My totally worthless advice on Parent Hood - whoops also see Raising Kids

(Some would say asking a father for parenting advice is like asking WomEn about funk or critical thinking. But, hey, if people weren't allowed to opine outside their realm of expertise, we wouldn't have any career counselor or therapists or congress-critters.)

Have at least 2 kids, and the 1st 2 of them should be within 1-1/2 to 3yrs of each other.

• but be fore-warned that the 2nd kid more than doubles your work from the 1st kid, because you can't tag-team to get a break.

• I've heard that the 3rd is much easier, but haven't gotten there

Read to them every day, starting from a really early age. Even if they haven't got a clue, just hearing your voice associated with the book-object creates a connection for the future.

• and use multiple "voices". Funny ones are great, but even straight voices are good. Don't be afraid to use politically-incorrect foreign accents.

Play lots of music for them.

• simpler stuff is generally best

• having them watch a (musical) movie, and then have the soundtrack available to listen to regularly, is a good combo. My kids will latch onto a movie and listen to the soundtrack multiple times every day for 3 months straight. This might drive you a little crazy, so pick carefully.

If you can spare the floorspace, have an easel, loaded with big newsprint at all times. That makes drawing very easy for them to jump into at any time.

Explain things to them, even if they won't really understand it. A little bit will get absorbed. And you can often use an explanation as an opportunity to slip in some moral training.

Don't send them to [Boarding School] - all the most truly disturbed people I met during my College Education had been to [Boarding School].

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