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A Father’s Parenting Style
Will McAlpine, two and a half years old, likes to “help” his dad, Eric, in their suburban backyard in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. As father and son toss grass, leaves and rocks into a wheelbarrow, Eric points out different colors and shapes. Sometimes they pause during their chores to observe planes and clouds overhead. What they don’t pay attention to is the mess of mud on their shoes — or how they leave a trail of dirt in their wake when they enter the house.

David Pike of Charlotte, North Carolina, relishes reading to his three young daughters at bedtime. He reads familiar favorites like Goodnight Moon and Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham. Just as the girls’ mom, Katie, thinks David has the kids settled down, “a giggle fest erupts,” she says. Five-year-old Aidan begins pleading for David to “squirb” her (the family’s term for making funny sounds on their bellies). “Squirb me. Squirb me too,” squeals three-year-old Herron. By now everyone is wide awake.

Dad: He’s a mess-maker, rule-breaker, risk-taker. In general, he’s the opposite of Mom, the master nurturer, creator of law and order. But for all his mischief, Dad is doing something quite right. The same daddy-like interactions that sometimes annoy moms will significantly contribute to children’s social skills and success in school.”

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What does the daddy in your life do that is unique, something that no one else can do?

The rubber duckies make fabulous little cake-toppers, but they also look great nestled on your tables.  If your party will take place in the yard and you don’t mind giving the grads a bit of little-kid fun, group the favors around bowls of water and see who will squirt water at whom first.

But don’t put these rubber duckies in the bath, as they won’t float upright.

Several years ago, I attended a luncheon for college seniors, and a professor read this book to the graduating class.  As I scanned the faces of the graduates there, I could see that they were touched by Dr. Seuss promises,” You’ll be seeing great sights!  You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.” Dr. Seuss also delves into the obstacles of life but ends the book with upbeat optimism.

The teas are attractively arranged in a wooden tea chest, which you can easily decorate yourself with markers or paints.  Add your own meaningful Mother’s Day message that will make her smile every time she has a cup of tea.

Cook potatoes in salted boiling water until tender.  When cool, slice or cube. Keep warm. Combine sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, celery seed and Worcestershire sauce.  Add onions, celery, pickle relish and mayonnaise. Mix with warm potatoes. Gently fold in eggs and parsley. Refrigerate at least several hours to blend flavors. Overnight is better.  Yields 1 gallon.

Peel and thinly slice cucumbers and onion. Drain corn. Combine all ingredients except parsley. Chill. Toss and garnish with parsley sprigs.