die-hard tomboy discovers that there’s team spirit at the barre as well as on the baseball diamond. “Kids will enjoy the situation comedy and the surprise in people and story”.–Booklist. |
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Baseball Ballerina $8.54 Used – A shortstop in a tutu? Not if she can help it! Forced by her mother into taking ballet lessons, a die-hard tomboy discovers that there’s team spirit at the barre as well as on the baseball diamond. “Kids will enjoy the situation comedy and the surprise in people and story”.–Booklist. |
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DressUpBallet $3.99 17+~~Charmfaw~~Masahiko SAWADA~~http://itunes.apple.com/app/dressupballet/id434117908?uo=5~~charmfaw~~1.0~~3663711~~4883674~~http://www.charmfaw.com/~~http://www.charmfaw.com/ |
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Little Box of Ballet [With 2 Books and Tutu, Headband, Ballet Shoes Pendant and Ribbon Necklace] $16.99 Lia Foa, Nina Freund,Other Format,Series: Barron’s Activity Kits for Kids, English-language edition,Pub by Barron’s Educational Series, Incorporated |