Comments on: 11 Best Father/Son Activities http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/ Men's Interests and Lifestyle Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:32:13 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Al Smigielski http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-2/#comment-56171 Al Smigielski Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:49:18 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-56171 Two activities I remember very fondly was "rough housing". Although my mom was not that keen about it, as something always got knocked over. Each Saturday evening after bath time, and in my jammies it was time to hug dad good night, but I knew it was different on Saturdays, after watching the wrestling from Marigold Gardens. My dad grabbed me and we wrestled just like on TV. It was great exercise and a lot of physical fun. The other activity was playing card games usually poker or pinochle, It wasn't as exciting as wrestling, but it gave us long periods of time to talk, inquire about "what ever." school, work, plans, problems, feelings, and sex. Two activities I remember very fondly was “rough housing”. Although my mom was not that keen about it, as something always got knocked over. Each Saturday evening after bath time, and in my jammies it was time to hug dad good night, but I knew it was different on Saturdays, after watching the wrestling from Marigold Gardens. My dad grabbed me and we wrestled just like on TV. It was great exercise and a lot of physical fun.
The other activity was playing card games usually poker or pinochle, It wasn’t as exciting as wrestling, but it gave us long periods of time to talk, inquire about “what ever.” school, work, plans, problems, feelings, and sex.

]]> By: sumptin' different http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-2/#comment-54053 sumptin' different Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:21:44 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-54053 I think these are all great suggestions IF your son is into them. If not, your son will probably regret or even strongly dislike these activities. My dad recognized that his sons were quite different (polar opposites, actually), He would travel around with my brother's sports team and encourage him in his abilities. My father would also help me create and put up ham radio antennas and go to ham swapmeets with me. He wasn't terribly into ham radio, but he knew that his boys were different and that he could adapt to their interests. That's a true dad, not one that thinks he has to do a set number of activities to "be a man". I think these are all great suggestions IF your son is into them. If not, your son will probably regret or even strongly dislike these activities. My dad recognized that his sons were quite different (polar opposites, actually), He would travel around with my brother’s sports team and encourage him in his abilities. My father would also help me create and put up ham radio antennas and go to ham swapmeets with me. He wasn’t terribly into ham radio, but he knew that his boys were different and that he could adapt to their interests. That’s a true dad, not one that thinks he has to do a set number of activities to “be a man”.

]]> By: Scottso http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-2/#comment-45930 Scottso Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:58:50 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-45930 I did a lot of these things with my son Evan, but today he doesn't even talk to me, he must take after his Mother! I did a lot of these things with my son Evan, but today he doesn’t even talk to me, he must take after his Mother!

]]> By: Top Father/Son Activities « Catholic Dads http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-2/#comment-43612 Top Father/Son Activities « Catholic Dads Sat, 22 Aug 2009 07:43:29 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-43612 [...] By Rob Kaiser on June 15th, 2009 | Category: Parenting OK Catholic Dads, check out the list of top Father/Son Activities at the The Art of Manliness.  Here’s a their intro: We all know about the importance of [...] [...] By Rob Kaiser on June 15th, 2009 | Category: Parenting OK Catholic Dads, check out the list of top Father/Son Activities at the The Art of Manliness.  Here’s a their intro: We all know about the importance of [...]

