Daddy and Me
Although I don’t write about it much here, my responsibilities as a stay-at-home dad to two preschoolers are partly to blame for the slow progress I am making on my house projects. But once in a while my worlds collide and I find ways to be both a DIYer and a dad.
On a recent trip to the library, I picked up a children’s book called “Daddy and Me” by Karen Katz. It is a cute story about a child and dad who build a doghouse together. I thought my two-year-old would love it.
Here’s how the story begins:
I’m helping Daddy make something special. First we saw the wood. Where is Daddy’s saw? In the closet.
Then we measure the wood. Where are Daddy’s pencils? Under his work gloves.
- “Daddy and Me” by Karen Katz (c)2003 Simon and Schuster
Wait a minute! I don’t remember authorizing a biography. Could it be that there are other DIY hacks/dads who have cut before they measure? Is printing this inversion of the carpenter’s rule of “measure twice, cut once” the literary equivalent of cutting before you measure? Unfortunately, “Daddy and Me” leaves these questions unanswered.
Well, as cute as it is, I just couldn’t keep “Daddy and Me” around to confuse my son’s impressionable young mind. Besides, I’m actually getting pretty good at measuring before I cut.
2 Responses to “Daddy and Me”
Just stumbled upon your site. I too am a PT stay at home dad and hack carpenter trying to remodel our 1912 Juneau, AK craftsman home while my 2 year old naps. Until recently he would remarkable sleep through even the noise of power tools. He loves to help and has a full-set of kid tools though he prefers mine. On a recent trip to HD he said, “get me tools.” Keep at it!
Thanks, Jonas– and good luck to you! Let’s hope your boy and mine continue to be good nappers.