The Kissing Hand

I took some time off from our featured book of the week, but now am back ready for more fun in reading. The timing of this return could not be better suited as we just finished our first week of Kindergarten. What a rush of emotions it has been leading up to this week. I couldn't be more pleased with her school and am excited to take part in all the adventures this year holds. When I picked her up from school and probed for all the great details, she stated with enthusiasm, "Dad, I didn't know Kindergarten would be this much fun!" What a relief! Even more exciting was how she told me they read the very same book we had read a few nights before, The Kissing Hand. What a comfort to know that in every new adventure Mommy, or Daddy, would be right there with her the whole time. This book is a great way to ease those back-to-school worries. Thank you, Cara, for the recommendation!

You Have What it Takes

I am taking the liberty this week to depart from my usual post about our favorite children's story to recommend a book just for you, Dads. My good friend, Brian, lent me a book by John Eldredge entitled You Have What it Takes. It is a short read and only took me 30 minutes to devour this treasure chest full of super-dad principles. This book will force you into the corner of self-examination and I promise that when you emerge, you will find yourself better prepared to face the responsibilities of fatherhood. As men, we are driven to leave our mark on the world. How empowering it is to know that we have what it takes to leave the most important mark we could possibly leave - the mark of identity on our children. This booklet has reminded me of the adage that less is more. I hope you will get a copy and keep it close to you throughout your life.

Care Bears Plant a Garden

In her second hand-picked book, my daughter chose this Care Bear favorite to share. With the passing of Spring, we have watched flowers bloom and fill our neighborhood with delightful colors and fragrances. I wasn't surprised when she chose this book, one that we have read two nights in a row. In this book, the Care Bears teach us about teamwork and the fruits of its labor.

Puppy Love

These next two featured books are hand picked by my little girl herself. As I thought about why she chose this book, it became increasingly clear to me that my little girl was growing up before my eyes. You've heard me talk about her interest in boys, so it seems fitting that she would be asking herself what this word 'love' is all about. I am amazed to watch her process these feelings and begin to express them to me and to the people she cares about. Follow along as Clifford explores the emotion of love and how he finds joy in discovering how wonderful it can be.

Garfield turns 30!

I thought I would release the inner nerd in me a little today to let you all know some very important news. Today, Garfield the cat turns the big
30!
In 1978 Garfield stepped into syndication and into our hearts as America's favorite fat, lazy, and most times obnoxious feline. I think if we allow ourselves to admit it, we will find a little taste of Garfield in all of us.

A Bad Case of Stripes

My daughter went through a phase of coloring in stripes. Everything she colored got a splash of rainbow. I don't know if it was her indecision or if she really just liked all the colors, but it was her trademark for several months. I remember my mother telling me one time about all of the cute little trademarks each of her children had growing up. My brother Mark was known for giving everything a belly button. Perhaps her interest in stripes drew her to this book. A Bad Case of Stripes is a cute story of a little girl who likes lima beans and goes through all types of headache before realizing that liking lima beans is not the worst thing in the world. While lima beans may never make my list of favorite foods, this book has made our list of favorite books. We hope you enjoy it too!

Lessons from a Frog

I am used to being the cool dad, having things go my way. But last night, all of that changed...and I think everything is going to be just fine.

About a month ago my child came home with a frog. The scene was straight out of a children's book. She had a shoebox poked full of holes. Inside was a stick, a few rocks, a handful of grass, and what we later determined was Fairy Frog. As soon as we got home we outfitted Fairy Frog in a brand new king-sized box, freshly stocked with natural surroundings. She even got her own pool! The habitat was fit for a queen, and I even pondered for a moment that if only I would kiss the frog, perhaps she'd turn into that beautiful princess I had been looking for. Alas, the thought was fleeting and there we sat with the frog.

For four weeks we catered to this frog, occassionally heading out to the front yard to turn over a stone or two in search for a few worms. I learned that rollie pollies are not only a tastely treat but are also no where near extinction. Blame it on my bad mood or maybe my sensibility, but one day I finally had enough. "The frog has got to go," I declared! Who wants to live a life stuffed up in a box anyway? You would think that this line of reasoning would appeal to her better nature, but my little girl wanted nothing to do with it.

