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So picture this: I’m sitting poolside on my vacation to Florida scrolling through Instagram as a rain storm starts to roll in. It’s mid-morning and the world is awake and moving, but at a slower pace. See, we vacation with family on a small island on the inter coastal just outside of Ft. Lauderdale, so things move and happen on their own time.
Anyway, back to the story. I’m scrolling, and all of a sudden, I see a post that intrigues me. It’s a post by the band Our Last Night where they have reimagined classic Disney songs in a heavy rock format. I mean this can’t work, can it? So I click, and a smile is immediately brought to my face as they begin with that all too familiar jingle that used to start every Disney movie in the 90’s, except it’s not what I’m used to, it’s rougher and perhaps even, edgy? I’m hooked and now I find myself sitting alone on a lanai watching the raindrops dance along the top of the pool water while absolutely enamored by the music I’m listening to. I mean we can all pretend we’re too cool for Disney music, but let's be real here, we aren’t. They are catchy little tunes designed to do one thing, burrow their way deep down into our brains and lodge themselves into some tiny crack or crevice and never come out. Of course it certainly doesn’t help that children often want to listen to the same song on repeat for weeks on end. I don’t have tiny humans, but if I did I’d have absolutely no problem tossing this on the stereo as we drove around town (read between the lines here: I’ll listen on my own without children). This gets me thinking about how important it is to be yourself first and foremost no matter what happens in life. As we age and our lives change we are often tempted to become a distant shell of who we once were. Now please read this very carefully: I am in no way suggesting people do or should stay the same. We are meant to grow and change as we go through life. However, I do think it is important to remember who we are at our core and not lose that. This is an incredibly thin line to walk especially as we find ourselves engaged in so many different roles such as husband/wife, father/mother, partner, co-worker, etc. It’s so easy to become a chameleon and change depending on the situation. The danger of course is that along the way we find ourselves simply playing a role instead of being authentically ourselves. I write this fully admitting that I fall into the same trap as everyone else at times and am no better than anyone else but hey, I’m trying. One of the joys of being in partnership with people is having the opportunity to impart a bit of your knowledge and passions on to others. For some that may be friends, others, partners/spouses, and even children. Although I don’t have children of my own, I do try to make sure to expose and educate my nieces and nephews to things I love and am passionate about such as camping, cooking, and yes on occasion, my taste in music. Here’s what I appreciate about what Our Last Night has done. They have managed to mash up two ideas in a way that allows both parties to enjoy something together without asking either one to give up on being present. Yes, children (wait no, people) love Disney music, but it doesn’t have to be the only thing they listen to. This is what I call a win-win compromise. Win-win compromises are great because it allows everyone the opportunity to be authentically themselves while also affording the other person to do the same. Earlier I said part of being in a relationship with someone is getting the chance to share with them, but don’t forget this is a two-way street. As much as we enjoy teaching others, don’t forget how much you have to gain by learning from someone else. I encourage you to find ways to be authentic to yourself but also room for others. Although it might sound silly, perhaps Our Last Night has found a way to do just that. Growing up isn’t about completely changing who you are, it’s about evolving into something greater. Here’s the link to the video that inspired the post: https://youtu.be/0YDuhN1UUD8. -Shaun Ditty, CBUS Dads contributor
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Whether you’re new to outdoor activities or you’re part yeti, visiting the hiking trails of the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks is a great way to stay active with your kids while getting them oriented with nature and taking care of that itch to get outside.
I was fortunate in my 20’s to be a tripping guide through the trails of Maine and New Hampshire, but nowadays I serve as weekend Sherpa with my toddler on my shoulders in the carrier. Nonetheless, we are fortunate to have such a robust parks system here in central Ohio to make you forget you’re in Ohio. Here are just a few of my recommendations of local trails throughout the north end of town to explore with your little ones: The Flatlander Adventure at Glacier Ridge (beginner): This park is ideal for beginners. You have a variety of easy trails to use (paved and grass/dirt), along with a half mile long challenge course. There isn’t any elevation change on the paved paths, which would help those hiking with the littlest of hiking buddies. Parking was easy, with lots of spaces and great restroom facilities. I don’t recall seeing changing tables - but you’re hiking: you should use the trunk or back seat like a true woodsman. A Little Bit of Everything at Highbanks (moderate to difficult): Easily one of the busiest, if not, the busiest of all the Metro Parks. This is a must-hike park, but the worst part is all the dang lights along U.S. Route 23 getting there. You have easy trails, and you have the moderate to difficult Dripping Rock and Overlook trails, but all of them have plenty of benches for frequent water breaks. Between the hills, 100-foot shale walls and the views, this is a great all-around hike. Word of caution though, your little ones might not handle what you can, especially after a couple moderate hills, so choose wisely and think about going out and back, not doing the full loop. Pro tip: I highly recommend driving across the street to Olentangy River Brewing Company to use their changing tables…err…to cool off. This Ones for the Birds at Blendon Woods (easy to moderate): Explore the “spectacular stream-cut ravines” and towering maples and oaks. This is a great place to see and hear all sorts of birds and you’re almost guaranteed to see wild turkeys while you’re there. We’ve enjoyed all the trails, in particular I enjoy hiking Goldenrod. It’s the only pet permitted trail and least traveled. If you want true silence and solitude or what short amount of silence your little companion(s) can give you, I recommend this one. The Hidden Gem at the 100 Akre Wilderness (easy-ish to difficult): This one is the most primitive and least visited of all the parks, which is managed by the Blendon Woods rangers. It doesn’t even pull up on Google Maps, and that’s why this is perfect for an adventure. For the most part, this is super easy to hike, but you need to be able to read the trail, because there is zero signage. After nearly a mile, you come up on to the Hocking Hills of central Ohio in the form of 80-foot ridges along the river. This is peaceful and breathtaking. We had Metro Parks Executive Director Tim Moloney on our podcast, and he talked about the possibility of hidden art coming to this park that you can search for. This isn’t even on the Metro Parks website. Stay tuned for other recommended hikes in different parts of Columbus, along with my top kid-friendly, post hike breweries to rehydrate at. -Matt Lofy, CBUS Dads contributor According to a 2015 survey of parents by the Zero to Three organization, 73 percent say parenting is their biggest challenge and 54 percent wish they had more information about how to be a better parent.
Beginning June 1, 2021, the Westerville-based, parenting-focused The Dadass Podcast will begin contributing to and collaborating with CBUS Dads, a community of active and involved dads living in central Ohio who strive to be the best dads they can be while experiencing the community they love. Shaun, the Dude, is a family counselor and Matt, the Dadass, brings with him the experience of having a child. Their interesting background gives them unique perspectives and insight into sometimes heavy topics that all parents crave. Westerville native Steve Michalovich founded CBUS Dads nearly five years ago, and together, along with the entire CBUS Dads community, will look to continue to connect parents together in Columbus and the beyond. The Dadass Podcast is a parenting podcast of its own breed, bringing you intelligent conversation with dad jokes, puns, and drinks mixed in. Designed to help us all figure out this whole parenting and adulting thing, The Dadass Podcast will help you become the best Dad, coolest Mom, neatest Funcle, or Best Aunt Ever! you can be, just one conversation, and drink, at a time. |
AboutCBUS Dads is a community of central Ohio area dads balancing an active lifestyle with being an involved parent. A Saturday for us may involve enjoying morning t-ball, lunch at a new local spot and an evening at a summer festival with our families. We may live downtown, in the suburbs or somewhere between, but our common thread is that we continue to experience the community we love - now as parents. Archives
July 2024
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