DOUBLE DUTY DAD

As a criminal defense attorney, I've seen first hand the negative influences on society and in people's lives caused by absent and abusive fathers.  More than 70% of my clients either haven't had a father involved in their childhood or where the victims of child abuse. This neglect impacts these individuals into their adulthood contributing to alcohol / drug abuse, criminal behavior, and a cyclical pattern of treating their own offspring in the same manner as they were as kids.

Being exposed to these scenarios on a regular basis has inspired me to give extra effort at being a good dad for my kids.  From adventurous family road trips to lengthy evenings helping out with math homework at the kitchen table being involved in my children's lives is a priority for me. Taking them to work so they understand my career plus turning down client cases so I can spend the summers with them instead of putting the kids in daycare are examples of how dads as parents can pull double duty balancing both professional and personal obligations. I may be exhausted after a day full of courthouse proceedings but will still be enthusiastically out on a soccer field that night coaching a practice or cheering on a game my kids are involved in. Being present in the moment and making the most of every minute you have with your kids in my opinion is one of the most important, and valuable, aspects of fatherhood.

So I want to give a Fathers Day weekend shout out to all the guys out there striving to balance career and family everyday just like me. Keep it up! You are making a positive difference! Believe me!

Being a double duty dad can be dirty, messy, sweaty and exhausting. What involved parent doesn't have a kid vomit story that is laughable now but wasn't so funny when it happened? Mine was my daughter vomiting in my lap while we were watching FROZEN at the movie theater. I got some cold stares as we rushed out of there. Taking a sick day off work to care for ill kids, rushing across town from a client matter to get to a parent-teacher conference in time, or cleaning up a messy house that your kids made look like a tornado swept through it are all part of being a double duty dad.

So that is why I use Dove Men+Care products that also do double duty for a dad's skin. Our skin goes through a lot out there which is why it’s important to help skin rebound with products like Dove Men+Care that both hydrate and cleanse. Whether I'm at home, the gym, or traveling for work or play, I always use Dove Men+Care in the shower. These products do a great job of keeping me refreshed and ready to give it my best on the job, whether that is arguing in trial before a jury or fixing up a boo boo on the playground.

For healthy-looking skin, you need great cleansing products that hydrate as well as clean. Developed specifically for men’s skin, Dove Men+Care cleansing products feature MicroMoisture technology to provide hydration for healthier, stronger skin. Whether you’re looking for a deep-cleaning face wash or a refreshing body wash to leave your skin feeling cool as well as clean, Dove Men+Care products have something for you. See for yourself over at dove.com/dove-men/real-strength

Showing your goofy or geeky side being involved and having fun with children isn't a sign of male weakness for dads but rather it is a display of strength. It demonstrates a confidence in yourself for who you are and a commitment to the responsibilities of fatherhood. Keep coming back to ageekdaddy.com and follow @Geekdad248 on Instagram and Twitter for a focus on the adventure of parenting from a dad's perspective. Hopefully these shared experiences will encourage others to embrace being double duty dads, inspire activities and travel that families can enjoy together as well as highlight that in addition to chores and responsibilities fatherhood can be really fulfilling and fun.

PENNY SOCCER GAME

Inspired by the United States Women's National Team's dominance of Thailand in their opening round 13-0 victory of the ladies World Cup, my daughter gave me a 5-0 beating in Across the Board's Penny Soccer Game after we watched the match on TV. In this mock soccer game, players flick a penny across a board attempting to score goals. While reasonably simple to play, this penny soccer game is a remarkably fun way to spend some time.

The table top game consists of a handcrafted, made in the USA, wood playing surface decorated to resemble a soccer field.  White pegs pop out from the playing field to serve as defenders providing a challenge to scoring goals.  A bright shiny penny comes along with the game to serve as a soccer ball as well as two metal pegs for keeping score.

HOW TO PLAY

The youngest player starts off the game by placing the penny on the center line of the soccer field. A game kicks off with the player using his or her finger to flick the penny towards the opponent's goal.

It MUST be flicked NOT pushed. Each player flicks the penny once per turn from wherever it rests on the soccer field.

After a goal the penny is placed back at center field for a new kick off by the player who was just scored upon.

The game is won by the first player to score 5 goals. A Penny Soccer Game match lasts about ten to fifteen minutes. Beware though because the game is addictively fun and you are sure to find yourself playing it over and over again.