Needless to say, I went from super dad to super dud in about three seconds. Despite her pleading efforts, I held my ground and we found a nicely shaded area in the flower bed. For the next several hours, the world might as well have come to an end. We even had to call one of her friends so she could tell her how horrible life was (she's only 5 for crying out loud...is she really pouring her heart out on the phone already?). I got a good scolding from the other 5-yr-old on the other end of the line.

We quickly found another distraction (Disney's Enchanted) and life seemed to be back to normal. Believe it or not, the frog was still there the next morning, huddled under the same little plant. Maybe that was its way of letting us know that change sometimes comes slowly. When we got back home that afternoon, the frog was gone and my daughter seemed to be pacified by the thought that the frog was out looking for worms.

We've all but forgotten about Fairy Frog and my daughter is back to chasing boys. Maybe the frog wasn't that bad afterall. I've learned a lot from Fairy Frog. I've learned to hunt worms; make a cardboard box into a rain forest; and I've learned that sometimes we have to let things go. It might be hard at first, but eventually...life goes on.

Swallowed a Fly

There was an old lady who swallowed a fly...I don't know why she swallowed a fly.
Perhaps she'll die.

This favorite children's song has such a playful adaptation in a book by Simms Taback. You'll find yourself tapping your foot as the old lady grows more and more adventurous in what she swallows. Will she die? I know I would if I swallowed a cat. Despite its lunacy, my daughter has fun with this book and I know you will too.

Oliver & Company

I guess it is only fair to talk about Disney Princess this week since we gave our props last week to a non-Disney princess. Disney's Princess Collection is filled with short story versions of our favorite Disney ladies. Hidden between the pages of mermaid fun and glass slippers is one of our favorites - Oliver & Company. To say that my little girl loves kittens is an understatement, so it is no surprise that she has been choosing this one over and over. Fittingly, in Walt's way, there is a happy ending to the story and our hero saves the day. We highly recommend this story for a little feline fun!

Teach your children well

The best advice I can offer today can be heard in the words of Crosby Stills & Nash in their song, Teach Your Children Well. A recent performance on American Idol reminded me that being a dad is so much more than just being present. In more ways than one, they are our shadows - little images our ourselves following closely behind. What do they see and what image do we cast down on them? If there is anything we do well in life, let it be to teach our children well.

On a side note, I think Brooke White is going to be a star and I cannot wait for her first album to come out.

The best day of my life

Lately it seems my daughter has been using the phrase,
"this is the best day of my life!" A few weeks ago we spent a Saturday doing all kinds of imaginable fun. We spent time with friends, we played soccer, we had a picnic, played in the park, and ended it all by going for ice cream (frozen custard actually). I think it was as we were sitting there eating our frozen custard when she declared that this was the best day ever. I couldn't help but smile and a warm tingling sensation swept across my body. Score! I thought to myself. After all, that is the way we want it, right? A few of these days have happened and the savored mark of success has been declared, "Dad, this is the best day of my life!" I found myself smiling as I thought about this the other day. You know the feeling when you are reminded of something cute your child has done or said. That is one of the joys of parenthood. But as I sat there reminiscing, I caught myself thinking about the meaning of it all. Every day really cannot be the best ever. Eventually, the processes of life will get in the way. I mean, who really has the best day ever when they are cleaning their room or taking out the trash? I remember quite clearly a day when I was about four. I was at the babysitters and supposed to be taking a nap. The other boy there with me decided to instigate a game of tickling. He got up, tickled, then ran back and laid down. Then it was my turn. Well I was the one who got caught in mid-tickle and I am the one who got the spanking! Can you believe it? People used to spank children for misbehaving, whether it was at the sitter, at school, or at home. That memory has stuck with me all these years and was certainly NOT the best best day of my life! So while I recognize that every day is not going to be the best ever, I treasure the ones that are. And I am hopeful that these will be the ones she remembers years from now. Even if they are not, I know that these are the days that build that relationship between me and my daughter.

