Master Multiplication With Minecraft

Master Multiplication With Minecraft

In school, I was always horrible at math. I never encountered anything to make it fun or interesting to me. I wasn't even given complete justification of its importance, and so, my care for learning it barely even existed. But as I got older, I slowly began to realize more and more what I was missing. So one of the things I want to make sure of, is that Ms Monkey doesn't have the experience with math (or lack thereof) that I had growing up. I want her to learn what is actually relevant and important about it, but grow into it, through avenues that she can personally connect with and find exciting! So what is she currently crazy about that I can connect it to? MINECRAFT!

Use Storytelling To Boost Perception

Use Storytelling To Boost Perception

I don't feel I read enough with Ms Monkey lately. It's recommended we read to our child at least every night. But it doesn't always happen for us. We'll read together maybe once a week. I'm deciding to change this. Obviously, reading with her frequently is very important. I've always known the basics as to why it's important but only recently have I really begun to understand the bigger picture more in-depth. At her age, I'm pretty sure it's not just the fact that it's good quality family time and that it helps her learn to read words better and understand language. I think, psychologically, it goes a lot deeper than this. So what is it that REALLY makes it so important beyond these basic factors?

How To Make Chores Fun Again

How To Make Chores Fun Again

I'm sure the average parent can tell you, getting a kid to tend to their chores consistently is like trying to get blood out of a turnip. But this doesn't always have to be the case. If you learn to understand what kids thrive on, both as a kid, and as a human, you'll find the key to be able to motivate them for almost anything you need them to do. So what do kids thrive on? FUN! If something can be fun, turned into a game, with challenges, scores, and rewards, it can be worthy of your kid's attention. This is why, about two years ago, I decided to turn doing chores into a game. I could have done it all on my own, but I decided to see if there was a resource out there that already provides this. Low and behold... there is!

Chess Supercharges Cognition!

Chess Supercharges Cognition!

There are lots of great games for kids today. I'm not talking about video games either, as much as those are great. I'm talking about tangible games - board games, card games, etc. Last year I got Ms Monkey and I a few of them. We've been playing them more often recently. Two of the classics we get down on are Guess Who? and Chutes & Ladders. But our favorite, without a doubt, is chess! And I'll tell you why...

Inspiring Meditation Early For Focus

Inspiring Meditation Early For Focus

I love to meditate. Even since before Ms Monkey came into my life, I meditated in various ways, half the time without even knowing it. Now that she's here, I've had the privilege of having her join along and even teach me a few things about "being a statue". I introduced the concept of "acting like a statue" to her, as a game to see how long she can sit and imitate one. It wasn't long before she began improving and expanding on the game, and learning the benefits of it too!

Imperfection

Imperfection

Before I write another post, I want to say something. Right now, there are people who see me as a better dad than I feel I am. People have given me tremendous amounts of compassion and support over the lengths I have gone through to make sure I am here for my daughter. I can't tell you all how much I appreciate it. It means a lot that you understand how much my daughter means to me. It has been a massive encouragement with something I might otherwise feel almost hopeless about.

D.A.A.D is ALIVE!

D.A.A.D is ALIVE!

I'm happy to announce that Dad as a Doornail (DAAD) is officially ready to lift off! Over time, DAAD will fill one-by-one with topics reflecting what I am currently learning as a full-time single father. I aim to make this a beacon to help and inspire both myself and my readers, with the insights I come upon from my own experiences as a father as well as responsive content to other discussions elsewhere online and offline.