Across the Board's Penny Soccer Game is an entertaining way to spend some quality family time unplugged from electronics and the Internet. Great for playing indoors on a rainy day, after dinner on the back patio, or taking along on a camping trip. Since the goal of the game is to shoot and score with the flick of a finger it is a sports game playable by all ages. Perfect for a family game night!

ACROSS THE BOARD

Across the Board is a St. Louis family owned and operated workshop specializing in high quality, handcrafted, unique wooden board games. Their table top games are made with premium materials and assembled with a focus on detail and precision. To purchase a Penny Soccer Game for yourself or to learn about their other unique wood crafted games go to acrosstheboardgame.com

MAX CRUMBLY IS BACK

Simon & Schuster is partnering with me for a giveaway!

My daughter just got their hands on the new book, MASTERS OF MISCHIEF, in The Misadventures of Max Crumbly middle grade book series by Rachel Renée Russell. She is really enjoying this story and being ten years old is just the right age for reading it as the book is recommend for children ages 9 to 13 years old. These books are portrayed as if they are the diary of a boy named Max Crumbly who is writing about the challenges of going to junior high. Available now, MASTERS OF MISCHIEF joins the first two books in the Misadventures of Max Crumbly series, LOCKER HERO and MIDDLE SCHOOL MAYHEM on bookstore shelves.

WHAT IS MAX UP TO IN HIS NEW BOOK?

When we last left off with our courageous hero, Max Crumbly, and his trusty sidekick Erin, in MIDDLE SCHOOL MAYHEM they had just finished foiling the plans of some bumbling thieves. But Max and Erin were trapped in a smelly, dangerous dumpster of doom and about to be discovered by the last people they wanted to find them.

Now in this latest installment of Max’s journals, Max and Erin face foes both new and old as their misadventures continue in MASTERS OF MISCHIEF. Can the two friends avoid detection—and detention!—while keeping South Ridge Middle School safe from bullies and criminals?

GIVEAWAY

To share my family's enjoyment of Rachel Renée Russel's books with our ageekdaddy.com fans, her publisher Simon & Schuster has provided a Misadventures of Max Crumbly prize pack to giveaway. One lucky winner will receive:

• The first two books in The Misadventures of Max Crumbly series, 
• the newest release, Masters of Mischief, 
• plus a Max Crumbly pencil, a Dork Diaries pencil, and a double-sided Max Crumbly/Dork Diaries locker poster!

Complete the rafflecopter entries below and/or retweet this tweet by 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, June 23, 2019 for a chance to win. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to participate. A winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MISADVENTURES OF MAX CRUMBLY

MASTERS OF MISCHIEF is the third book in the Misadventures of Max Crumbly series by Rachel Renee Russel. Set in the world of the mega-hit series Dork Diaries, these spin-off books star Max Crumbly, friend to Nikki Maxwell of Dork Diaries, who goes to a different school and manages to get into a whole lot of trouble. The series is written in diary format with illustrations and doodles of Max’s mishaps.

In the beginning of the series, Max starts at a new middle school and faces the school bully who has begun a habit of stuffing Max into his locker. Max wants nothing more than to be like his comic superhero idols and though his ability to smell pizza from a block away isn’t exactly a superpower, he’s still going to try to be the hero his school needs! Like Dork Diaries, The Misadventures of Max Crumbly series is about embracing who you are and having a ton of fun along the way!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Renée Russell is an attorney who prefers writing tween books to legal briefs. (Mainly because books are a lot more fun and pajamas and bunny slippers aren’t allowed in court.) She is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the block buster book series Dork Diaries and the exciting new series The Misadventures of Max Crumbly. There are more than 25 million copies of her books in print worldwide, and they have been translated into thirty-four languages. She enjoys working with her two daughters, Erin and Nikki, who help write and illustrate her books.

FIND OUT MORE

Visit MaxCrumblyBooks.com and DorkDiariesBooks.com 

Follow Max Crumbly on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook 

Follow Dork Diaries on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

DAD TIME AT GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL

An aspect I've appreciated about Goldfish Swim School is that it is a very dad-friendly environment. Compared to taking my kids to other activities like dance class and soccer practice where it tends to be mostly moms that stick around, fathers seem to be very involved whenever we go swimming. From jumping in the pool with toddlers for parent-tot programs to cheering on tweens in Swim Force competitions there is a lot of dad involvement at Goldfish Swim School.

