Dad Dashboard

The idea of the Dad Dashboard is to put the right information in front of me, to help me be a better dad. The dashboard includes goals (subject to change) and profiles for each of my kids. The blogger editing tools aren't exactly ideal for stunning visuals, but I'll work with what I have...for now :).

GOALS

Goal 1 - Serving

Prepare dinner 5 weeknights per month

June: 3/5

By preparing dinner ahead of time, I can give Sadie the extra time she needs to be with the kids and/or relax. More than anything, my kids need their best mom, and the more I can do to support her, the better dad I can be.

Goal 2 - Positive Bedtime Interactions

Bedtime: At least 4 Good nights per week, no more than 1 bad night

I often define myself as a dad according to bedtime - it is really the bulk of the time I spend with them during the week (especially with Sadie doing classes). Sometimes, bedtime can be a bit stressful, so I came up with a three-point system for how I do as a dad. This has nothing to do with how grumpy the kids are; rather how well I handle the situation and be the dad I want to be. I wanted to make this fun, so I used smilies. I actually found the smiling star to be motivating, believe it or not.

I'll start with these for now. I'm still trying to come up with a good goal for playtime/teaching. Part of me just wants it to be a natural and unmeasured, and thinks I don't need a hard goal. The other side of me wants to quantify and improve.

ARILYN

Personality

I can customize my interactions based on her individual personality. 

Learning Needs

As I seek to teach, how can I best reach her?

Love

How does she receive love? When does she feel loved? How can I give more love?

Challenges

What are we struggling with right now? What are our current efforts?

Growth

How can we encourage growth and learning? What are her strengths, and how can we build them?

Buttons

What makes her sad? Mad? Happy?

MICAH

Personality

I can customize my interactions based on his individual personality. 

Learning Needs

As I seek to teach, how can I best reach him?

Love

How does he receive love? When does he feel loved? How can I give more love?

Challenges

What are we struggling with right now? What are our current efforts?

Growth

How can we encourage growth and learning? What are his strengths, and how can we build them?

Buttons

What makes him sad? Mad? Happy?