This is so sweet, Jacob. I'm at the stage where we're getting rid of toys and I find memories attached to each one; it's bittersweet. It also made me think of a mother I know who never inserted the batteries in any toys for her four children. The noise was too much for her. The kids, not knowing any different, played happily. It always cracked me up, and I admired that she knew her own boundaries.
Thanks Maria. There's so many toys in our house, and I already have memories with all of them. It's hard to imagine getting rid of them (although it's about time for a few donations). And that's such a funny story—I guess the kids wouldn't know any different! That's one way to keep the noise levels down 😂
Thanks Jamal! It's always heartening to hear when folks enjoy the videos! After all, it's the easiest thing to "cut" on a platform like this, but I always hope it gives my readers a chance to get to know me in a different way.
And I appreciate the kind words and your thoughtful comments as always! 🙏🏻 Thank you for being here.
Yay for dad's is all I can say. I have memories of my husband putting together toys for our son very late on Christmas eve. I remember my dad making toys for us too
This was beautiful to read. Thanks for being so vulnerable in your parenting experience- it makes me feel less deluded in mine. I think most of us would enjoy a safe haven we could drift away to when the going gets tough. I loved learning that assembling the toys softens you. Making him a snack that doesn't end up on the floor- that's it for me. Feeding him brings me back to the reality of his toddler experience, and helps remind me of just how much we love each other.
Thank you for the kind words and for sharing. I, too, am grateful when I make a snack that doesn't get thrown on the floor! My son is really struggling with that right now. You're right, though, about finding ways to reconnect to those experiences that remind us of how much love there is in our relationships with our children. Those moments and experiences are so special and provide strength when we need it.
I HATE assembling things. I will spend 2 hours carving a pumpkin into the Mona Lisa, no problem but give me a manual in 5 languages, 5 bags of screws and an Allan wrench and I’ll be cursing within minutes.
Every Christmas, when my kids were young, my dad would get them all sorts of singing/moving/noisy toys. Every year, for probably 5 years. It drove me crazy to walk by the toy box and have something suddenly turn on and scare the crap out of me. Must be a dad thing to like the noisy toys. I was fine with blocks.
Your kids are little. You are in the super hard, pull your hair out, exhaustion period of parenting. It does get better eventually. And different. And exhausting in new ways, but not like those first 5 or 6 years. I see you trying. That's all you can do.
I have been scared by many of the kids' toys suddenly springing to life 😂. I prefer the blocks, too.
Thanks for the kind words Janine. You're right that it's definitely a difficult phase although I'm not sure what my son's timeline is, and that can be tough sometimes. He's almost four and much more difficult than my two-year-old. But, to your point, all you can do is keep trying to do your best!
This brings back wonderful memories of me frustratingly trying to assemble a ridiculous dollhouse that my dad got for my daughter on Christmas. It took me hours! Since then, I’ve had many a late night, Christmas Eve, assembling toys from Santa.
I love your term dadness and how you see assembly as an act of care, both for your kiddos and yourself. Keep up the great work!
When I was about 7-8, my grandfather gave me an Air Hog for Christmas. It had just come out to critical acclaim--I even remember seeing it featured on TV--and was heralded as one of the "must have" toys of the year. When I unwrapped it, I was hyped! The idea of a toy plane that could *actually* fly blew my little mind. It even came with an instructional VHS tape so you just knew it was going to be boss. My dad and grandfather assembled the plane but we decided to wait several agonising months for winter to end and the snow to thaw. Then, one cloudy spring afternoon, we decided it was finally time to trudge down to the football field at the local high school for the maiden voyage. I don't remember who launched the plane--I just know it wasn't me because I couldn't throw it high enough--but I do recall watching it zip away at an impressive clip. I also recall that it didn't make it very far. There must have been a sudden downward draught or something because that sucker nose-dived into the ground so hard it practically exploded on impact. We never attempted a second flight...
I guess sometimes it really is the thought that counts!
This is so sweet, Jacob. I'm at the stage where we're getting rid of toys and I find memories attached to each one; it's bittersweet. It also made me think of a mother I know who never inserted the batteries in any toys for her four children. The noise was too much for her. The kids, not knowing any different, played happily. It always cracked me up, and I admired that she knew her own boundaries.
Thanks Maria. There's so many toys in our house, and I already have memories with all of them. It's hard to imagine getting rid of them (although it's about time for a few donations). And that's such a funny story—I guess the kids wouldn't know any different! That's one way to keep the noise levels down 😂
My girls noted last Father's Day that "fixing things with Dad" was among their favorite activities.
