TEANIE TOTS

Fans of Moosh-Moosh plush toys and travel pillows should check out Teanie Tots a new line of collectible vinyl figures from MMG Brands. Teanie Tots are cute 1.5 inch figures inspired by Moosh-Moosh characters that sit within tiny tea cups. While this toy line embraces its roots with Moosh-Moosh, MMG Brands plans on developing Teanie Tots as becoming distinct filled with unique characters and stories.

The 2024 Teanie Tots Collection includes the following characters:

BOBA

Whether it's tea parties with friends or embarking on epic quests in a child's imagination, Boba the bear is ready for every adventure.

CANOLLI

Out digging dirt or running in the grass, Cannoli the dog is a wonderful companion for every backyard playtime. Made in durable high-quality vinyl, Cannoli is ready for any game of fetch-the-teaspoon.

CHICKPEA

Chickpea the bird is eternally excited to host tea parties and welcomes every new friend with graceful ease. Always eager to meet new people and make them smile, Chickpea is an excellent friend for any child.

FRITTER 

Friendly, a little silly, but always focused: Fritter the frog will jump as high as needed to get any job done! No mountain too high and problem too small, Fritter will tackle it with a can-do attitude.

TRUFFLE

If there is something Truffle the pig loves more than cooking, it’s being neat and tidy. Whether making finger sandwiches for the tea party, or cleaning up what’s left, Truffle is always happy to help.

PISTACHIO 

Pistachio the rabbit is always on the move. Whether in the garden growing all sorts of beautiful plants, or hopping around from one friend to the next, Pistachio is eternally excited and ready for anything.

PANNINI

There’s never a boring moment after Panini the cat sashays into the room. Mischievous and quick, trouble is soon to follow wherever the little cat goes.

RUKO RC TRUCK

Thanks to RUKO for sending me one of their new remote control toy trucks to take outside and try out. This girl dad is going to be having some off roading fun with his daughter playing with this pink and purple styled amphibious Ruko RC truck. YES, I said AMPHIBIOUS! This remote control toy truck has an IPX6 waterproof rating making it great for having fun with it at the beach, running it through mud puddles or playing in the rain.

The truck's chassis height is optimized for having 4X4 off road fun. Climb over obstacles, race through different terrains, or jump it over ramps and hill. This 1:10 scale [15.3 inches long, 10.3 inches wide and 8.2 inches high] is meant to get dirty and wet through rugged play. It is built durable enough to take a beating and keep on running to provide plenty of off-roading 4x4 excitement. 

The Ruko amphibious RC truck also has some nice features that enhance its useability and ease of use. This remote control toy truck includes rechargeable batteries to power it which provides approximately 50 minutes per charge of play time. Just plug it into a usb port to recharge. Oh yeah, they provide you with two batteries so you can run the toy while your other battery is recharging! 

The RC truck has an anti-collision design includes sturdy front and rear bumpers to avoid damage when it crashes into things. The rear bumper also serves as a carrying handle. Plus, the truck has working headlights and brake lights that look really sharp. 

The only detraction with this toy is it has a very basic remote control. While the remote control works great for having this truck climb over obstacles, hurdling it through mud or having the toy spin around, steering it for turns or navigating a track can be challenging. Also, the remote control uses 2 AAA batteries which are not included. I had to make a special trip to the store just to get batteries for the remote control before we could use it. 

So yes there are some detractions for the vehicle, but all in all it is a well built, durable toy that has the potential to provide hours of playtime entertainment. I appreciate that Ruko intentionally styled the toy to make it attractive for girls. Having fun off-roading and playing with remote control cars and trucks shouldn't be a "boy" thing. Hopefully this color scheme that is meant to be appealing to ladies will result in some quality daddy-daughter / mommy-daughter experiences that will inspire girls to be excited about STEM and motor sports and entice them into being gearheads. 

I also appreciate the waterproof aspect of this toy that greatly expands upon the playability and durability of the toy. Create a ramp to jump it into a pool...take it along on a beach vacation...go outside on a rainy day to play in the mud. The IPX6 rating is a very nice aspect of this toy.

This is a very nice entry level remote control toy at a reasonable price which can be exceptionally fun for either young children or adults to have fun playing with. Therefore, the Ruko 1601AMP3 Amphibious RC Truck for Girls earns a Geek Daddy nod of approval. It is available to purchase on Amazon.com.