]]> By: Thomas http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-2/#comment-42461 Thomas Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:21:24 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-42461 Great article. I've done most of these with my father (I'm 19 at this point). So I'm old enough to have a bit of perspective, but not quite "grown up" yet. I wouldn't trade the conversations I have with my father while on long drives, hikes, chair lifts, etc, for anything in the world. My father used to be a ski racer, and this past spring he brought me to Jackson, Wyoming to participate in the Jackson Hole Town Downhill. While I literally learned to ski before I could run, this was my first competition. I was on a pair of 196cm Fischer SG monsters borrowed from a friend (I'm 5'6" and 135 lbs), and this course was super steep, technical, and composed of bulletproof ice. I toyed with the idea of giving up before I even started until my 52 year old father dove confidently onto the course on his 1980s 225cm skis. The racers around me, including Tommy Moe (won gold in the '94 olympics, my childhood hero), chuckled approvingly at his old-school tenacity. Suddenly, I wasn't so nervous, anymore. I gained some new respect for my father, overcame fear, did something arguably manly (hurtled at ~60 mph down "the mini-hahnenkamm"), and met my childhood hero. Thanks, dad. I'm posting this story because it's nice to reminisce, but also to try to inspire those of you who are fathers to follow this article's advice and spend some time with your son. He'll appreciate it. Great article. I’ve done most of these with my father (I’m 19 at this point). So I’m old enough to have a bit of perspective, but not quite “grown up” yet. I wouldn’t trade the conversations I have with my father while on long drives, hikes, chair lifts, etc, for anything in the world.
My father used to be a ski racer, and this past spring he brought me to Jackson, Wyoming to participate in the Jackson Hole Town Downhill. While I literally learned to ski before I could run, this was my first competition. I was on a pair of 196cm Fischer SG monsters borrowed from a friend (I’m 5′6″ and 135 lbs), and this course was super steep, technical, and composed of bulletproof ice. I toyed with the idea of giving up before I even started until my 52 year old father dove confidently onto the course on his 1980s 225cm skis. The racers around me, including Tommy Moe (won gold in the ‘94 olympics, my childhood hero), chuckled approvingly at his old-school tenacity. Suddenly, I wasn’t so nervous, anymore. I gained some new respect for my father, overcame fear, did something arguably manly (hurtled at ~60 mph down “the mini-hahnenkamm”), and met my childhood hero. Thanks, dad.
I’m posting this story because it’s nice to reminisce, but also to try to inspire those of you who are fathers to follow this article’s advice and spend some time with your son. He’ll appreciate it.

]]> By: How to Build a Pinewood Derby Car | The Art of Manliness http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-2/#comment-42248 How to Build a Pinewood Derby Car | The Art of Manliness Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:38:54 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-42248 [...] it comes to father/son bonding experiences, few can match the satisfaction of working on a pinewood derby car together. Most Cub Scout packs [...] [...] it comes to father/son bonding experiences, few can match the satisfaction of working on a pinewood derby car together. Most Cub Scout packs [...]

]]> By: Bill http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-2/#comment-41737 Bill Fri, 14 Aug 2009 03:21:37 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-41737 Did 7 of 11 with my Dad. Don't have kids myself but notice a LOT of parents these days attend EVERY game that their kid plays. When did this start? Did 7 of 11 with my Dad. Don’t have kids myself but notice a LOT of parents these days attend EVERY game that their kid plays. When did this start?

]]> By: Erik http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-2/#comment-40122 Erik Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:44:00 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-40122 There is no better lesson than helping your dad fix something as a kid. My dad could literally fix ANYTHING. I still don't know how he does it, but even just holding the flashlight as a kid has given me the confidence and desire to try to figure out fixing things on my own, and I hope to pass that onto my kids. Can't put a price on the ability to fix something. Gives you some control over your world. I know friends who have never changed their own oil and wouldn't even know where to begin. That seems crazy to me. There is no better lesson than helping your dad fix something as a kid. My dad could literally fix ANYTHING. I still don’t know how he does it, but even just holding the flashlight as a kid has given me the confidence and desire to try to figure out fixing things on my own, and I hope to pass that onto my kids. Can’t put a price on the ability to fix something. Gives you some control over your world. I know friends who have never changed their own oil and wouldn’t even know where to begin. That seems crazy to me.

]]> By: John http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-2/#comment-39810 John Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:08:03 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-39810 This is a great article. The important point of it all is not the activity, it is the time spent with the kids. If you don't hunt, fish, or do sports, so what? SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN. I have 6 kids, 4 girls and 2 boys and I can assure you that the litmus test of manly manhood is going to Home Depot (the holy temple of manliness) with a barbie doll in hand in order to match the colors of the doll's dress for your daughter's bedroom. :) Chances are you will NOT have the same interests as that of your kids, big deal. There are thousands of things in this world to do that everybody can enjoy, a real man would find one for the sake of his kids. No harm either in trying something new to the both of you, who knows, maybe it will become a lifelong activity or end in a total disaster, either way it will bring memories and bonding. This is a great article. The important point of it all is not the activity, it is the time spent with the kids. If you don’t hunt, fish, or do sports, so what? SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN. I have 6 kids, 4 girls and 2 boys and I can assure you that the litmus test of manly manhood is going to Home Depot (the holy temple of manliness) with a barbie doll in hand in order to match the colors of the doll’s dress for your daughter’s bedroom. :)

Chances are you will NOT have the same interests as that of your kids, big deal. There are thousands of things in this world to do that everybody can enjoy, a real man would find one for the sake of his kids. No harm either in trying something new to the both of you, who knows, maybe it will become a lifelong activity or end in a total disaster, either way it will bring memories and bonding.

