"Bring
Your Playbook and Let's Talk"
by Todd Agne
Fathering Coordinator
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 In the world of athletics,
the phrase "Bring your playbook and let's talk" is code for "You've
been cut". As a matter of fact, anytime you hear the
phrase "Let's talk" (whether it's uttered by your boss, wife, or
your kid's teacher), it usually foreshadows that something of
significance is about to happen or needs to be discussed. So it's
no wonder that Let's Talk Month in October is not always
so inspiring or met with warm embraces.
With that said, let me stress
how important it is and what it really means.
Ironically, Let's Talk
Month is more about encouraging open dialogue with your kids
over time versus a one-time lecture. It's about talking with your
kids about sex and healthy relationships and listening to what they
have to say about that topic and other things. They have ideas,
concerns, and questions that if nurtured correctly, will eventually
come out in conversation and hopefully lead to healthy
decisions.
If you're the father of a
toddler, the best time to start talking is before they can. Dads
can be great story tellers and if you're willing to invest 5-10
minutes a night on how you grew up, what you wish for them in the
future, where you went on vacation and the things you did way back
when, you'll have built a relationship that lends itself to honest
communication when it's their time to talk. I often tell new
parents that conversations about nothing at all will eventually
lead to conversations about everything important.
Read more about how to start
talking . . .
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The
Locker Room is a place where Dads can come for practical advice and
fatherly support. Dad to Dad, Grandfather to Grandkids or father to
child.
This
month in the Locker Room:
Fall is here and there
are a couple of "climate change traditions" within driving distance
from downtown Chattanooga.
These recommendations come from
personal experience and have my family's stamp of approval. The
first is a visit to Guthrie Pumpkin Farm in nearby Riceville,
Tennessee. They offer tractor rides into the fields, the picking of
pumpkins and other family-friendly experiences such as animal
petting and fall treats to sample. The second tradition is to take
a trip to the Mayfield Dairy Farm in Athens. They offer tours of
the farm and you and the kids can run through the Corn Maze. These
are simple, fun ways to connect with your family during this
colorful season and it won't break the bank either.
Guthrie Farm and Corn Maze
Mayfield Dairy
___________________
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| Boot
Camp For New Dads |
A class for
about to be dads. This is for men only! No women over two
feet tall allowed. We will discuss the challenges new fathers face
like uncontrollable crying (from baby and mom), in-laws and living
on little or no sleep.
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