Category: Kids activities
Posted by Robert Pedersen on Wed, May 14, 2008 at 6:59 AMIron Man attacks Michigan dad
Last week I was changing the diaper of our newborn son and had my back to my other son and daughter who were playing superheroes. Iron Man flew six feet through the air at the velocity my son would call "super fast" and collided with the back of my head. I am sure someone wishes this would have knocked some sense into me. However, to my son he was just trying to draw me into their monumental battle.
It was amazing that it hurt so much and I had to bite my lip. Turning around I realized it was one of the heaviest Iron Man action figures that made an impressive attack on my skull. It was not Iron Man, but the dreaded Iron Monger action figure that made the father assault.
I had to explain to my son that propelling toys in the air anywhere around our newborn, or anyone in the house, was not a wise choice. He took note and proceeded to have the "mother of all" superhero battles with his sister.
Learning the exact names of different toys sends the message to your kids that you listen to them. It tells them that what they say and do is important to you. Plus, this allows you to quickly jump into the battle and feel like a kid again for a hot minute. This is excellent stress relief, you really should try it. I never knew how fun it would be to battle the Incredible Hulk. Perhaps this is a sign that my wife and I need to get out more?
What parent hasn't stepped on a misplaced Hot Wheels car from time to time while in a rush? It smarts, doesn't it? This incident with my son made me realize how much I will miss this someday when they are all grown up. Being a father is the greatest gift of all. Someday I might reach the age to where the only thing falling out of the sky is not an action figure, but perhaps all of my hair and a set of dentures. Children grow up too quick, so try hard to appreciate every moment with them even if it calls for Tylenol afterward.
Comments
| Jump to bottom |
taking time to
My first thought was "Ouch!" Then I started thinking about all the toys that are made out of foam. I think it was the commenter who mentioned wooden blocks. I imagined you getting pelted with 50 small hard squares. ; )
My four kids are 18 to 32. The 2 youngest live with me. I start jigsaw puzzles on the dining room table every so often. It's a great way to catch a few minutes of conversation with them. We're also doing container gardening, fish breeding and bird feeding together.
Another great post Robert. Thank you.
Mothers Day
Being a Mom, I know how special Mother's Day is. I Love getting the cards from my son, that he made with his own two precious hands, and look forward to getting them from my youngest - when he reaches the age of gift making too.
My Mom & Dad both passed away in Aug '05, just 8 days apart, not related deaths. When Mother's Day & Father's Day come around, I still take the time to think of them, as I do every day, but also tell them again how grateful I was and am to have them apart of my everyday life.
Life isn't always easy, but they did the best they could, and that's all any of us can do!
I hope Robert Pedersen continues with this, on new topics, I think it's a great idea and wonderful addition to the news!
Letting kids know they're important to you
I'd agree with your observation concerning learning the names of toys, etc. We can't be with our children 24/7, but I have to believe interacting with them and taking an active interest in their "world" when we are with them helps let them know they're important to us. (To think I had no idea who Thomas the Tank Engine was a few years ago!)
Attack of Iron Man
Absolutely great blog!!
Thank you. Come back frequently and thanks for the kinds words. Robert Pedersen
Ironman Michigan Dad
Very good and funny article. You brought out many ways in your article to handle children. Adults and parents sometimes forget that how we say things to kids is important. Knowing the names of toys and being able to talk with them about their toys is meaningful and important to children.
Iron Man Attacks
It's nice to see that you can show your love for your children when you step on one of their small toys. Just think of the love that is endored when a parent my size is 100 pounds plus then you with only 9.5 size mens shoe stepping on a large marble. I have to take a a bottle of tylenol to recover (just exagerating). the pain hurts but how can you get upset with an innocent child.
The pciture you painted made me laugh! Thanks for the comment. Robert Pedersen
Kids Toys that can hurt
Personally, I found the backyard swingset to be the most physically damaging "toy" my daughter ever smacked me with. She was simply "swinging the swing" with nobody sitting in it, I turned back around, and the edge of the seat met my teeth! Fortunately for me, no loss of enamel....
Iron Man
Great blog. Kids think dad is indestructible. I have four and they all attack me at once. One day I think they might even take me.
Iron Man Attacks
Robert,
Instead of the baseball cap, go with the helmet. Closed head injuries can be fatal!
More seriously, you have touched on an issue close to my heart- playing with our children! For many years when money was tight, I felt ashamed for not being able to buy some of the more expensive toys for my kids. The pressure to compete with the neighbors and the other kids at school became overwhelming. We needed a plan!
Determined to achieve a positive outcome, we began inventing games, songs and activities using essentially garbage. Old tapes (cds, etc), books, cardboard boxes, used paper and the like. We made forts out of the boxes; Tied a rope around a tree limb for a swing; made playing cards from out of cut up paper; and, created games from off the top of our heads. The best were the songs.
We used old Barney tunes and created fun parodies to the music. Some were actually so good that we recorded them. They're now in the same box as our pictures to be treasured forever!
Looking back, these were some of the best times, when we were broke, lacking the latest and greatest store bought toy! I wouldn't trade these memories for anything! Funny how often we find life exists not in the material things!
Toys
If I can make one recommendation for toddlers - toy wooden blocks. You won't see them advertised, and compared to some plastic gadgets, they seem expensive at up to $40 for a complete set, but they're well worth it. Kids really do enjoy playing with them, and they're a good introduction to basic physics, balance, and geometry.
Iron Man
Robert:
Way to go, dad!! As a father of two daughters, super heros are not around, but doll houses, Barbie dolls and all of their associated gear, and even nice, soft, plush stuffed animals are. Try changing some of those clothes on the barbies or Bratz dolls! Talk about "tight" jeans. The Bratz are really a challenge. But, it's all worth it. Girls will be girls, and the Iron Man lunge into the back of you was just a warning shot, anyway!!
Boys will be boys!!
Ironman attacks Michigan Dad
I enjoyed your article. It was humorous, and it also had great advice. It's so easy to concentrate on the tasks that face every busy parent and forget the important playtime taking place at the same time. Joining in with them is fun and sends the nessage that they are important.
Kids gone
Good article Robert
My kids are grown and off in the world. I am still finding little reminders of their life around the house. I miss those guys.
I read your comment to my wife Angela and we were both moved by it. Thank you for commenting. Robert Pedersen
| Jump to top |
