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.

Dove Men+Care Launches New "Elements" Nature Inspired Grooming Products

I recently received a complimentary gift package in the mail from Dove full of items from their brand new Men+Care ELEMENTS line of male grooming products.  Dove Men+Care ELEMENTS are 11 new items including body wash, soap bars, antiperspirants/deodorants and shampoos that feature a combination of earthy ingredients.  These products are divided into three unique categories: Minerals + Sage, Charcoal + Clay, and Mineral Powder + Sandalwood.

Dove Men+Care Elements Minerals + Sage

Inspired by minerals and sage, ingredients known to refresh the body and mind . Minerals are known to gently cleanse skin and hair; while sage is known to soothe skin and hair.

Dove Men+Care Elements Charcoal + Clay 

Inspired by ingredients known for their ability to deep clean and purify men’s skin and hair. Charcoal is known to act like a magnet to draw out dirt, oil and toxins; while clay is known as a natural purifier for skin and hair.

Dove Men+Care Elements Mineral Powder + Sandalwood

Sandalwood and mineral powder variant is inspired by ingredients known to absorb moisture and for their calming properties.

I've actually been a loyal Dove Men+Care customer for several years now regularly using their antiperspirant, deodorant, body wash and shaving cream.  From my own personal experiences the products have clearly demonstrated why Dove is the #1 brand recommended by dermatologists for cleansing, moisturizing, and skin care.  So I really was interested to see how these new ELEMENTS products compared to the Dove Men+Care ones I've previously been using.

Dove Men+Care provided me an assortment from all three of their new ELEMENTS categories, but I've just tried out the Minerals + Sage products they sent me so far.  I honestly like what I've tried out from my gift pack and find these items to be an upgrade from the previous Dove products that have been a regular part of my morning routine of getting ready for the day ahead.  These products let a guy pamper himself without feeling feminine.  It is just as important for guys to clean and moisturize their skin as it is for the ladies and with these new. products men don't need to feel uncomfortable or "girly" when doing just that.

One of the things, I appreciate about Dove Men+Care ELEMENTS actually has nothing to do with the product itself and is purely a marketing thing.  That being said it made a big positive impression towards the new products for me.  While the original Dove Men + Care products served me just fine,  their names such as "Fresh Awake" and "Cool Fresh" seemed a bit juvenile for items being marketed to adult men.  I found myself more attracted to the sophisticated, mature, masculine vibe presented by these new Dove Men+Care ELEMENTS categories which are much more appealing to this forty-something dad.  Minerals + Sage, Charcoal + Clay, and Mineral Powder + Sandalwood sound like products you would find at a resort or spa while Fresh Awake and Cool Fresh bring to mind images of high school gym lockers and college dormitories.

Of course it is not the name that matters but how a product works that really counts.  That is why though the names weren't that appealing to me I've been a loyal consumer of the original Dove Men+Care product line.  These new ELEMENTS products work just as well if not better!  The Minerals + Sage body wash does an excellent job of both cleansing and moisturizing your skin without leaving any residue behind so that you feel fresh and clean throughout the rest of the day.  The antiperspirant and deodorant provided the wetness and odor protection that I demand to stay comfortable and confidant both at work and at play.  The Dove Men+Care ELEMENTS Minerals + Sage products have a nice subtle earthy aroma to them and don't exude strong scents or striking fragrances which is a real plus for me.

The Dove Men+Care ELEMENTS collection gets a A Geek Daddy nod of approval for being a dependable line of male grooming products that provide a sophisticated approach for the average guy's daily hygiene regimen.  For more information, please visit www.dove.com/us/en/men-care/elements.html

WIN A TREE HOUSE STAY IN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE COURTESY OF DOVE MEN+CARE

Dove is expanding upon its popular Men+Care male grooming products with a new line called ELEMENTS which will include 11 new products including body wash, body bars, antiperspirants/deodorants and shampoos that will be categorized as a combination of the earthy ingredients Minerals + Sage, Charcoal + Clay, or Mineral Powder + Sandalwood. To help launch the new lineup of Elements products, Dove Men+Care is giving away a family vacation to the scenic woodlands of Chattanooga , Tennessee.   This just isn't any average getaway though, the winner will be staying in a brand new custom built tree house located at the foot of Lookout Mountain designed by Pete Nelson from Animal Planet's hit show Treehouse Masters.  The treehouse's decor and amenities will be inspired by the unique ingredient combinations of the Dove Men+Care Elements collection.

To win a trip for four to experience staying at the Dove Men+Care Elements Treehouse visit DoveMenCare.com/ElementsTreehouse and share why you'd want to take a family vacation to stay at the newest addition to Treetop Hideaways in Tennessee.  The Dove Men+Care Elements Treehouse will be open to the public and available for reservations at the luxury treehouse resort operated by Enoch Elwell and Andrew Alms beginning later this spring.  Combing the area's outdoor rural ambience with a quaint interior that provides creature comforts such as hot showers, a fast wi-fi connection, and a hotel quality bed, makes for a rustic family adventure that will be appealing to even the most diehard city dwellers.  This sounds like an extraordinary opportunity to explore the scenic landscapes of Chattanooga courtesy of Dove Men+Care.

Enoch Elwell and Andrew Alms

“I’m thrilled to partner with Dove Men+Care to create the Dove Men+Care Elements Treehouse, my first-ever treehouse concept that brings to life the unique ingredients found in a grooming product line”  renowned treehouse builder, author and TV host Pete Nelson communicated to A Geek Daddy. “I believe that treehouses ignite a sense of wonder within all of us, and I look forward to creating a space where families can connect with nature while spending quality time with one another.”

Pete Nelson

Dove Men+Care Elements Minerals + Sage
Inspired by minerals and sage, ingredients known to refresh the body and mind Minerals are known to gently cleanse skin and hair, while sage is known to soothe skin and hair.

Dove Men+Care Elements Charcoal + Clay 

Inspired by ingredients known for their ability to deep clean and purify men’s skin and hair Charcoal is known to act like a magnet to draw out dirt, oil and toxins, while clay is known as a natural purifier for skin and hair.

Dove Men+Care Elements Mineral Powder + Sandalwood

Sandalwood and mineral powder variant is inspired by ingredients known to absorb moisture and for their calming properties.

Dove products just aren't for the ladies anymore!  CLICK HERE to find out more about the new Elements collection from Dove Men+Care that are specifically crafted to be appealing and useful for guys like myself.  Don't miss out on entering the Dove Men+Care Elements Treehouse getaway giveaway! It really sounds like an incredible experience! Plus who wouldn't appreciate a FREE relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life.

JOIN THE DADS CLUB!!!

As someone who has worked in the legal system as both a Prosecutor and a Defense Attorney, I can testify that I’ve witnessed firsthand a correlation between the absence of a father in someone’s life and corresponding social and criminal troubles for many people.  Since every kid isn’t as lucky as I’ve been to have a great involved Dad in their like I had – and strive to be with my children – I support the work of the National Fatherhood Initiative.

The National Fatherhood Initiative’s mission is to improve the well-being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers.  They do this by educating and inspiring all American on the important role dads play through research, media appearances, and online tools.  They also work with local, state, and national organizations across the country to reach fathers at their point of need with skill-building resources to help them be the best dads they can be.  The National Fatherhood Initiative also partners with a variety of companies and organizations to raise awareness, create unique programs and to expand interaction and outreach to as many fathers and families as possible to fulfill its mission.

I showed my support by joining their DADS CLUB ™, a fundraiser and outreach effort for The National Fatherhood Initiative.  For a $35 one-time membership fee (They have a special Fathers Day special rate of $20 between now and Sunday) provides you with some Dads Club ™ swag plus a connection the organization resources and other Dads who have joined.  Membership benefits of the Club are:

• Gift from Dove Men Care ™ - a sample of products that help men in carrying for their skin, face and hair;
• Dads Club T-shirt you can proudly sport to show you are a committed Dad;
• Photo Magnet to help hang a favorite family photo on the fridge;
• A 5 pack set of the NFI’s Dad Pocket Guide ™ which is a handy to carry booklet of parenting tips;  Keep one for your family and pass the other 4 along to other dads in the neighborhood;
• A monthly e-mail newsletter featuring tips for dads, member spotlights and special promotions from Dove Men Care ™;
• Twice-weekly Dad Email with practical tips, resources and ideas for dads.

Check out this TIDE & DOWNY television commercial promoting Fathers Day and featuring the National Fatherhood Initiative that is currently airing:

Another way to support the National Fatherhood Initiative is to tweet a message a favorite Fathers Day memory, a parenting tips, or a message of support to NFI between now and June 16^th with the hash tag #Dadsway.  For every tweet with #Dadsway between now and Fathers Day, TIDE & DOWNY will donate a $1 to the National Fatherhood Initiative.

Join the DADS CLUB! It is a great way to honor Fathers Day this year by supporting the goals and programs of the National Fatherhood Initiative. Visit www.fatherhood.org for more information.

Wishing everyone a Happy Fathers Day this weekend!  All the best from my family to yours!

DISCLAIMER:  I purchased a $35 membership in the NFI Dads Club with my own money, was not solicited to write this post, and these are my own opinions in this article.