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PRIORITIZING MEN'S HEALTH AND HYGIENE: A COMPREHENSIVE PERSPECTIVE

In today's fast-paced world, the importance of men's health and hygiene often takes a back seat amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, maintaining good health and hygiene is not just about looking presentable; it is a crucial aspect that impacts overall well-being, confidence, and longevity. This comprehensive guide aims to highlight the significance of men's health and hygiene, offering practical tips and insights for a healthier lifestyle. 

Understanding Men's Health: More Than Just Physical Fitness 

Men's health encompasses a broad spectrum, ranging from physical fitness to mental well-being. It is a common misconception that being physically fit equates to good health. However, true health involves a holistic approach, considering factors like diet, mental health, regular check-ups, and personal hygiene. 

Nutrition: The Foundation of Good Health 

Nutrition is paramount in maintaining optimal health. A diet rich in diverse nutrients, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, is essential. It's important to limit the intake of processed foods, excessive alcohol, and tobacco, as these can lead to long-term health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. 

Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma 

Mental health often remains a taboo subject in many circles, particularly among men. It’s vital to acknowledge that mental well-being is as crucial as physical health. Regular mental health check-ups, open conversations about mental health struggles, and seeking professional help when needed should be normalized. 

Sleep and Stress Management: The Silent Pillars of Health 

Adequate sleep and effective stress management are crucial yet often neglected components of men's health. Poor sleep can lead to a myriad of health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and decreased mental function. Similarly, chronic stress can have severe impacts on both physical and mental health. Establishing routines that promote good sleep and adopting stress reduction techniques are essential. 

The Importance of Personal Hygiene 

Personal hygiene is a fundamental aspect of men's health that directly affects their physical and social well-being. Good hygiene practices not only prevent illnesses but also boost self-esteem and confidence. 

Skincare: Beyond Shaving 

While shaving is a major aspect of men's skincare, there's more to consider. Regular cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen are essential steps in a skincare routine. Men should also be vigilant about changes in their skin and seek medical advice for any concerns. 

The Art of Shaving: Embracing the Straight Razor 

Amidst the array of modern shaving tools, the straight razor stands out for its precision and historical significance. Adopting a straight razor in your grooming routine is not just about getting a closer shave; it's about embracing an art form. 

The use of a straight razor demands skill and patience, offering a meditative experience that is often lost in today's fast-paced world. Additionally, it provides a cleaner shave, reducing the risk of ingrown hairs and skin irritation. Incorporating this traditional tool into your hygiene routine is a nod to the past and a step towards impeccable grooming standards. 

Dental Hygiene: The Gateway to Health 

Dental hygiene goes beyond maintaining a bright smile; it is a window to your overall health. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and even heart disease. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to serious health issues beyond just cavities and bad breath. 

Regular Exercise: A Non-Negotiable Aspect 

Regular exercise, including a mix of cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility exercises, is non-negotiable for maintaining health. Physical activity not only helps in controlling weight but also improves mental health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.  

The Imperative of Health Screenings 

Regular health screenings are vital for early detection and management of health issues. Men should undergo regular check-ups for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, prostate health, and other age-appropriate screenings. Preventative care is key in managing long-term health. 

Integrating Technology for Health Management 

In the age of digital innovation, leveraging technology for health management has become increasingly accessible and effective. 

Fitness Tracking and Health Apps 

With the advent of smartwatches and fitness trackers, monitoring physical activity, sleep patterns, and even heart rate has never been easier. These devices offer valuable insights into daily health metrics, encouraging a more active and health-conscious lifestyle. Additionally, health apps can assist in diet tracking, setting exercise goals, and even provide mental health support through meditation and mindfulness exercises. 

Telemedicine: Bridging the Healthcare Gap 

Telemedicine has revolutionized access to healthcare, especially for those in remote areas or with busy schedules. Virtual consultations can make it easier for men to seek medical advice, manage chronic conditions, and maintain regular check-ups, ensuring that health concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently. 

Conclusion 

The importance of men's health and hygiene cannot be overstated. By adopting a holistic approach towards health and hygiene, men can significantly improve their quality of life and well-being. It's time to shift the narrative and place greater emphasis on these crucial aspects of men's lives.

FIVE WAYS DADS CAN SUPPORT THEIR DAUGHTERS

The father-daughter relationship is special; every girl needs her daddy to support her and love her as she finds her way through the world and where she fits into it. While it can be instinctual to want to protect your daughter and shield her from the big bad world, that can backfire and lead to stress and strain the relationship. But as a father, how can you help your daughter as she ages and dips her toes into the world? 