Rapunzel

This week I'd like to draw attention to one of the stories in our Treasury book we talked about previously. Lately it seems we have been coming back to the story of Rapunzel. It contains all the things that make a story great (a hero, a villain, adventure, romance, and for my little girl - a beautiful maiden with long braids of shiny golden hair). My daughter has reached that age when she is infatuated by boys - older boys at that (yikes!). At this point it is innocent so I'll leave my shot gun in its case (truth be told, I don't own a shot gun, but I have no problem getting one when the time comes). But at the speed in which these boys are running from her, I don't think it is them that I need to worry about for now. I guess it is no wonder she loves stories where a handsome prince comes in to save the day, and he and the fair maiden live happily ever after. In a world inundated with Disney Princess, I forgot there were classics out there that are still just as much fun to read. Give it a try. I know you'll like it!

Picnic time

I have been counting down the days and eagerly watching the weather forecast for that perfect day. A day when the breeze is no longer too cool to sit outside for more than just a few minutes. A day when the sun is shining and the warmth of its rays doesn't turn you into a sun-dried tomato. A day when the mosquitoes are yet to be seen. That day was yesterday. And so, my little girl and I packed the best picnic a basket can hold, we grabbed our ever-favorite waterproof picnic blanket from Mambe blankets, and we headed to the park. My city has the perfect place to picnic and spend the day playing at the Jordan Valley Park downtown. We found the perfect shade tree for our picnic. After we finished, we headed down to the water fountain for a splash in the fun. I tried to fly a kite while my little girl had fun with the other kids running through the jets of water coming up from the paved surface below. It was a day to remember and was made perfect with a stop off at Andy's Frozen Custard on the way home. If you have never heard of Andy's Custard, then I pitty your soul and I encourage you to make the stop the next time you find yourself driving through the Ozarks in Southwest Missouri. It's worth it!

Clifford's Day with Dad

This book is one of our favorites and made it on our list today because of all the fun we had yesterday. Saturday was the perfect day with dad! It was the first truly perfect day of Spring and we had a day full of activity. We started the day off with a Family Fun Day which included BBQ, an inflatable bounce, and all our friends and family. Then we played in the final soccer game of the season. That evening we went to the park and had a picnic. And of course we ended the day with a stop off at Andy's Frozen Custard! In Clifford's Day with Dad, our big red friend spends a day with his dad and has lots of adventures of his own.

Bears on Wheels

The Berenstain bears date all the way back to my childhood and perhaps a little longer. Bears on Wheels is a simple book that illustrates the fun of counting. Even in its simplicity, the thing that impresses me most about this book is how the illusstrations exercise the imagination and let the story take on a life of its own. We come back to this book time and time again and have just as much fun today as we did when she was 3.

Britain's Got Talent

The remarkable thing about this six-year-old little girl is not how well she sings. It is the message she brings to the world. Hidden somewhere beneath the gentle surface of each child is a gift. One that is special and unique to each one. Perhaps not all will sound as angelic as Connie Talbot, but certainly each is just as special. How are you cherishing and nurturing your child today?

Behold, No Cavities

At our first visit to the dentist, I could barely get my girl to sit in the dentist chair, let alone convince her that the dental hygenist had bubble gum flavored cleaning paste. So it ended about as soon as it started. This last visit, however, was picture perfect and I owe it all to Spongebob Squarepants! We have been reading Behold, No Cavities and she has loved learning about going to the dentist and getting that perfect report of no cavities. After we were done, we had to rush home and make a tooth with her name on it so we could hang it on our own "no cavity tree".

Pinkalicious

If you are the father of a little girl then you probably know exactly why this book made our list this week. Pinkalicious gets to the heart of all that is wonderful in my little girl's life.

Pink, pink, and more pink!

Someone should create pink vegetables because I am sure that my girl would gobble them all up if it were so. I admit that it can be infectious and I encourage you to try a little pink this week.