Here are some ways dads create golden experiences with their kids at Goldfish Swim School:

TODDLER SWIM

Getting kids comfortable in water at an early age is a great way to teach them some water safety skills, interest them in swimming, obtain some exercise, and have some fun. Goldfish Swim School has a Mini Class which has parents get in the pool with their children that are between the ages of 4 and 35 months. Instructors lead classes that include entertaining activities and games plus instill safety tips meant to provide children with the wherewithal to assist themselves in avoiding drowning accidents.

There are a lot of fathers who participate in these Mini Class sessions with their sons and daughters. In fact, some of these parent - tot classes are made up of just dads. This is a great opportunity for getting the skin-to-skin contact with young children that pediatricians recommend that fathers normally don't provide as much as mothers do. It is also a nice opportunity to spend some dad time bonding with a child.

SWIM LESSONS

For older children who are diving into the pool on their own for swimming lessons without dad or mom getting into the water with them, there is still an opportunity for spending parenting time at Goldfish Swim School. There is a viewing area for parents to observe swimming lessons and children appreciate knowing someone is paying attention to their efforts. Plus after every lesson each parents gets an individualized update on a child's progress from an instructor. After class, kids often need help washing up, changing clothes and getting ready to go home. There are plenty of ways for dads to be involved without getting into the water themselves.

FAMILY SWIM TIME

Goldfish Swim School offers open swim hours where members can enjoy some family time together in the pool. You will often see dads in the pool working with kids on practicing their swim stokes or just having playing with their children. These are a nice way for dads to spend some quality time with their families.

SWIM FORCE MEETS

The Goldfish Swim Force promotes swimming as an athletic endeavor and hosts quarterly competitive meets for participants. Swim Force members are children who tend to be over 8 years old and have passed all of the swimming lesson levels but still want to be involved with Goldfish Swim School. These are great events for dads to cheer on children to show support and encouragement.

Goldfish Swim School really is a great place to spend some dad time with kids. I've had a great experience myself and encourage other dads to dive on in and get involved with swimming as an activity for your family to get involved with. Goldfish Swim School is great at having scheduling that works around busy schedules and a liberal class cancellation and make up policy. They make a great effort to fit into your personal and professional obligations rather than you having to make your time available to fit into your schedule. Their customer service is really outstanding with a focus on catering to families with children between the ages of 4 months and 12 years old.

For more information about programs and locations, head on over to goldfishswimschool.com 

A Geek Daddy is a Goldfish Swim School Brand Ambassador. I receive complimentary services and products in exchange for sharing my experiences with my ageekdaddy.com audience. Opinions expressed are honest and my own. We've been partnering with Goldfish Swim School for several years and I wouldn't have continued this arrangement for so long if my kids weren't getting value and enjoyment out of it. Goldfish Swim School has absolutely earned a Geek Daddy nod of approval for the golden experience my family has had with them.

SOCCER PARTY IDEAS

My soccer playing daughter is really excited about the big tournament taking place this summer from June 7 - July 7, 2019 in France which has the best women's national soccer teams in the world competing in it. Especially because the United States women's national team is a leading contender to be hoisting the championship cup at the end of the competition. So she is really looking forward to watching the games and cheering on Team USA.

Are you planning on hosting viewing parties for these big games or looking for a theme for an upcoming birthday celebration? My friends at Wholesale Party Supplies shared with ageekdaddy.com some great soccer party ideas. You are sure reach your goal of hosting a fantastic get together by incorporating some of these suggestions into your soccer party.

SOCCER PARTY DECORATIONS

Tablecloths are not just for tables! Use printed designs, like this grass table cloth to create a faux backdrop for your dessert table. Dress the front with a mixture of mini pennant banner and large pennant garlands, or create your own garland using dessert plates.

Friends will have a ball when sitting down for some chow at your soccer party. Lay a grass plastic table cloth down and dress it with coordinating soccer plates and napkins. Add a little texture to your table with tissue paper grass mats. Place a real soccer ball and some orange practice cones into the mix for some extra flair. If this is a birthday party have all your guests sign the ball to mark the occasion or sign it for to give to a coach at an end of season party. Balloon bunches always signal a party so fly a mylar soccer ball and latex balloons around your party table.

