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New York City Dads Group

Navigating Fatherhood Together

NYC Dads Group is part of a national organization dedicated to helping fathers socialize and support one another.

Book Fairs Great for Kids, But Can Be Hard on Parents, Wallets

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As a huge fan of reading, so school book fairs get me hyped. I always looked forward to all the new books, talks and especially the giveaways. So when I was asked to volunteer for my sons’ book fair, there was no way I was saying no to it. While there, I learned a few things along the way (such as making sure you set a time limit for working there!) that I hope can help you as a volunteer and/or parent. Kids love book fairs

Getting my kids to read is sometimes like pulling teeth. They are great at it but getting them to actually sit down and read in this era … [Read more...]

World Maker Faire NY to Creatively Inspire Families Sept 22-23

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Want your child to show more creativity and curiosity? Maybe he or she already does and you are looking for a way to feed that drive. If either of those is true, or if you are just looking for a family-friendly event with loads of entertainment, things to do and plain ol' fun, then the World Maker Faire New York is for you. The Sept. 22-23 event, to be held at the New York Hall of Science in Queens, will feature tons of projects and workshops -- both hands-on and observational --- and seven entertainments stages all focused on making things for social good, health, technology, food, art … [Read more...]

One Day, My Son, All Fathers Go from ‘Daddy’ to Just ‘Dad’

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One of my friends put something up on Facebook a while ago about his 11-year-old son informing him that he wanted to call him "Dad" from now on. I was sitting in the parking lot in my car, reading this after a long overnight shift, and I was in tears. This son was telling his father that he wasn't little anymore. No more “Papa” or ”Daddy.” Just "Dad." What is next: using first names? I know that soon I’ll just be Dad. I guess that is the way it has to be. In our society, the father-daughter relationship is talked about so much. Daddy’s Little Girl. Daddy-Daughter Dances, … [Read more...]

Slow Down! Speed Cameras Turned on with NYC Schools Back in Session

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New York City public schools are back in session tomorrow, so if you plan on being behind the wheel remember this: slow down in school zones to save lives and save you from being fined. School zone speed cameras will be turned back on around all 140 city schools thanks to a deal worked out among Governor Andrew Cuomo, City Speaker Corey Johnson and Mayor Bill de Blasio. Cuomo signed an executive order August 27 declaring a public safety emergency to reinstate the speed camera law by giving the NY Department of Motor Vehicles the power to share the cameras' information with the City … [Read more...]

Back To School Days Brings Parent Worries Beyond Readin’, ‘Riting, New Math

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This weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and that means the season of returning back to school has begun. You’re probably knee-deep in it already, as New York City is kind of late to the game every year. It’s finally time to say goodbye to leisurely mornings in which I don’t have to scream at my son to put his shoes on and then sprint to the bus stop. Of course, as my son enters the second grade, I have much bigger concerns than getting out of the house on time. But first, let’s not pretend the kids going back to school doesn’t have its perks. For one thing, the kids are gone! … [Read more...]

Getting Kids Involved in Sports Without Hassles, High Costs

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Sports can be a great way to keep your kids busy while building their confidence. And let’s not forget the health benefits that come along with them running around. But getting your kids to try a sport can be tricky, especially in the digital age. How do you introduce them to something new? Most kids now are happy with linking with their friends online to play Madden or Fortnite, so it is up to us parents to expose them to things outside of technology. Let’s keep it real though, it’s not always easy, but you don’t have to go crazy or broke introducing them to new sports. Find a sports … [Read more...]

SAHDs and 5 Myths These At-Home Parents Have to Confront

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I think that woman just called me a pedophile. I was once part of a panel of dads answering audience questions on a syndicated talk show when the very first question (more of an outlandish statement than a question) came from a mother who said she would never leave her daughter alone with a dad. She was afraid a man helping her child in the bathroom would not be able to control himself. You know, because we can’t be trusted around a prepubescent vagina. She had seen some bad stuff go down … on Law & Order. As crazy as this woman sounded, it made me think: she can’t be the only one … [Read more...]

9/11 Memorial and Museum Important for All Children to See

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Kids growing up in New York City have reminders of the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedy over every shoulder. Every firehouse has names on the outside honoring lives lost on that day. Plaques across the city memorialize men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who went off to work, but never came home. All these are reasons why I did not hesitate to bring my own children with me to visit the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in lower Manhattan. We were feeling the heaviness of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum just while waiting outside. Upon entering, we were greeted by a … [Read more...]

Masculinity Redefined by Boy’s Interest in ‘Girl’ Toys, Fashion

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It started, as so many important moments do, with a question. My son, Eitan, had been watching television, one seemingly inconsequential kids show or another, when a commercial came on for a Lego model. He said immediately that he wanted to get it. My wife, Trudy, and I, without batting an eye, said that we would be happy to buy it for him. Eitan smiled broadly, pleased with his instant victory, and resumed watching. After a moment or two, he turned back to Trudy and me, his satisfied grin replaced by a look of confusion. “Why didn’t the commercial show any boys playing with the … [Read more...]