Introducing 'Ping Parenting'

The Equator of Life

"The middle region of our being is the temperate zone. 

We may climb into the thin and cold realm of pure geometry and lifeless science, 

or sink into that of sensation. 

Between these extremes is the equator of life, of thought, of spirit, of poetry, 

— a narrow belt."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ping Parenting

An ideal situation for a newborn growing up over the first five years of life—before formalized schooling—would be to have adults who were not 'Helicopter' parents, who were not authoritarian parents, who were not neglectful parents. There is a sweet spot in-between for the ideal parent, and therefore, the ideal environment for children.

The sweet spot on a baseball bat is about a third of the way down from the end or tip of the bat. This is where the ball upon contact will 'ping' off the bat and soar back in jubilation!

Real Neat Blog Award

This Award is Recognition for Trying to Make a Difference 

I would like to thank The Peaceful Papa for his nomination of Papa Green Bean for the Real Neat Blog Award. The Peaceful Papa's Facebook page is full of positive tips on raising children. In fact, his wife just delivered a little baby girl less than a week ago. He is blogging in real neat daddy time!

Pillars of Fatherhood

Join A Dad's Club!

I joined Bellingham Dads a couple of weeks ago. The founder, Jeff, suggested that he put my Papa Green Bean posts onto his website. I happily agreed and he very kindly announced "Local Blogger joins Bellingham Dad's. He and his wife have a 20 month old boy and an eleven year old girl. I hadn't met them until last Saturday evening at an outdoor concert on the water. The park

What Message Do You Model?

Role Model = Parent

What message are you sending to your children by your words and actions? 

Are you a cynic, a grouch, a couch potato, a glass half empty person?

 Every thing you do impacts your children, positive or negative. We have an amazingly powerful influence on our children's future. 

It starts at birth. 

This is too much fun, pops!

Here is a 60 second clip entitled, "Children See, Children Do". It's very powerful. 

Fatherhood - Life Changing

Changing Fatherhood

Fatherhood changed me immensely. I had never finished anything until my daughter was born. With my daughter's birth, I made the commitment to myself to always be a guiding light for her, to read, listen, and absorb everything I could to help her reach her potential. This is the only commitment I have ever really stuck to. Most of my other goals have not been satisfied, but the goal to be a good father to my daughter has been successful!

Take Time To Be...

Spending Time With My Daughter

While taking a long walk a few days ago, I starting thinking of some of the special times I spent with my daughter, Anna, while she was growing up. I realized, that I was able to give unusual amounts of quality time to her because I was a single dad with just one daughter. And, I always prioritized her visits as time for us. We often took time to just be, not letting a clock dictate what we did or when we did it. My point is that this was time very well spent. I believe, it helped to make my daughter who she is today.  And, it most certainly is why I started this blog; to share some of what has worked, knowing it can work for any parent - child relationship. 
Papa G B