SOCCER PARTY SNACKS

Grab icing decorations and add them to OREO pops with a little colored chocolate melts. Tip: the double stuffed variety is easier to make these with!

Dress up your water bottles with a referee drink koozie.

Make soccer balls you can eat in the form of sticky popcorn balls!

In case anyone dribbles yellow card them with a yellow napkin they can wipe their face or hands on.

SOCCER PARTY FAVORS

Let friends know that you had a ball when gifting them a sports bottle, dressed with a soccer whistle and filled with some goodies. Add a personalized bag tag on each, which they can easily use on their sports bag afterward!

Whether you are having people over to watch the big tournament on television, inviting a team over for an end of season party, or celebrating a special occasion with a sports theme, these soccer party ideas from Wholesale Party Supplies are sure to add some extra fun to your event.

CHEERING ON TEAM USA

My daughter is getting hyped up for going to soccer camp by cheering on the United States women's national soccer team as they play in the FIFA Women's World Cup. This big tournament that is taking place in France from June 7 - July 7 is showcasing the talent of some of the best female soccer players in the world. My daughter has made me promise that we will watch Team USA's games together on television to root for them to win.

Watching this international soccer competition is sure to rev up her enthusiasm for attending Challenger Sports camp in August. This will be the third summer in a row my kids participate in a week-long Challenger Sports International Soccer Camp. They both enjoy themselves attending these camps and always see an improvement in their skills as they begin the Fall soccer season. While my son and daughter both are really enthused about attending soccer camp again this summer, she is a bit more amped up because the Women's World Cup has captured her attention.

To help camp attendees and their families follow along with the tournament, Challenger Sports International Soccer Camp has provided ageekdaddy.com with a bracket chart and television schedule for all the games. Team USA is in bracket F playing against Chile, Sweden and Thailand in the first round of the Women's World Cup. The team's with the best record in each bracket then move on to the next rounds of single elimination games until a tournament champ is determined. Go USA!



Just like this tournament, Challenger Sports summer camps have an international element to them. They bring in instructors from the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Brazil that serve not just as coaches but also international ambassadors for the kids who participate in Challenger Sports camps. My kids have really liked learning about the foreign countries the young adults who have worked at their camps have come from and learned a few soccer tips unique to those locals.

They've had camp counselors from England, Ireland, Brazil and Wales the last few years. The twins are already curious about what countries their coaches for this year's Challenger Sports International Soccer Camp will be from. We will find out in a few more weeks!

There is still time to sign up for Challenger Sports International Soccer Camps taking place throughout the United States.

Go to www.challengersports.com/international_soccer to find a location near you and learn more details about these summer camps.



A Geek Daddy received complimentary admission to Challenger Sports International Soccer Camp via U.S. Family Guide for my two children in exchange for promotional consideration. Opinions expressed are honest and my own. If my son and daughter didn't enjoy these camps we wouldn't have had them attend three years in a row. Click here to read about last year' s experience.

FISHER THEATRE HOSTING CATS THE MUSICAL

Tickets are going on sale beginning Sunday, June 9 for when the North American tour of CATS makes a stop in Detroit. It will be playing at the  Fisher Theatre from September 3 - 15, 2019. Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the record-breaking musical spectacular which has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now making an appearance in Motown. This traveling production features new sound design, direction and choreography differentiating it from the long-running, Tony Award-winning Broadway show that originally made its New York debut in 1982.

Tickets for CATS start at $35 including facility and parking fees. Tickets can be purchased online at www.broadwayindetroit.com or www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-982-2787. Performance times for CATS September 3-15, 2019 appearance at the Fisher Theatre, located at 3011 West Grand Blvd., in Detroit are:

· Tuesday – Saturday evening performances at 7:30 p.m.
· Sunday evening performances at 6:30 p.m.
· Saturday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
 · Sunday matinees at 1:00 p.m.
· Special open captioned & audio described performance Sunday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

The original Broadway production closed on September 10, 2000 and is currently the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history. The creative team for this new North American touring production of CATS includes John Napier (Scenic & Costume Design), Natasha Katz (Lighting Design), Mick Potter (Sound Design), choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne, and direction by Trevor Nunn. For more information, visit CatsTheMusical.com