Ponder this...

"A dad is someone who has pictures of his children in the wallet where his money used to be."

Author Unknown

Do this...

"Have dinner together as a family as often as you can, even if it's just sandwiches or frozen pizza." Andy T. of Texas, Dad of three boys, 25, 21, 16.

Spending time together as a family is an important bonding ritual. Put away the cell phones, turn off the TV, and keep the background music low. Engage in meaningful conversation about topics that are important to your kids. This dedicated family time quietly reconnects families after a long day of social media bombardment. It also helps kids (and their parents) root themselves back into the comfort of the family fold.

For more advice from experienced dads to new dads, read my blog to be released on Friday. You are not alone!

Say this...

"I love you."
It isn't always easy for some people to articulate these words, and often we believe our loving actions speak for us. But that is not always the case. "I love you" are three magical words that can melt anyone's heart. When your child is giving you a hard time, as kids are known to do on occasion, stop, embrace them, and say "I love you". It may help get your conversation back on track.

Afraid conversations with your teen may become awkward? You are right - they just might! But you will live to talk about it, just as these dads did. Happy Father's Day

Ask this...

"What do you want to do today?"

It's summer. For many of us, summer is but a fleeting moment of the year. Take advantage of the opportunity to be outdoors with your kids. Set aside a day to spend alone with each of your children. Use this time to engage in fun conversation - no need for deep, inspirational talks (unless they take it in that direction). Enjoy making some memories. You are building a foundation of trust, care, and love that will enable your relationship to grow. This is important as your child begins to deal with the "really big" issues down the road and will want to seek your counsel.

Watch this...

Want to know the single most important piece of advice my Dad readers suggested? Watch this:

Parenting tips for dads by dads.

Know this...

Children tend to have improved cognitive ability when they have dads who are involved in their early childhood reading activities. There is also improvement in cognition when dads spend time merely communicating with them in a warm and supportive manner. In other words, get out some books, cuddle up, and engage in some great reading. To learn more about this research, read Babies With Involved Fathers Learn Faster by Katherine Sellgren.

Read this...

As busy parents, we fly by the seat of our pants. Any free moment to chill and relax is a welcome gift for parents. One chore in particular, picking children up from extra-curricular activities, can seem like a waste of precious time. However, if we strategically plan our timing, we may find ourselves with a few quiet, blissful, uninterrupted minutes in the car. We may choose to rest our eyes or grab some fun reading material while waiting for our children to hop in the car. Those snack-sized bites of silence are the perfect opportunity to gobble up a chapter (or two) of Teen World Confidential: Five-Minute Topics to Open Conversations about Sex and Relationships. Instead of surfing social media or remaining tethered to the office email, grab this book and find enthusiastic support enabling you to start important conversations.

Teen World Confidential: Five-Minute Topics to Open Conversation about Sex and Relationships is perfect for parents who are on-the-go. This book will suit your busy lifestyle and reading habits. Each chapter is brief yet informative; ideal for those minutes-to-kill while waiting in the car.

It is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookseller outlets. It was the #1 New Release in Teen Health on Amazon. Buy a copy for yourself and one for a friend. I would appreciate a book review on Amazon as well! For more information, click here.

Buy your copy today!

See this...

Read this Forbes magazine article about what it takes to be an entrepreneur. I, along with Jill Salzman who founded Founding Moms and other mom entrepreneurs, was featured in the article Startup Advice from Founding Moms. Pretty cool!