Best way for dads to bond with their kids

Watch Video: Best way for dads to bond with their kids by Mark Steines, ...
Best way for dads to bond with their kids | Kids in the House
KidsInTheHouse the Ultimate Parenting Resource
Kids in the House Tour

Best way for dads to bond with their kids

Comment
82
Like
82
Transcription: 
I think some of the most important things you can do to bond with your children are: 1) Listen to them. Let them know that what they have to say--give them their moment--that that's all important to you. I also have a wicked sense of humor with my kids, and I tease them all the time. They know I do. If you get too heavy as a parent--trying so hard to parent them--it just gets to be a weighted situation. I do this every single night, they know I'm kidding, and yet I hope they understand--you know, I hope it sparks conversation between them. They still share a bedroom, and I still tuck them in every single night. Just as I'm closing the door, and the door's closing, I'll say, "Goodnight...and I love one of you more than the other." Click! They know I'm kidding, but I wonder what the conversation is between the two of them. We joke about it, and they know I'm teasing, but I find ways to laugh with them. That, to me, is so important. Whether we're playing a silly video game, or whether we're dancing, or having a great time, they want to have fun. Kids want to have fun. We build things together. I try to meet them on their own different platforms, because I have two separate kids. One wants to build, and he wants to go out and squash bugs; the other one, he's a "housecat"--he doesn't want to go out--he stays in the house, and he wants to read a book. He wants to sit in bed, and he wants to talk about his feelings. He's "that" kid. I just have to meet them on their different levels. If you listen to them and you hear the kind of people they are, you just go there; you spend that quality time with them. Another important thing to do to bond with your kids...for me at least, it's not about the quantity of time. I used to think, "Oh, we're going to spend all weekend together," and I'd line up all sorts of stuff

Watch Video: Best way for dads to bond with their kids by Mark Steines, ...

Transcript

Expert Bio

More from Expert

Mark Steines

TV Host & Journalist

Emmy award-winning journalist Mark Steines hosts Hallmark Channel’s Emmy-nominated "Home & Family."  After more than 17 years on "Entertainment Tonight," Steines and his co-host Cristina Ferrare entertain and inform their audience daily with an array entertaining and relevant lifestyle topics, do-it-yourself projects, cooking, celebrities and experts.

From small town Iowa to the red carpets of Hollywood, three-time Emmy winner Steines has established himself as one of the most trusted and charismatic figures in entertainment news.  During his tenure at "Entertainment Tonight" he interviewed 100s of A-list actors, producers, musicians and athletes. 

Recently, Steines has received rave reviews as a photographer.  His appreciation for all things beautiful is captured in his portraits and majestic landscapes.  His artwork can be seen on the walls inside many exclusive Hollywood homes and offices.  His photo book "See The Light: A Passage To Sierra Leone," documents the Light House Medical Mission’s trip to raise awareness for fresh water in impoverished countries.

Other hosting credits include the "2008 Miss America Live!;" VH-1’s   "Greatest TV Rock ‘n’ Roll Moments;" VH-1’s "The 25 Sexiest;" the "Golden Karma Awards," recognizing international philanthropic efforts; Mark Burnett’s AOL interactive online game "Gold Rush" and the legendary Hollywood Christmas Parade. He was also a celebrity guest judge on "HGTV Design Star."  

He received an Emmy award for the KCAL-TV special "Beyond Endurance: Madagascar;" an Emmy and Golden Mic award for "Beyond Endurance: Borneo;" an Emmy as host of the 2005 Hollywood Christmas Parade, and a National Iris Award for the special "The Big Business of Sports Endorsements" and national recognition by the Women’s Sports Foundation for his fair and impartial reporting on the Women’s National Football League.

As an actor, Steines has guest starred on television shows including "CSI: NY," "The Practice," "Medium," "Half & Half," "America’s Next Top Model," "Handy Manny" and Sony Pictures' feature film "Nixon."

Steines studied comedy at The Groundlings, the renowned school of improv, and earned a degree from JoAnne Baron/DW Brown Acting Studio’s Meisner Technique training.  His vocal skills training were fine-tuned at the Kalmenson & Kalmenson Voice Over School for Actors.

A born fitness enthusiast, Steines was featured in People Magazine's coveted "Sexiest Man Alive" issue and Men’s Fitness Magazine's "25 Fittest Men in America."  Currently, he is working with fitness expert Tony Horton and Beachbody showing people how to stay in shape with the "10-Minute Trainer" program. 

Born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, he attended the University of Northern Iowa on a full football scholarship and graduated with a degree in Radio and Television. Steines began his broadcast career as a regional television sports reporter, which later brought him to Los Angeles and national television.  Not one to forget his roots, Steines established a mentorship program with his alma mater, equipping students with the tools necessary to successfully transition from the classroom to a career.

An avid hands-on do-it-yourself guy, Steines enjoys spending his free time fixing, remodeling and restoring all things in disrepair.  He resides in Los Angeles and Ojai, California with his two sons.

More Parenting Videos from Mark Steines >
Enter your email to
download & subscribe
to our newsletter