Mom's gone out for the afternoon for some much needed Mommy time and Dad's left at home to take care of the kid(s).  What the heck can he do to pass the time? 

A lot of fathers who may not spend as much time during the day with their children due to work, etc. may find this duty a little stressful.  Dad's need to remember that they are not babysitting and that being an involved dad is essential for a child's good health and well-being.   Therefore every minute that dad can spend time with the kid(s) is precious and invaluable.

Here are some easy activities that can help keep both of your child entertained.

Foreword:  This is not the time to turn on the TV and plop baby in front of it and hope that this will help pass the time faster.  These activities are geared towards babies under 1 year of age.

1.  Music and dancing is stimulating to your baby and important for brain development. It helps them to make connections.  Turn on your favourite music, pick up your baby and start to dance. Fast or slow, anything will do (this is a great time to practice your dancing skills without judgement).  Move their arms and legs to the beat.  Let them bounce up and down.  Both you and baby will have a great time.  It makes them smile and laugh, you both get exercise and most importantly you're bonding.  Plus this is a great time to introduce different styles of music to your child for later musical development.

2. Read them a story.  You may feel weird about reading a baby a story, but it will help them learn words and develop speech faster.  If you speak different languages, read to them in different languages to help develop their language centre.  This can also help them pick up new languages more easily...the trick is to keep it up throughout their childhood so that the languages stick. 

3. Go for a walk/bike ride and play in the park.  Fresh air is great for baby and exercise is great for dad.  If baby is old enough to sit up on their own, they can sit in the baby swing.  **Playing on equipment will be up to Dad's discretion and dependant on age of child.  Also make sure to bundle up baby if it's cold outside because unlike Dad, they are not moving and will get cold more easily.

4. Sing songs with actions.  Babies love to hear people sing to them, even if the singer has a less than desirable voice.  Don't worry, babies don't discriminate! :)  Good songs that babies enjoy are Eensy Weensy Spider, Head and Shoulders, Skinemarinky dinky doo, etc. 

5. Peek-a-boo.  This can entertain baby for a long time...ie 20 mins.  Because their brain is still developing, their memory is short.  Therefore games like peek-a-boo excite them because they are getting full attention from an adult and basically they love a happy, smiley surprise.

6. Play body part learning games...I know this may sound wrong but it's so not.  These games will help baby learn their body parts.  Some suggestions are "This little piggy went to the market, This little piggy went home etc" or "Head and shoulders, knees and toes."

7. Learn new objects.  Place a bunch of objects that are safe for baby to touch and play with into a box and let baby pull them out of the box and examine each item.  Make sure not to put anything that baby will choke on because they will want to put everything in their mouth.

8. Make music with pots and pans.  Pull out a bunch of pots and pans and give baby a spoon and let them make music.  Ear plugs for dad may be necessary. 

9. Do a work-out with your baby.  Strap baby to your front using a carrier or simply hold them while exercising.  They make a great weight.  This is great bonding with baby because they love to be held and you get a good work-out in as well.  (baby should be able to hold up their own to do this).

10. Give baby a bath.  Let them play in the water with toys.  Never leave baby unattended while in the bath...not even for a second.

Have fun!