Listen to Her 

In many cases, what children need, both sons and daughters is for their parents to listen to them, not preach to them. While you have been there and done that, or you want your child to avoid something altogether, you cannot live their life for them, and you also can't shield them from the world forever. So take your time to listen to them, look at how they act, the words they use, and any changes in their behavior. In many cases, if there is a problem, your daughter won't need you to find a solution for her or take charge. Simply listen to what she has to say. This can be for anything, even if it seems trivial to you. 

Discussions are Key 

Avoid dictating to your daughter wherever possible. It doesn't matter how old she is, be it 13, 19, or 35; discussion will always have a better outcome than dictating. The reality is if you forbid something, then it instantly becomes more desirable. 

Allow the opportunity for a discussion and talk through things logically to help her make the right decisions. It might mean she needs to make mistakes before you come around to your way of thinking, but mistakes are essential for building character in many cases. You can still use this opportunity to discuss what you would do differently next time. Whether it is something as minor as discussing curfew times or more serious, such as choosing the right car for her, relationship worries, or something career-based, discuss, not dictate. 

Be Interested 

Or if you aren't fake it. This is especially important if you're a parent to both sons and daughters, as dads can sometimes prefer to be more active with their sons due to having more common interests. 

But girls will pick up on this even if you don't think they have. They will know if you aren't interested, so try to take the initiative and be present in their life as much as possible. While a topic like Textured Bangs Vs. Wispy Bangs: How To Tell The Difference might not be something you necessarily want to spend your time talking about; it might be important to your daughter to get your input, so at least pretending to be interested in decisions can help you to build a bond and support her when she needs it, It isn't always about the big protective gestures she will remember later in life. It will be how much support you gave her, even for the small, seemingly insignificant details. 

Praise Her 

Everyone needs a confidence boost from time to time, and your daughter is no exception. But think about how you compliment your daughter. Not all girls want to be told they look pretty only. Try complimenting your daughter on other aspects of her personality and character, such as when she shows exceptional kindness or does something without asking. Celebrate new achievements, her intelligence, or sense of humor, for example. Focus on all parts of who she is as a person to show her that you see who she is and what she is about and you are paying attention. 

Be an Ally 

There is no denying it's a different world for girls and women than it is for men, and it doesn't matter how old your daughter is; she will need an ally, not just a parent. Being in her corner means giving her help and support when needed without judgment or fear of retribution. 

This applies even if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Don't be the dad who shies away from broaching the more personal topics or changes in a woman's body. If she needs help with her periods or is unsure of what to buy or how to understand what's going on, find it out for her and show her you aren't worried and are there to help. If she's experiencing a broken heart, to her, it's a big deal even if you don't feel it is, so offer her a shoulder to cry on and make her feel better. Avoid dismissing or minimizing her feelings, and give her the space to express herself and share with you how she feels so you can support her and show her you take her seriously. 

There are many small things you can do on a day-to-day basis as a good dad to support your daughter, and these tips can help you connect with her more and support that relationship.

ANNIE IS COMING TO DETROIT

Just thinkin' about Tomorrow, clears away the cobwebs, and the sorrow,'Til there's none because there is the theatrical production of ANNIE coming to Detroit's Fisher Theatre this Spring to providing a count down to the last dreary remaining days of Winter as the City awaits for the show's arrival. Leapin’ Lizards! Broadway In Detroit has announced that an all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award®-winning musical ANNIE will play at the Fisher Theatre from April 25-30. Tickets for the Detroit engagement go on sale Friday, February 10 at 10:00 a.m. and will be available online at Ticketmaster.com, BroadwayinDetroit.com, and in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office.

ANNIE is directed by Jenn Thompson, who at the age of 10 stepped into the role of “Pepper” in the Original Broadway production, choreographed by Patricia Wilcox (Motown, A Night with Janis Joplin), with orchestrations by Dan DeLange. The lovable mutt “Sandy” is once again trained by Tony Award®Honoree William Berloni (ANNIE, A Christmas Story, Legally Blonde). Addison, a stray mutt rescued by William Berloni through the Humane Society in 2017, stars as Sandy. Joining Addison are a tremendous supporting cast of humans, will be Ellie Pulsifer, a 12-year-old actress from South Florida, making her tour debut in the title role of Annie. Ok, maybe Addison is supporting them because she can't sing the songs that the show is known for! 

