Lessons From The Zoo

I was a chaperone for my 6-year old’s recent field trip to the zoo. I came away with a few lessons I thought I should share. Not a parent? Please try and tell me you couldn’t learn a thing or two from what I suggest. From saying “yes” more, being strong, and eating healthier. I hope you enjoy!

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1)??? Don’t say no to insignificant things

My brand of comedian is improv comedy. Think “Whose Line is it Anyways.” The number one rule is the idea of “Yes, And,” which just means on a stage you MUST say “yes” to whatever is said. It seems like my parental instinct is often to say “no.” My son wanted me to carry him on my shoulders because he was tired from a bad night of sleep. I initially said “no” because I didn’t want him to have “special treatment.” But he asked again. And again. And there is only so much parental capital I can. Also, who cares?! I went on this trip to help, and if there was one less 6-year-old running around on their own, that would probably help. Plus, my son could get eye to eye with the giraffes.

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Ok, I’m not that tall. But I carried him for a lot of the trip, and he had a great time, there was no complaints, and I got a great workout. Which brings me to lesson two.

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2)??? Be strong

As a dad (or mom!), we must be strong for our kids. My son is almost 60 pounds. In case you were curious, it is a strong 60 pounds, not a “he gets chocolate for breakfast” 60 pounds. That’s a lot of weight. I work out regularly, for my own health, and for moments like our trip. Imagine the disappointment if I had to tell him I couldn’t because I was too weak. It is our responsibility as parents to be fit for our kids to keep up with them, and to set an example. On the subject of examples, I saw what the other kids had for lunch…

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3)??? WHAT ARE WE FEEDING OUR KIDS?!

Ok, this wasn’t really an example. Just a terrified observation. I saw what my son’s other classmates had brought for lunch. An example: muffin, rice, chips, applesauce. There’s no protein. There’s only some “real” food. And the other lunches weren’t too different. Like the need to be strong, we need to feed our kids to help them BE strong. In my day job as a pharmacist, I work in a diabetes and obesity clinic. The parents who eat junk food keep it in the house “for the kids.” That’s no excuse! I wish I could button this with a joke since I am a comedian, but kids nutrition is serious business. Pumping them full of sugar and processed junk is ruining their birthright for vitality and health.

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You probably have heard this from me already, but if you feel the need for MORE on parenting from me, then maybe you should check out my upcoming book I Guess I’m a Dad Now: A Humorous Handbook for Newish Dads Who Don’t Want to Suck. I have a number of pre order bonuses to give out as well. And as a super-secret bonus for you, I’m gonna let you get a sneak peak at the 1st chapter! ?And if you aren’t a dad, maybe you are married to a dad, or know one that could use some help? Trust me, this book is one that is actually fun to read, AND is useful! If you want to feel better about your own parenting, why not check out five mistakes I made as a dad? ?

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If you want more from me regularly, I write a monthly newsletter too, where you’ll hear all about how to break dumb societal conventions (like saying no too much!) to live a better life!

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