Small Changes to Change the World

Everyday as consumers we purchase products in the marketplace. There are usually several brands to choose from and by choosing a brand we are in a sense casting a vote. That dollar spent is keeping corporation X in business. This corporation may or may not practice good ethics or environmentally safe guidelines. I was shocked to learn that PVC is found in most toys. PVC is one of the least recyclable of all plastics, vinyl chloride is a chemical used to make PVC and is a known human carcinogen. Lead and cadmium are also contained in PVC and as it breaks down these chemicals can be relesed into your home and to your child. Remember these are toys kids put in their mouths and play with everyday.

Tags: child safety, green shopping, parenting, PVC, recycling

Summer Sweets and Healthy Treats

My son has grown up fast. From eating solid foods to being extremely mobile, he is a handful to keep up with and is already eating a variety of foods. He wants whatever he sees and one of his all time favorites is fruit. Bannanas, grapes, cherries,(pitted of course), and berrries, berries , berries. Here are two easy to prepare snacks that can be stretched out over a few days and the kids love them. Take all the fruits that your children like, maybe even a few they arent so fond of and make a fruit salad. this will keep for a couple days in the fridge. Goes great with breakfast cereal, a side dish with lunch or just a healthy snack.  Another favorite at our house is popcicles. We have been making some popcicles at home. The kids love to help and this is another great use for that cut up fruit that was prepared a day or two ago. Be sure to use 100% fruit juice and mix the chuncks of fruit into the juice and if you have popcicle tupperware simply add the juice and fruit , freeze and enjoy! a sure hit on a hot day,(and its healthy too). Popcicle sticks and small cups will work as well and your kids will love you for the tasty treats.

Tags: eating healthy, food, fun with kids, parenting, summer treats

Enjoy Every Moment

As my son has grown the changes which he goes through from day to day have increased. He might be doing something new and exciting one day and a day or two later he is doing something completely different. He is growing very fast as well, he is outgrowing clothes in a month or two and is beginning to navigate around. Soon he will be on the go and hard to keep up with.

Parenting needs constant adjustment to keep up with these changes. Keeping your children entertained and busy can be a challenge, but dont let these changes go unnoticed. A child may do something for a short time and then be done with it. A lot of the things young children do is only for a short time, so dont miss a day. In my opinion  we are always playing catch up to our children.

Tags: blogging, child development, fatherhood, parenting

Welcome to TadTheDad.com!

TadTheDad.com is a concept that started as many things do, with two people just sitting around talking. After hearing my stories of being a new parent my friend jokingly dubbed me ‘Tad the dad.’ We laughed and rolled with it for a bit. A good time was had by all (at my expense), even my girlfriend got involved making fun of the new catch phrase. Though ‘Tad the dad’ stuck with me for a few days and I got to thinking….What could I do as this Tad the dad? There had to be something that ‘Tad the dad’ had to offer. Even though I was lacking in the super hero power department, I still felt like I had something to give, whether a laugh or some helpful advice. I wanted to share my experiences as a parent with the world so I am starting a blog!

Blogging and the idea of being able to do this with my son have really become attractive to me. I ultimately would like to be able to spend as much time with my family as possible, be able to do fun things, write about it and get paid, but life is never that simple. Is it?

Hopefully my experiences as a parent and family man can be helpful or just provide a simple laugh in the daily grind we call life. I do enjoy some free time as well. All the parents and non-parents alike take some time for themselves every so often. If you don’t you should. I’m becoming more of a connoisseur of fine cigars; I also have a strong appreciation for wines of the region, Northwest varietals to be more specific. I enjoy paring cigars and fine wine, also occasionally food and wine as well. I hope my suggestions are flavorful and pleasing to the palate.  Check out the ‘About Me’ section if you are interested in learning a little more, and of course please stay tuned…

Tags: blogging, children, dad, fatherhood, northwest, oregon, parenting, portland, tadthedad, wines