Rex Bowlby, a dad to two boys, has a very unique way of and perspective on parenting/fatherhood. In his book “Why Would I Want the Toy, When I Can Have the Box?” Rex shares with his readers 101 fun and cost-free activities that can help children acquire self-confidence, obtain coordination and develop creativity/imagination.

In the book, you can find out how:

• a tape recorder can quickly extinguish a sibling squabble.

• a child’s potty time is a perfect bonding time.

• socks promote imagination.

• shaving cream fosters creativity and defuses tension.

What I like the most about the book is its entertaining style of writing from a father’s heart and a child’s perspective. Let’s look at an example (p.81):

“Daddy, come here.” From the reverberating sound and direction of the request, I was certain it was coming from the bathroom. I had no doubt my child wanted company while he sat on the toilet……….

As I entered the bathroom I leaned against the wall, looked into my son’s eyes, and sensed what he was thinking:

What if I fall in? What if I get sucked down the toilet when I flush? Will an alligator come up the sewer and chomp on my bottom? Should I get rid of something that I still might need – but if I don’t, could I explode? I hope this room doesn’t get any smaller. What if everyone’s gone when I come out? Is that terrible odor coming from me?

These 101 stories/activities will surely renew the spirit of being a dad or a mom.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, March 16th, 2006 at 5:20 pm and is filed under Behavior, Communication, Crafts and Activities, Development, How-to Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.