]]> By: Today’s Super Cool Drunk Links http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-1/#comment-36748 Today’s Super Cool Drunk Links Mon, 20 Jul 2009 04:05:21 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-36748 [...] 11 Best Father/Son Activities [...] [...] 11 Best Father/Son Activities [...]

]]> By: Maria Jones http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-1/#comment-36623 Maria Jones Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:52:35 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-36623 “There are also other supplementary programs geared towards promoting incomes and consumption. Funding is certainly not a problem for the Chinese government as the government is in fiscal surplus and has the largest fiscal reserves, currently at US$1.95 trillion, in the world. Moreover, given the high savings rate and low loan-to-deposit ratio with the banking system, there is ample room for the government to raise debt. “There are also other supplementary programs geared towards promoting incomes and consumption. Funding is certainly not a problem for the Chinese government as the government is in fiscal surplus and has the largest fiscal reserves, currently at US$1.95 trillion, in the world. Moreover, given the high savings rate and low loan-to-deposit ratio with the banking system, there is ample room for the government to raise debt.

]]> By: links for 2009-06-25 at So It’s Come To This: http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-1/#comment-34020 links for 2009-06-25 at So It’s Come To This: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:05:17 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-34020 [...] 11 Best Father/Son Activities | The Art of Manliness (tags: life family Parenting hacks) [...] [...] 11 Best Father/Son Activities | The Art of Manliness (tags: life family Parenting hacks) [...]

]]> By: Stuart http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-1/#comment-33638 Stuart Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:08:57 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-33638 About Scouts... if you don't want your son in Scouts for whatever reason, consider checking out the Merit Badge books from the public library (usually in the children's section) and doing the projects with your son (or daughter). They are great project books about all kinds of subjects. About Scouts… if you don’t want your son in Scouts for whatever reason, consider checking out the Merit Badge books from the public library (usually in the children’s section) and doing the projects with your son (or daughter). They are great project books about all kinds of subjects.

]]> By: Roger http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-1/#comment-33367 Roger Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:14:37 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-33367 My dad and I did alot of the things on this list and they were some of the best times i had while growing up. Fishing, sporting events (if you consider racing a sport), camping, the thing i remember most is the barber shop. My barber's name was Bozie and I'll never forget the times my dad and I spent in that shop (right next to the dentist so that area was sort of a love/hate thing for me.) I would add shooting guns at the range, it's fun, and I learned a lot about guns that way. Also, I would agree with adding woodworking and art. There was a post that said something about golf, I'd like to add disc golf. My dad and I did alot of the things on this list and they were some of the best times i had while growing up. Fishing, sporting events (if you consider racing a sport), camping, the thing i remember most is the barber shop. My barber’s name was Bozie and I’ll never forget the times my dad and I spent in that shop (right next to the dentist so that area was sort of a love/hate thing for me.) I would add shooting guns at the range, it’s fun, and I learned a lot about guns that way. Also, I would agree with adding woodworking and art. There was a post that said something about golf, I’d like to add disc golf.

]]> By: siouxgeonz http://artofmanliness.com/2009/06/15/11-best-fatherson-activities/comment-page-1/#comment-33312 siouxgeonz Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:01:14 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=3497#comment-33312 Just got back from a week-long bicycle tour (GITAP), and thought of this site many times as I saw so many healthy, manly friendships embodied there. There was one father -son and one grandfather- grandson combination. If a man is seeking a place for healthy activities and relationships, the bicycle is a good place to start; when you're *really* a man, you'll wear that pink jersey and the spandex shorts, but that's not necessary until you're ready ;) Just got back from a week-long bicycle tour (GITAP), and thought of this site many times as I saw so many healthy, manly friendships embodied there. There was one father -son and one grandfather- grandson combination. If a man is seeking a place for healthy activities and relationships, the bicycle is a good place to start; when you’re *really* a man, you’ll wear that pink jersey and the spandex shorts, but that’s not necessary until you’re ready ;)

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