A Treasury of Children's Literature

I am cheating a little this week because this book is really a collection of classic children's stories. I found it hard to choose just one so I decided that the entire collection was worth mentioning. I bought A Treasury of Children's Literature for my little girl when she was performing Hansel and Gretel in the children's ballet series. I wanted her to be familiar with the original story so she would enjoy it more in the ballet. It reminded me that there are scores and scores of great stories out there that she has never heard of, and that it is up to me to make sure she is exposed to them. Stories like Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, The Brementown Musicians, Rumpelstiltskin, and The Ugly Duckling have enchanted children's story books for years, and now they are a part of our storybook collection.

Bottoms Up! Jokes From Bikini Bottom

What can I say? My girl loves SpongeBob Squarepants. It isn't something I am most proud of, but I have to admit that the little yellow sponge is amusing. What she loves more than SpongeBob right now is what we call potty humor. She laughs at the words pee pee and poop. She giggles at the word bottom and laughs hysterically when she sees Patrick wearing his underwear on his head. Maybe that is why this book is a particular favorite right now. So if you are in the mood for a good laugh, Bottoms Up! Jokes From Bikini Bottom will cheer your spirits.

My own shopping cart

We've all been to the grocery stores and seen those ginormous buses that they have bolted to the front of a shopping cart. My girl loves them! I want to know what the person who invented that thing was thinking? Have you ever tried pushing that monstrosity through Wal-Mart at rush hour?!! They don't exactly turn on the dime. We need to get Japanese automakers to team up with the yahoo who thought this one up and do a little more ideating. But alas...when all hope seemed lost, enter our super hero to save the day.

My little girl has one of those plastic miniature shopping carts (ironically, from Wal-Mart) and the other day she came up with the brilliant idea of taking it with her on our next shopping event. That sounded fun but I was going over in my mind the list of issues that would create. Now as I think back to it, I have no idea why that seemed like such a hassle to me. So one day, we walked in to my neighborhood Dillons. The day was like every other. We were rushing from one thing to the next and time was not on my side. As we passed through the sliding doors, my eyes looked for the nearest cart that didn't have a stack of newspaper inserts in it. And then we saw it. I think we saw it at the same time because the word EUREKA was going through my mind when I heard my girl squeal with excitement. There, next to all the big carts was a row of little plastic carts. I cannot tell you how much fun we had that day. Thank you, Dillons, for thinking of this dad and for reminding me that shopping is another one of those life experiences that I can share with my little girl.

Snowmen at Night

The thing I love most about reading to my little girl is watching her imagination come to life through the stories. Reality has taught us that snowmen don't really come to life, but what if they could? What if, in our world, snowmen could come to life...then it would only be natural that at night they would play games and go sledding down the hill. That would explain why they look so lop-sided in the morning. That is what it is like in the mind of a child because in their world, anything is possible. Snowmen at Night is a delightful read and is sure to exercise the playful part of your child's imagination.

Guess How Much I Love You

This is one of my original favorites and has become a game I play with my little girl. We have so much fun trying to out-love each other. I smile at hearing how far is really far away in her little mind. I am sure that Guess How Much I Love You will take your reading time together to a far off place...and back!

Horton Hears A Who

If you love taking your kids to the movies then you will not be disappointed with this big screen adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic, Horton Hears A Who. The fillers are a little cheesey but the original story is preserved and worth the laughs.

So off they all trodded to the cine sixteen.

Making haste and great laughter in all places between.

We purchased the tickets for every last one,

As we pushed the doors in and prepared for our fun.

A popcorn for Paige and a large coke for Dad.

The time was upon us. We grew exceedingly glad.

I looked at my girl. She's here for the Whos.

Then kicked back my feet with nothing to lose.

But then came a tug as the lights started to dim.

"Excuse me, Sir. I can't see," she said with a grin.

So I moved one seat down and thought, after all.

A person's a person. No matter how small.

Teddy Bears Cure A Cold

Our book this week is a simple illustration of life's most common...cold. See how the bears work together to nurse William back to health. There is so much we can relate to in Teddy Bears Cure a Cold.

