Have you read Peter and the Wolf to your kids yet? If not - why not get a book out from the library (perhaps with a CD) or check out the following links. It's an absolute masterpiece by Prokofiev and a such a fine example of how music and instruments can be used to paint characters, describe moods or even convey what happens in the story!

Recently Se-ma-for Studios (Poland) have done an award winning animation of the story, check this out!

My wife is Christian; I’m Jewish. Since we were not going to have children together, this wasn’t much of an issue since this was a second marriage for both of us. We did have the Christmas tree problem but resolved that amicably, by at first going to her parent’s house to celebrate Christmas with them. When my wife got sick and we couldn’t make it that year, I relented and we brought the Christmas tree into our home.

Now we’re celebrating both Christmas and Hannukah in our home and, more recently, I’ve even attended her church (Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, California).

This issue, of religion in the home is a touchy one for most couples getting married, especially as they plan on having and raising children. It’s not a simple question nor is there a simple answer. I believe it’s extremely important for a couple to discuss this, in depth, before they marry or have children if they believe and practice different faiths.

Another amazing example of teaching a simple concept in a very engaging way. Again, great inspiration to parents to think creatively about how to explain the world to their kids. Watch this!

Enjoy

-Stefan

This is a clip from thefuntheory.com - if you haven't seen any of their material, check out the video below. The concept is just fantastic and such a simple message - use fun as a motivator and get results. This principle is perfect for parenting and there are lots of examples on using fun as a motivator ... including a few examples with children. Truly inspiring!

Enjoy,

Stef

A few weeks ago I wrote an article about the stereotypes associated with only children (see "only child lonely child?"). Well - someone at Time Magazine is obviously reading DIYFather.com as Lauren Sandler has written an article about "the only child - debunking the myths" which is featured on the cover of Time Magazine this week. Cool ...

Gerard Cheshire's review of "Bang - scientifically accurate, rhyming, comic books which explain the history of pretty much everything!" by James L Dunbar.

This is an ambitious mission: to fit the history of the universe into three comic books. For its genre it reads very well, as it is contains some impressive drawing skill and the rhyming verse is quite pleasing. Inevitably, it falls short of scientific explanation in places - its says what happened, but fails to give in-depth reasons why, how, when. The sort of mind inclined to read these books is likely to need more information to be satisfied, but as an initiator of scientific enquiry I'd say these comic books would work very well. The key to effective scientific education is to get people inspired in the first place, so why not start with a BANG?

Check out jldunbar.com for more information about "BANG".

I recently came across this very rare footage of an interview with Reverend Wilbert Awdry - literally the father of Thomas the Tank Engine. The interview is from an old BBC documentary about a historic train journey of the Flying Scotsman from London to Edinburgh in 1962. Reverend Awdry was on that train and talks about how he came up with all the names for Thomas' friends.

It's a must watch if your little one is into Thomas!

Enjoy,

Stefan

Children in the 21st century ...

Originally posted by "la coctelera" and translated by Raquel Roncero

Seasonal greetings to all iPhone Dads! Last year we reviewed 25 online advent calendars in the run up to Christmas. This year it's all gone a bit iPhone and some creative gaming company has come up with the "APPVENT CALENDAR". The website reveals a free iPhone game every day till Christmas. Download the game of the day at work and try it out with the kids when you get home.

Enjoy!

-Stef

Picking the right gift for kids or family can be quite challenging. Here's a different take on the usual "what to buy" lists ... In addition to all the toys and games you may want to give children for Christmas how about buying presents that help protect them from injuries at home, at play or on the road.

Here are some ideas:

* A car booster seat. Jazz it up and let their imagination run wild (e.g. tell them it's a rocket ship or a fairy chariot!). Kids are safer in a booster seat until they're big enough to fit an adult seat belt properly. The easiest way to tell: If your children are under 148cm or 4'10" tall, they still need a booster seat.

* A cycle helmet. If Lance Armstrong uses one, your kid can wear one too. Let them pick their own helmet and while you're at it, get one for yourself and walk the talk.