“This show, with its iconic title character, continues to delight generations of theatre-lovers old and new by joyfully singing directly into the face of great adversity with perseverance, guts and guile,” director Jenn Thompson remarked to ageekdaddy.com. “For decades, ANNIE has continued to shine brightly, not only as an appeal to our better angels, but also as an example of the thrill of hope, hard-won: promising a better ‘Tomorrow’ not only for Annie herself, but for all who need her message now more than ever.”

By permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC, ANNIE is based on Harold Gray's popular comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” which premiered in the 1920s in the New York Daily News and became one of the most widely read strips in the 30s and 40s. Lyricist Martin Charnin bought a coffee table book called “The Life and Hard Times of Little Orphan Annie” as a Christmas gift for a friend in 1970. The clerk at the bookstore was too busy to wrap the book, so Charnin took the book home to wrap it. Instead, he read it and fell in love with the strip and set out to secure the rights. The friend never got the book.

Charnin's adaption of the comic strip had its world premiere on Aug 10, 1976 at the Goodspeed Opera House and opened on Broadway on April 21, 1977 at the Alvin Theatre. It went on to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album and seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book (Thomas Meehan) and Best Score (Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin). It closed on Broadway after playing 2,377 performances. ANNIE was revived on Broadway in 1997 and again in 2014. It has been made into a film three times (1982, 1999, 2014) and was most recently featured as a live television production on NBC. The show remains one of the biggest Broadway musical hits ever; it has been performed in 28 languages and has been running somewhere around the world for 45 years.

Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in this new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way. The beloved score for ANNIE includes “Maybe,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

Performance times for ANNIE appearing April 25-30 at the Fisher Theatre located 3011 W Grand Blvd., Detroit MI 48202 are: 

• Tuesday through Saturday evening performances at 7:30 p.m. 
• Thursday matinee performance at 12:00 p.m. 
• Saturday & Sunday matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. 
• Special Open Caption performance on Friday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for ANNIE at the Fisher Theatre start at $35. Photographs courtesy of Broadway in Detroit.

DISNEY ALADDIN THEATRICAL STAGE SHOW COMING TO DETROIT

Wow! It seems just like yesterday we had a fantastic daddy-daughter night out going to see the theatrical musical adaptation of the Disney animated movie Aladdin at the Detroit Opera House. Was that really 2018 we did that?! Based upon that memorable evening, we were geeked to find out that the show is returning to town this year! 

Aladdin will be appearing May 9 – 14, 2023 this time at the Fisher Theatre located at 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit MI 48202. Performance times are: 

• Tuesday through Saturday evening performances at 7:30 p.m.
•  Saturday matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. 
• Sunday matinee performance at 1:00 p.m. 
• Sunday evening performance at 6:30 p.m. 
• Special Open Caption performance on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

Aladdin, adapted from the animated Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to theatrical life in this musical. Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exciting world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance. This production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning movie soundtrack and more written especially for the stage.

Tickets for Aladdin start at $35 (includes facility & parking fees) and will go on sale at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 3. Tickets can be purchased online at BroadwayinDetroit.com, Ticketmaster.com, and in person at the Fisher Theatre box office.

MITCHELLS VS MACHINES COMES TO HOME VIDEO

Originally slated to be shown at movie theaters, the pandemic forced the film's producers to pivot and instead debut THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES on Netflix instead. Covid-19 also caused changes in the publicity for the film with Sony Pictures hosting an online press junket having cast and crew promote the event instead of a more traditional in-person Hollywood event. This opened up an opportunity for this Geek Daddy to participate in an advance screening of the movie and join in a chat with Director Michael Rianda along with actors Beck Bennett, Maya Rudolph and Abi Jacobson about their involvement in the making of THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES. I was so geeked to participate in this online press junket!

THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES hit close to home for me in being relatable to the relationship I have with my own daughter. She's growing up becoming a teenager and isn't daddy's "little girl" anymore and it hasn't been an easy transition for either of us. That is the same dynamic Rick Mitchell finds himself in with his daughter Katie as his teenage daughter plans to head off to college. Things are a bit different in our household that my daughter is just in middle school and we aren't caught up in an apocalypse caused by sentient killer robots but yet there are a lot of relatable themes and positive messages that both of us got out of watching this movie. Funny how an adventure/comedy animated movie can get parents and their children talking about their emotions and relationship problems. We laughed and cheered on the Mitchells through their adventure and talked about how the movie made us feel about how both of us were acting toward the other as the credits rolled. It was a great movie night!