Dancing with Cinderella

Thank you, Jeremy, for bringing to my attention this latest song by Steven Curtis Chapman. For all you Daddys of little girls, this is sure to tug on the heart strings. I think we are all guilty of rushing through life from time to time...and then we are reminded of the precious treasure of fatherhood. I am grateful for songs like this that remind me to slow down and take time to dance with Cinderella...before the clock strikes midnight.

Click here to learn more about the story behind the song.

You can Go Green too

Education in Recycling 101 was a success! She was all about finding the little triangles with the numbers to see if we could recycle that type of plastic. "Dad, what about this?" "Can we recycle this?" Now my only fear is what I'll find in the bins as her curiosity starts to wander...she asked if we could recycle the kitties into something else furry!

We made it fun and I let her choose her favorite font (a lesson in and of itself). We put labels on the front that said RECYCLE. Then we made labels for each of the bins to designate PAPER or PLASTIC, and GLASS or ALUMINUM. Feel free to print these off and make your own.

Going Green on St. Patty's Day

Buzz word of the century...eco-friendly.
It's time I stop making excuses and teach my little girl the importance of taking care of our planet. That is why we are Going Green on St. Patty's Day! I am placing a call into my local trash collection company to find out what items they will pick up for recycling. We visited our nearest Target store and purchased matching trash bins. We chose to go with white because they were affordable and sufficient. Next we purchased some sticky back picture paper by Post-it. We are going to print labels for our recylcing bins to help identify which one is for plastic and which one is for paper, etc. It will also make it more fun for her to get involved. What kid doesn't like stickers! Be watching for my post on the finished product. I'll share with you the labels we came up with so you too can start your own recycling center at home.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

In this week's feature, I am drawn by the exciteable jam session you can have with your child while learning the ABC's. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom has been a favorite for me ever since the first time we picked up the book. I cannot tell you how much my daughter likes it, but speaking for myself, this book is one of the best. There is no better way to learn than by making it fun (even for dad). Every dad should be drawn to this one because...let's be honest, Dad...we all think we can rap. Beastie Boys, MC Hammer, and even the Ice Ice Baby's among us will get a kick out of this children's adventure through the ABC's. Throw in a few bebops and do your worst to compete with American Idol favorite Blake Lewis. It'll bring you back for more.

Three Little Pigs

The Skinny Improv surpassed my expectations this afternoon with their children's series production of The Three Little Pigs. Jeff Jenkins and the improv crew have outdone themselves. I will be back for the next production.

Good Bites

Okay okay okay...I know that it seems a little odd that a blog just for dads is taking hints and advice from a group of moms. But sometimes it is good to aknowledge a great idea. Way to go ladies! And fellas...do the girls have to do all the work? Let's go.

This sandwich cutting delight has been a hit at my house. It's fast. It's mess-free. It's educational (shapes). And guys, it's all about gadgets! You too can be the cool dad. Although I haven't tested this, I wonder if you could pour pancake batter in the openings for a perfect breakfast mold. The plastic is microwave-safe but is it frying pan-safe too? (That hasn't been dad-tested so experiment at your own risk Toolman Taylor).

Where The Wild Things Are

In my very first post I talked about reading to your kids. This has become such a close thing to my heart and is the reason I have decided to start featuring one of our favorite books each week. It is my hope that we can share this passion for reading, learning, and adventure together. Please leave me comments and tell me about your favorite storybook adventure.



Our first official featured book of the week is this children's classic and winner of the Caldecott Medal, Where the Wild Things Are. (Thanks Grandma Quack Quack for this gift.) This adventure of a boy named Max brings a smile to my face each time we read it. There is a familiar truth to the sassy mischief Max displays. His imagination runs wild and his journeys take him to far off lands to where the wild things are. I love the simple way in which Max shows that the monsters of his imagination are completely in his control and are nothing to be afraid of.

Walk this way

As I was walking with my little girl tonight from the parking lot to the circus, I was doing my best to keep up with her and her excitement. Instinctively, I caught myself switching hands with her as we neared the sidewalk so that I would be walking on the outside near the street. It occured to me that in that moment I was making a non-verbal gesture that said "I love you" more than any three little words ever could. I was showing her that I would throw myself out into traffic to protect her.

