Connecting with a child not like me

I have two boys. One is heavy into sports, is kind of cynical, is almost 11, and enjoys watching reality television like Survivor, etc. He also has a penchant for computers and seems to be interested in a lot of the same things that I am. And then there's my six year old, who is heavy into Spongebob Squarepants, High School Musical, kind of likes to play sports but will avoid at all costs watching them, is happier than anyone who overdoses on Prozac, and is just a ball of energy.

So, it's not a surprise that Caleb is the one that I connect with on a lot of levels. We talk sports, we talk different things, he is just a sponge. With Jonathan, I try as much as I can to really appreciate this child and his "differences" from me, but it is not so much that he is six and Caleb is 10, it's just simple interests that some times make conversations a bit awkward at times with the J-man.

What this means is that many times when I am going to Lowe's to pick up fertilizer, Caleb wants to go with me, while when my wife Jenny wants to go to Hallmark to get a gift, Jonathan wants to help. It's great, but I struggle sometimes with the fact that every day that goes by may separate him and me more so. I know that typically siblings can be worlds apart personality-wise, but what are some things that I can do as a father to make things better? I just don't want to feel that I am will never be close to him as a father! I mean, even I can learn some things from his happy attitude about everything, that is for sure.

Help! Tips? Tricks? Psychology? Philosophy? I'm looking for pearls here, folks.

TAGS: , , , , , ,
POST TOOLS: del.icio.us:Connecting with a child not like me   digg:Connecting with a child not like me   newsvine:Connecting with a child not like me   Yahoo!:Connecting with a child not like me

( Add your comments )


Recent Entries:
· Box Lunch
· Connecting with a child not like me
· 2008 Top Christmas Toys: Fur Real Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup




[ READER COMMENTS ]

Add your comments...

We kindly ask that you keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Abusive or inappropriate comments or comments that are specifically promotional in nature may be removed.





Would you like us to remember your info for next time?


SEARCH


BREAKING DADDY NEWS...
Search Past 7 days Archives - Boston Herald

Lists offer lessons in life that sports can teach so well - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Parents are responsible for kids' behavior - StandardNet

Tom Cruise : Tom Cruise determined to be a great dad - Entertainment and Showbiz!

Look-alike Meter: does baby look like mom or dad? - Examiner.com