That's awesome Fred! I aspire to such a Father's Day sentiment!
This was an awesome piece bro 👏🏽
I truly enjoy your video intros and the slick way you add a bit of humor to the piece (including your footnotes).
That last line is a tear jerker too 🥲
Thanks Jamal! It's always heartening to hear when folks enjoy the videos! After all, it's the easiest thing to "cut" on a platform like this, but I always hope it gives my readers a chance to get to know me in a different way.
And I appreciate the kind words and your thoughtful comments as always! 🙏🏻 Thank you for being here.
For sure man!
Yay for dad's is all I can say. I have memories of my husband putting together toys for our son very late on Christmas eve. I remember my dad making toys for us too
Yes, Christmas Eve and Christmas were probably work days for my dad considering how many toys he was putting together for me and my sister!
Yes, my husband too. He worked many Christmas eve's and day after Christmas. Good men
This was beautiful to read. Thanks for being so vulnerable in your parenting experience- it makes me feel less deluded in mine. I think most of us would enjoy a safe haven we could drift away to when the going gets tough. I loved learning that assembling the toys softens you. Making him a snack that doesn't end up on the floor- that's it for me. Feeding him brings me back to the reality of his toddler experience, and helps remind me of just how much we love each other.
Thank you for the kind words and for sharing. I, too, am grateful when I make a snack that doesn't get thrown on the floor! My son is really struggling with that right now. You're right, though, about finding ways to reconnect to those experiences that remind us of how much love there is in our relationships with our children. Those moments and experiences are so special and provide strength when we need it.
I HATE assembling things. I will spend 2 hours carving a pumpkin into the Mona Lisa, no problem but give me a manual in 5 languages, 5 bags of screws and an Allan wrench and I’ll be cursing within minutes.
Hah! If I'm not building something for the kids, that's me too 😂. Sometimes that's me even when I am building stuff for them!
Every Christmas, when my kids were young, my dad would get them all sorts of singing/moving/noisy toys. Every year, for probably 5 years. It drove me crazy to walk by the toy box and have something suddenly turn on and scare the crap out of me. Must be a dad thing to like the noisy toys. I was fine with blocks.
Your kids are little. You are in the super hard, pull your hair out, exhaustion period of parenting. It does get better eventually. And different. And exhausting in new ways, but not like those first 5 or 6 years. I see you trying. That's all you can do.
I have been scared by many of the kids' toys suddenly springing to life 😂. I prefer the blocks, too.
Thanks for the kind words Janine. You're right that it's definitely a difficult phase although I'm not sure what my son's timeline is, and that can be tough sometimes. He's almost four and much more difficult than my two-year-old. But, to your point, all you can do is keep trying to do your best!
This brings back wonderful memories of me frustratingly trying to assemble a ridiculous dollhouse that my dad got for my daughter on Christmas. It took me hours! Since then, I’ve had many a late night, Christmas Eve, assembling toys from Santa.
I love your term dadness and how you see assembly as an act of care, both for your kiddos and yourself. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Adrian! I suppose late nights assembling toys from Santa is a parent's duty (and joy).
My older sister had a ridiculous dollhouse that my mom spent hours and hours building from scratch. I still wonder what happened to it...
I'm happy this post and the term "dadness" resonated! I appreciate you being here as always. 🙏🏻
When I was about 7-8, my grandfather gave me an Air Hog for Christmas. It had just come out to critical acclaim--I even remember seeing it featured on TV--and was heralded as one of the "must have" toys of the year. When I unwrapped it, I was hyped! The idea of a toy plane that could *actually* fly blew my little mind. It even came with an instructional VHS tape so you just knew it was going to be boss. My dad and grandfather assembled the plane but we decided to wait several agonising months for winter to end and the snow to thaw. Then, one cloudy spring afternoon, we decided it was finally time to trudge down to the football field at the local high school for the maiden voyage. I don't remember who launched the plane--I just know it wasn't me because I couldn't throw it high enough--but I do recall watching it zip away at an impressive clip. I also recall that it didn't make it very far. There must have been a sudden downward draught or something because that sucker nose-dived into the ground so hard it practically exploded on impact. We never attempted a second flight...
I guess sometimes it really is the thought that counts!
Enjoyed the post, Jacob--be well.
Great post, and I love the video intro. I miss the Lego years in my house… step by step but infinitely satisfying.