The next time you are walking with your child or your wife, place yourself between her and any potential danger to show her that you will protect her at all costs. It is the greatest way you can say I love you!

An introduction to the arts

I'm taking my little girl to The Skinny Improv this weekend. This improv comedy outfit has started a children's series to engage our youth and provide an alternative source for laughter. As I understand, the kids are invited to show up early to help decorate the set before the show begins. This weekend The Three Little Pigs takes the main stage. We've done ballet and she recently saw the broadway show of Annie, but it is my hope that this will give her yet another exposure to performance and will develop her appreciation for the arts.

Bedtime circus

I had to give my little girl a spanking this week. It is something I try to avoid. But there are moments when nothing else seems to work and I have to find a consequence that I know she will not like. Will it keep her from ever doing it again?...maybe not, but she will certainly think twice about it the next time.

Do you ever have trouble getting your child to go to sleep? "Daddy, I need to ask you something." "Daddy, I'm thirsty." "Daddy, I need to go potty." Why does bedtime have to be such a circus! It was late already and I was dreading the effort I would have to spend getting her up and ready in time the next morning. We had finished our typical bed-time routine, so the teeth were brushed and she had gone potty. As I was getting ready to shut her door from the gazillionth call for "Dad", she sat up in bed and exclaimed, "Daddy, I need to go potty!" Doubt quickly filled my mind, but the memory of changing wet sheets at 3:00 AM pursuaded me to allow it. I was clear-minded enough to present a consequence if she was lying, so I laid it all out there for her to consider. "If you don't really have to go then you will get a spanking."

She took the challenge. I guess she thought that she could muster up enough strength to get a drop or two. And believe me, she tried. As I sat her back in bed, I asked her if she would rather get the spanking now or in the morning. Truthfully, I was hoping she would say in the morning because I didn't want to give her the spanking anymore than she wanted to get it, and the thought of watching her lay there crying practically broke my heart. To no surprise she chose to delay it and cleverly even said that I would forget by morning. It amazes me sometimes how coherent the mind of a 5-yr-old can be. I assured her that I would not forget and I left her there to anticipate the morning.

It only took her about five minutes before she called me back and asked to get the spanking now. I guess the anticipation was too much to handle. She amazed me how courageously she took it...without struggle at all. I could tell that she had been preparing herself for it. There were no tears (except maybe the ones I was hiding inside) and as I layed her back down I kissed her forehead, told her how much I loved her, and asked her to never lie to me again.

I learned two things that night:

1. one of the best things you can do for your children is to draw boundaries and stick to them
2. courage is less about how tough we can make ourselves look but more about taking responsibility for our actions and facing the reality that they create...with no delay

Indiana Jones

I think every dad has wanted to be like Indiana Jones at some point in time. This summer it looks like we will get another opportunity to live vicariously through Harrison Ford in his next (and perhaps last) on screen adventure as Indiana Jones. What an american icon!

frivolous motion

I got this cool new tag cloud from frivolousmotion.com to keep track of what I write about most often. The more I write, the bigger it gets. Thanks frivolous! I look forward to more tips and secrets.

Obey your thirst

Go on out and buy a can of Sprite today...and leave your pride at the counter.

It takes desire to win

You've got to want it to win it, and we want it more!

I can't tell you how many times I chanted that at high school sporting events. Last night as I heard weeping and gnashing of teeth throughout the country (except in New York and Miami) I found myself chanting that silently to myself again...

You've got to want it to win it, and they wanted it more...

The Giants certainly showed up to win. And that is what they did. The Patriots did not beat themselves. Manning, Coughlin, Jacobs, Toomer, Burress, Tyree, Stahan and the entire Giant defense just played with more heart, more determination, and like they had something to prove. They had more desire to win last night in Phoenix.

I often find that the great things in life must start with a desire for greatness. Have you ever heard that some things just don't happen by chance? So as you sit there and ask yourself, "how can I become a better dad", let me ask you...how bad do you want it?

You've got to want it to win it...