A movie synopsis for THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES → an old school father and his plugged-in, filmmaker daughter struggle to relate as their family embarks on a cross country road trip taking her to her first semester of college. Their drive is interrupted by a machine apocalypse that threatens to tear these unlikely heroes apart unless they can find a way to join forces and save humanity. THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES is rated PG for action and some language with a runtime of 109 minutes.

THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES is now available on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD. Get the movie in a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital "Katie Mitchell's Special Edition" with over two hours of new content including an all-new short and an extended cut of the feature presentation. The home entertainment video release of THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES also includes deleted scenes and a filmmaker's commentary. 

If you missed out on seeing THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES on Netflix, don't miss out on viewing the movie via Blu-ray, DVD or Digital. This movie earned a Geek Daddy nod of approval and is a great selection for a family movie night. Plus, you won't want to miss the short Dog Cop 7: The Final Chapter included with the Katie Mitchell's Special Edition Blu-ray. In a world where the holidays are being haunted by the Candy Cane Kidnapper there is only one Dog with the skills to solve the case.

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TY CHRISTMAS BEANIE BABIES

Have you been shopping for holiday gifts and finding lots of toys out of stock? It is not just a news headline or marketing ploy, the pandemic has significantly turned things upside down when it comes to supply chains and retailers are struggling to have stock available for customers. If you are having a hard time shopping for presents this year here is a tip ... you shouldn't have a problem getting your hands on Christmas themed Ty Beanie Babies as long as you aren't a Howard Langston and wait til December 24th to do your shopping.

Ty Warner, owner of the largest manufacturer of soft toys in the world, has arraigned for more than 150 air shipment flights from manufacturing facilities in Asia to the company's American distribution center in Chicago, Illinois since October. That means that Christmas themed Ty Beanie Babies are in stock and as an extra bonus aren't being affected by any price increases this year. While you may have trouble finding toys at the giant retailers, you can find Beanie Babies and Beanie Boos at smaller neighborhood book, toy, drug and grocery stores or by visiting shop.ty.com.

Ty’s 2021 Christmas line includes Howlidays dog with hat ($5.99) and Brie Christmas mouse ($4.99). Other holiday themed Beanie Babies available this year include Fudge the Christmas Reindeer, Cheer the Penguin, and Snowfall the White Unicorn. My daughter loves Beanie Babies so I'm geeked to know that families will be able to find them this holiday season and in this time of inflation with ZERO price increases. Just the news you want to hear in the nick of TYme for the holidays.

IMPORTANT TECHNIQUES YOUR BABYSITTER SHOULD KNOW

Hiring a babysitter can be an easy way to get some time off. But as a parent, you need to ensure your babysitter knows the basics of child care before leaving your children with them. Here are five baby care techniques your babysitter should know about: 

Feeding and Burping the Baby 

Feeding and burping the baby is a crucial part of taking care of your infant. Your babysitter should know how to do this properly, as it can help prevent several problems. 

If the babysitter is feeding your infant formula or breast milk from a bottle, they should know how to hold the bottle for your baby. The babysitter needs to make sure that they are holding it at a 45-degree angle when feeding and never tilt it downwards, which can cause choking or ear infections. 

When the babysitter is lying down, they should use one hand to support the baby’s head and neck. When sitting up, the babysitter should hold your baby with their arm under their bottom, using their other hand to gently pat or rub them on the back until your child burps. Equally, your babysitter needs to be well acquainted with various ways of relieving baby congestion. 

Checking the Body Vitals 

The babysitter should know how to check the baby’s pulse rate, respiration, and temperature. Checking these vitals will allow them to monitor and detect if your child is experiencing any health problems or discomfort that they may not communicate verbally just yet. 

The faster you know of a problem, the more likely you can manage it successfully before it gets out of hand. For example, infants’ body temperatures have less leeway before becoming dangerous, so knowing what feels normal and determining when something isn’t right is imperative in preventing injury or illness from occurring. 

Soothing/Lulling the Baby 

Your babysitter must know how to soothe the baby. They should know a variety of different techniques and be able to use them at any time accordingly. 

