Dadvice Weekly #5 / Improvised Parenting
Dadvice Weekly - #5
Parenting rarely sticks to a script. We can plan the day or week, but then someone’s sick, the car breaks down, or bedtime takes an hour longer than you hoped. Truth is, so much of family life is out of our control, and if we hold too tightly to our expectations, we end up frustrated and disconnected from the people we love.
That’s why I’ve been drawn to the book Improv Wisdom by Patricia Ryan Madson. It’s a book that adapts the rules of improv into helpful rules for life, like living with flexibility, saying yes to what comes, and dropping the need to overprepare. I’ve adapted these maxims for fatherhood, and I’ve enjoyed trying them in my own life. It’s been good for our family. I’m enjoying the freedom it creates, and the kids are too. There’s more laughter, less stress, and a sense that we’re building something together instead of me trying to hold everyone to our plans.
This week I’m sharing Madson’s maxims that have reshaped the way I think about being a dad. If you want the full set of 13, I put them all into a PDF you can save or print. I’ve also included ways you can try it out with your family.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be referencing this book again and sharing some of the specific exercises and ideas that have been helpful for us. Maybe they’ll spark something in your own home, too. -KC
Wyze Doorbell
About 2 years ago, I wanted to get a video doorbell. I did a lot of research and noticed pretty much every doorbell cost the same, but the cash cow of these companies is charging you a monthly fee for cloud storage. I was trying to find the company with the cheapest monthly fee but came across the Wyze Doorbell that has an option to put a micro SD in the doorbell to avoid the cloud storage monthly fee.
I did the install of the doorbell and the chime in about an hour and a half. It’s been really good to us. I’ve recommended it to a few friends since the install, and it has been good to them, too. -SW
Car Trash Can
With so many kids in the car, the back seat can easily turn into a snack-wrapper battlefield. This car trash can has been a huge help. We keep it in the third row of the van where the older kids sit, and it cuts down on clutter. I love that it doesn’t leak, is easy to clean, and doesn’t require special bags. A regular grocery bag will do. The adjustable straps make it easy to fit where you need it—we attach ours to the second row headrest. Just don’t forget to empty it regularly, especially if food gets in it. –KC
Tri Tip Recipe
In the last few years, I came across an Instagram account called Grillin with Dad. I have really loved his recipes, but the one I use the most is his grilled tri tip recipe. I wait for tri tip to go on sale, and I’ll buy a couple packs of the meat at once. I’ll usually cook one and freeze the rest for later. I really love this cut of meat because it’s big enough to feed Brooke and I for dinner and to have left overs for second meal. It’s also a go-to for us when we have friends over.
My strategy is to follow the Grillin with Dad recipe and reverse sear. There’s nothing special about the method other than it allows you to control the internal temp a little better, and you blast the meat to get a good crust. He uses a charcoal grill, but a pellet or propane grill will work as well. If any of y’all end up making it, let me know! I would love to hear how it goes for you! -SW
Simple Green Cleaner
I use Simple Green to clean nearly everything: garbage cans, rubber car mats, you name it. But it really shines as the cleaning agent in our carpet cleaner. If you have a Little Green Machine or something similar, a splash of Simple Green works just as well as pricey proprietary cleaners. My golden ratio is about 4 oz of Simple Green (2 glugs or so) with half a gallon of water. It cuts through dirt, grease, and stains on carpet and upholstery really well at a great price. Get it on Amazon or at Lowe’s/Home Depot. –KC
Just for Dad: Grip Your Own Golf Clubs
Something I have done a few times is re-grip my golf clubs at home. I’m always tempted to go to a store to have them do it, but I’ve found that its always more than I want to pay for something that isn’t that hard. By the time I’ve left my house, dropped my clubs off, kill some time while they re-grip, then drive home, I might as well have just done it on my own and saved some money.
I found this video on YouTube and have always gone back to it. The guy seems a little weird, but he hasn’t failed me yet. I bought this regrip kit from Amazon, but you’re on your own finding your favorite golf grip. There’s a lot of variables and options, but I personally use this one. -SW
Dadvice Weekly is written by two friends in their thirties trying to be thoughtful, present dads without losing our minds. It’s our small way of sharing gear, routines, and ideas with other dads who are in the thick of it too.
We publish useful stuff once a week to help you lead your home with a little more purpose and fun.
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I’m enjoying your weekly emails. Never heard of tri tip before but will look for it.