Super Sunday

The big game. The day millions have longed for since Payton Manning and the Colts finally made their mark in NFL history. Today the other Manning is in the big show, a reality that only New Yorkers are proud of. The spread seems weighted heavily for Belichick's team but the newsrooms are doing their best to keep the probability alive. Today is a day that will go down in history. The Patriots can step into the realm of legends, or the Giants can prove that anything can happen. Make no mistake, each man to step onto that field today in Phoenix is prepared to give his very best. This opportunity may not present itself again. This may very well be Brady's only shot at a perfect season. Michael Strahan may not have another season to give. At the end of the day someone will be walking off the field a champion. Will he be remembered more for what he took off the field, or what he left on the field?

Great plays will amaze us. Mistakes will cost dearly. Hard work will inspire. In the end, only the final score will define a champion.

As I think about greatness, my legacy, the mark I leave on life and my children I cannot help but wonder what I am contributing to the big game. My humanity reminds me that this is my only shot. Only time will tell what I took with me off the field. Perhaps that has something to do with what I left on it.

Ethics in parenting

I was fortunate to attend a luncheon today at my alma mater, Drury University, that featured a brief talk on ethics by Jack Shewmaker. Mr. Shewmaker is a past CFO and past president of Wal-Mart and is known for being one of the most influencal business men in American history. His speech is almost too difficult to summarize in this short thought because as he spoke I could sense the years of experience from which he drew his perspective. Emerging from all his stories on bold new policies and dynamic personalities came two important challenges: be transparent, and do what is right.

When thinking about ethics in leadership, these two principles cannot be more strongly emphasised. Transparency places yourself above reproach and assures people that you are being honest with them. Doing the right thing speaks about fairness and integrity. There was a third challenge that unraveled from these two and that was, enable others to give their very best.

It is easy to reward a good deed or to criticize a wrong act. It is much harder to set a person up for success, to open the doors for opportunity, and to encourage one to make the right decision. But shouldn't that be a greater measure of a man? - to see how he has helped another succeed.

These principles on business ethics should be applied to parenting. How are you teaching your child to succeed?

Dad, can we talk?

Those are words that I hope to hear again, especially into her teenage years. And I have realized that for it to happen, I need to start building that trust now. My little girl started to tell me this past week about something that happened in pre-school. She stopped and was obviously uncomfortable with talking to me about it. My curiosity almost got the best of me, but I stayed patient and told her that she could tell me when she was ready. I was soon getting all the details about a little boy named Charlie who she liked. One of the other boys had teased her about it and she was hurt. Instinctively, I wanted to fix the problem...like most men do. Instead, I just listened and told her that I was sorry it had happened.

I am not sure what came over me, but I realized that all she really needed was for someone to listen and to hurt with her. I hope that this will make her feel comfortable about coming to me the next time something happens. I am convinced that the relationship between a father and his child in the early years will have a great impact on the teenage years. It was a seemingly small event in her life, but it had a profound impact on my learning to be a better dad. I hope it does the same for you.

Read to your kids

One of the most effective things you can do with your child that will impact her childhood development is read to her. Make it a part of the bedtime ritual. Just before she says her prayers and you tuck her in, grab two or three books and for about 10 to 15 minutes give her your undivided attention. Put the cell phone on vibrate, turn off the TV, and step into a child's heart and imagination. It isn't a qualifying event for the summer olympics so take your time. If she stops you and wants to know why Piglet walks on two feet, then make up your best response...sometimes the journey is the best part and a day spent in The Hundred Acre Wood is sure to generate a handful of questions. And the voices should not be optional. There is no better way to tap into her imagination than to make the story come to life with the sounds of the characters. All pride should be thrown out the window at this point. The excitement in her eyes as you narrate should be worth any abuse that you might face from the peanut gallery outside of the bedroom. I read to my little girl every night and it is something that I look forward to as much as she does. For daddies it can be difficult to break into this more sensitive role but I am convinced that the rewards do not stop with the child. So not only will you be building language skills and exercising you child's imagination, you might even be reminding your wife of why she married you.