In Touch Parenting for Dads: “Boy’s Day Out!”

Time: A Parent’s Best Gift to His Child
It’s common knowledge that time is the best gift we can offer our children. And even time itself is in accord with this fact, as children who grow up spending genuine quality moments with their parents become confident, considerate and respectful adults. Oftentimes, we see parents bringing their kids out, but more typical are either mothers or yayas, or both strolling through parks or malls.  


Boy’s Day Out: Quality Father-Son Bonding

I’ve been a father to Brayden for a wonderful 22 months now. My Dad, although extremely kind, loving and generous to us was greatly occupied with work, and the brief, rare moments after a long day, that he would take out a laser gun and play mock space battles around the furniture are treasured memories. I however, adhering somewhat to the “in touch” parenting ethos of this generation and for no other reason than love, decided to step up the game and have solo time with my son. My wife and I call it “Boy’s Day Out” and have been doing so once or twice a week since Bray was five months old.

I’m a student, a business owner and a dedicated athlete…yet as the old adage tells us, “the busy man has time for everything”, and with that in mind, I have a lot of tick tock to spare. It’s all about, a man, a plan, and a car seat for me. Plus durable cargo shorts that can lug a water bottle for the both of us, and a small towel. The rule is: No strollers. Nothing I can’t stuff in my pockets and nothing that can hinder carrying, holding or walking my son. Everything is personal. It’s just about me, my boy and the whole new world he’ll eventually explore on his own.

We don’t always have to visit a play place. It could be just a few hours in the mall, or a brief grocery run.  Believe me, I’ve found myself with eight bags of what-nots from my wife’s list with my son on my shoulders. But yes, I know how to roll safely. Naturally that’s my primary objective. That’s why a car seat is a must, and if we decide to go on foot, I make sure I cross the streets with extreme caution. My son and I take time to explore. Now that he’s running, I let him take the lead, and sometimes go off on his own as I sprint with him. We cap the early evening with a meal, and come home with Brayden elated to see his Mom, and the hyper-cycle begins anew for another hour until he just literally, falls asleep.

Click here to read more about father-son bonding and boys' day out.

[previous|page|next]

Just Us Boys

Nowadays, with everyone pushing hard, striving earnestly for a better future for our children, we fathers need solo time with our kids more than ever. (Also, it’s a good thing for mommies to take a break!) This activity allows for much greater bonding, and lets the father take on the role of nurturer and protector at the same time, giving him and his child more of everything from each other. Regular adventures have given me much needed insight on my son. I’m proud to say I know him very well, the little things he does, and the meanings to most every look or gesture. It also works in reverse, as I know my son is familiar and very comfortable with me as well. I know this is not a common practice because frequently, I get asked by strangers where his Mommy is, to which I proudly reply “At home, resting”, and to their amazement exclaim “It’s just you two?”, and with a little knowing grin I turn to Brayden, his hand in mine and look back and say, “Yeah, it’s just us”, as it will be for many more “Boy’s Day Outs” to come.


In photo: The author with his son, Brayden