The first technique is swaddling, which involves tightly wrapping the child in a blanket or cloth that is appropriate for their age and size. Swaddling helps babies feel safe, as if you are still holding them. In addition, swaddling can help with both types of problematic behaviors: fussy behavior or self-soothing behaviors. 

Another way a babysitter might try soothing the child is by using a pacifier. This is a great technique to help soothe the baby, but it can be difficult if they are not used to using one already. Your babysitter must know when and how much pressure should be applied.

In addition to these two techniques, create a calm environment with dim lighting and soft lullabies playing in the background, massage therapy may also prove effective for soothing/lulling an infant into sleep mode! 

Playing With the Baby 

Your babysitter should know how to play with your baby. This means they should be able to understand the basics of what makes them happy and replicate this in different scenarios to keep your child’s moods high while you’re out at work or on vacation. 

Playing peek-a-boo – Babies love surprises! They will get a huge kick out of it when someone throws a blanket over themselves then pops back up like magic. Peekaboo also builds trust between the babysitter and your baby by showing no monsters hiding under the bed. 

Playing with toys – Babies are never too young to start playing! They love it when things move, so rattles and mobiles are excellent choices for babysitters who want to keep them happy. 

Integrating the Baby With Siblings 

When you have a newborn, it can be hard to find time for yourself. Consider getting a babysitter who will help integrate your newborn into the family as well as helping take care of other children in an efficient way. If you have an older child, it’s a good idea to let them help choose the babysitter. This will make your children feel more comfortable around their new caregiver and give them a chance to get acquainted with the routine before the baby comes home! 

Conclusion 

The babysitting job is critical and requires an understanding of how to keep your children safe. You may have thought about what different skills you would look for in a sitter. These techniques are fundamental for the babysitter to know. So, it would help if you were sure that your sitter is familiar with them before hiring them. If they do not, it may be time to look elsewhere!

IRISH DANCING

After seven years of ballet, my daughter wanted to try something new that she said would be more fun to do. So for the last three months she has been learning Irish Dance via Zoom. No easy task with the pandemic preventing her class from practicing together in a dance studio but she has made the best of the situation.

Her beginner class had a performance today at a local park as part of the dance troupe's Spring recital. Have to give my daughter a lot of credit because she is starting off in an all-ages class full of little kids. I bet a lot of people her age would have been embarrassed to perform in this situation but she stuck with the class and led them all through their recital routine. The girl wanted to get involved in Irish Dance and if this is what it took she was all onboard to participate. I love the lack of ego she demonstrated!

After 7 years of ballet my daughter wanted to be involved with a dance that was more fun to do. So for last 3 months she has been learning #irishdance via Zoom. Today was her first public performance with the beginner class during dance troupe's Spring recital #motorcity #girldad pic.twitter.com/2alAPOCcLt

— A Geek Daddy (@GeekDad248) May 8, 2021

Proud of her for giving it her all during their first non-Zoom performance together as a group and for being a great team player at the Motor City Irish Dance Spring Recital. Hopefully by the end of the year she will be graduating to a level in the troupe where she is engaged with kids who are more her age and overall level of dance experience. You have to start somewhere though and she is very excited about her Irish Dance experience.

SNOW PIERCER

Warner Bros Home Entertainment provided this dad blogger a free Blu-ray. Opinions expressed are my own.

Hasn't been much of a winter when it comes to snow fall this year but a bunch of it has just been dumped on us by some recent storms. Winter weather conditions made today a snow day with our local roads impassible this morning but by the afternoon our local DPW had done an excellent job of digging us out. So my daughter and I bundled up and hit the sledding hill for the first time in awhile. We had a lot of fun getting outside and racing down the slopes!

After we got home it seemed a fitting day to watch this sci-fi tv series I've been wanting to see but couldn't because we cut our cable and it is broadcast on TNT. Now that the first season is available on Blu-ray, I'm finally going to be able to catch up with what is going on in SNOWPIERCER! I'm going to binge watch it tonight after the kids go to bed.

Set almost a decade after the world has become a frozen wasteland, SNOWPIERCER revolves around the remnants of humanity who inhabit a perpetually moving train, with 1,001 cars, that circles the globe. Class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival play out in this television adaption of a graphic novel series. Yeah it may seem like a goofy premise but it based upon a comic book full of sci-fi goodness! Plus the show stars Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind) and Grammy & Tony Award winner Daveed Diggs (Hamilton).

You can pick up SNOWPIERCER: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON on Blu-ray or DVD at Best Buy to add to your home entertainment video library. Purchase it via a Geek Daddy affiliate link and this dad blogger will receive a small commission at no additional expense to you. Your support of ageekdaddy.com is appreciated!

HELPING KIDS DEAL WITH THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

A conversation with Doctor Tim Jordan MD 

My kids have been stuck at home for six weeks now since Michigan's schools were shutdown due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. They are starting to get antsy and have been expressing some anxiety over this public health emergency. I'm sure this dad blogger's family is not alone in that aspect!

Obviously it is tough enough for adults to get a grasp on what is going on around us that parents have to be conscious of how children are being impacted by the social distancing imposed upon them. After my daughter had a bit of a melt down the other day, a conversation with my wife really got me thinking about the impact this pandemic is having on our kids.  She reminded me that when we were kids we never experienced anything like this where school was cancelled, you couldn't play with friends or travel anywhere for an extended period of time. I guess the closest similarity was if you were unlucky enough to have caught chicken pox and were quarantined at home for a couple of weeks.

So I thought it might be insightful and helpful to reach out to a health care professional to delve into the impact the pandemic is having on our kids. Doctor Tim Jordan MD, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician whose practices focuses on counseling children, teens and young adults spent some time talking with ageekdaddy.com about how to help children deal with our current (but hopefully temporary) reality. He provided useful tips on ways to help kids manage anxiety and stay emotionally strong during this pandemic. I've shared our chat below and hope you find it beneficial:



Dr. Jordan has also recently released a new book, She Leads: A Practical Guide to Raising Girls Who Advocate, Influence and Lead. As a girl dad myself, with an 11 year old in 5th Grade, I want to make sure she feels empowered to live her best life. Wanting that and knowing how to parent her towards that goal are two different things. Doctor Tim's book provides a parenting handbook for moms and dads to help raise girls to become empowered women. She Leads: A Practical Guide to Raising Girls Who Advocate, Influence and Lead can be purchased at drtimjordan.com.

I hope everyone is doing well during these uncertain times. Stay Healthy! Stay Safe!

LIONSGATE MOVIE GIVEAWAY

In recognition of March being Women's History Month and to help provide a distraction from the troubling times confronting us, ageekdaddy.com has partnered with Lionsgate for a BOMBSHELL of a giveaway. Just released for home entertainment, I have a digital code to giveaway for BOMBSHELL, the Oscar®-nominated provocative real story of three ambitious and strong women who risked everything to stand up to the man who made their careers. This empowering drama commended by critics and audiences alike was the Oscar® winner for Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling (Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan, and Vivian Baker), and was nominated for two Academy Awards® including Best Actress (Charlize Theron) + Best Supporting Actress (Margot Robbie).

BOMBSHELL tells the story of how three women at Fox News (Megyn Kelly [Charlize Theron], Gretchen Carlson [Nicole Kidman] and Kayla Popisil [Margot Robbie]) stand up against a toxic environment of sexual harassment created by network chief Roger Ailes. Based upon true events, this movie highlights a me too moment that shows an example of a high profile chauvinist being taken down in the workplace. This biographical drama directed by Jay Roach and written by Charles Randolph shows how these women went from reporting the headlines to becoming the headlines in a provocative real story about one of America's most powerful news media networks.



Of course you also have to look forward to included extras when a movie comes out on video. Explore the fascinating journey it took to bring this ripped-from-the-headlines tale to the screen with in-depth bonus features available on the Digital, Blu-ray and DVD edition of BOMBSHELL. Included with the home entertainment release of BOMBSHELL is a 7-part making-of documentary featuring interviews with the incredible cast and crew that brought this story to the screen.

You can pick up a Blu-ray/DVD/Digital combo pack of BOMBSHELL now from Best Buy. Purchase it through the affiliate link above and this dad blogger will receive a small commission from Best Buy at no additional expense to you. Thanks for your support of ageekdaddy.com!



You may not need to buy the movie though! One lucky winner will get a code for a FREE digital edition of BOMBSHELL courtesy of Lionsgate. That's not all though! Lionsgate will also be throwing in a few more digital codes for some of their other movies with strong female characters that feature some of Hollywood's favorite leading ladies ranging from A Simple Favor to The Hunger Games. So who would like to win this Lionsgate Movie Prize Pack?!

To toss your name in the hat for a chance to be the randomly selected winner of our Lionsgate movie giveaway complete the rafflecopter entries below before 11:59 pm ET on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to participate. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway