The film tells the story of a widowed father Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) and his life raising his two children and overcoming the loss of his wife.  When Benjamin decides the family needs a fresh start they move to the most unlikely of places, a Zoo.  With the assistance of an eclectic staff, many adventures and misadventures the family grows and rediscovers themselves.

The film contains a treasure of “fatherhood moments” that are sure to entertain and inspire fathers to step into the lives of their children like never before and we’re not the only ones who have noticed.

Over the next month, until the film’s December 23 release, the National Fatherhood Initiative will be sharing fatherhood advice inspired by the film’s powerful themes.  If you would like to gain these insights sign up for their weekly Dad E-mail™ which will bring you fathering tips and perspectives inspired by We Bought a Zoo.  Sign up for the Dad E-mail™ today>>

Attorney Jeffrey Feulner and the Men’s Divorce Law Firm believes in the magic of fatherhood and the strength of the bond which a father shares with his kids.

About.com published a list of 10 things parents can do to keep their teens from dabbling in drug use. Follow the tips below to build a drug-free family:

1. Be there for your teen when he needs to get out of a bad situation.

Be the scapegoat: ‘I can’t do that, my parents would kill me!’ Or be the parent who will pick up your teen without repercussions if he finds the party he’s gone too has drugs available or her date has been drinking.

2. Get to know your teen’s friends and their parents on a first name basis.

This will help you know what your teen is doing and you may make a good friend to boot!

3. Keep connected in the after school hours.

If you can’t be home with your teen, call and leave notes. Have another adult supervise your teen, or sign him up for an after school program. If these things aren’t possible, establish a routine for your teenager and keep him busy during this time.

4. Talk to your teen often about drugs.

Use ice breakers from television shows or the radio in the car. Remember these are conversations, not lectures.

5. Get your teen involved in extra-curricular activities.

Schools offer sports or clubs and community organizations offer classes and youth groups. These will help him mold his identity in a positive way and give him less time doing nothing and becoming bored. Studies have shown teens that have less time to just hang out are less likely to do drugs.

6. Ask questions when your teen makes plans to go out.

Who will he be with, where is he going, what will he be doing, etc. Then check up on him. Call other parents and do this together.

7. Be a role model.

If you drink, drink responsibly – and don’t ever use illegal drugs.

8. Unite your family against drugs using strong family beliefs.

Establish that your family doesn’t use drugs. Not that you will shun your child should he make a mistake, but that your family believes there are other healthier ways to enjoy life and fix problems rather than escaping into a drug haze.

9. Connect with your teen by doing things together as a family.

Make this a routine outing and have your teen help plan it. Eat family meals together. Studies have shown that kids who enjoy dinner together with their parents on a normal basis are less likely to become involved with drugs.

10. Drop any baggage you may be carrying.

Don’t allow the mistakes you made as a teenager or young adult to influence your teen in a negative way. Tap into the mature adult you’ve become and let the past go.

Although all babies need love and attention, they also require several other supplies. Fortunately, About.com published an article entitled, “Top Ten Baby Items Every Father Needs,” which outlines the ten essential baby items for the modern dad.

The following is an excerpt from the article:

1. Car Seat. This is the most essential item for your baby. Anytime you are in the car, the baby needs to be securely fastened in a car seat. The seat must be appropriately sized for your baby and must work in your car. Not all car seats are created equal. You may want to consider a seat that has a base that is left in the car with a detachable seat for the baby that you can easily carry around. But no baby can safely be without a car seat if you plan to move about in a car.

2. Baby Monitor. Unless you or your baby’s mom plan to be in the same room with the baby 24/7, a baby monitor is an important piece of baby gear. These also come in different varieties. Some simply pick up the sound in the baby’s room and let you listen nearby. Others have cameras or motion detectors as well for improved monitoring.

3. Mobile. When the baby is in her crib or bassinet asleep, she will wake up and want her family. A mobile, which attaches to the baby’s bed above her head, will give her something to look at during her pre-sleep or post-sleep period. And every baby needs something to look at during her earliest weeks and months to help her learn to track moving objects.

4. Digital Camera. Just about every father I know wants a good digital camera to record those important moments in a baby’s development, or just wants to have and/or post pictures of the cutest baby ever. Choosing a good digital camera with either lots of storage space or room for a high capacity memory card is an important thing to do even before the baby arrives.

5. Diaper Bag. A good quality diaper bag with all the important contents for a baby is an absolutely essential part of the baby’s stuff. It will be your mobile command center any time you are away from home.

6. Video Camera. In addition to a digital camera, you will also want to record your baby’s movements, sounds and her interaction with others. A video camera that is compact and convenient is a good investment, not just for the baby years but beyond as well.

7. Burp Cloths. Babies spit up constantly and always at the most inopportune time. A ready supply of burp cloths is important for dads and babies. Cloth diapers can serve this function well, and most baby supply stores have them for purchase. Don’t get dressed without one.

8. Infant Health Book or Software. One of the greatest unknowns for new fathers is how to keep the baby healthy and knowing when to involve medical professionals. A good book on infant health or software or trusted websites with this information is critical to being a responsible father.

9. Stroller. It is easy for a new dad to feel trapped at home with the new baby. Particularly with your first one, your mobility is seriously impacted. A good quality stroller, with handles long enough that you can walk without bending over all the time, is an important item. And getting one that will serve you and your baby as she grows makes the relatively large investment a little more palatable.

10. Baby Swing. There will be a lot of times when, as much as you love her, the baby and you will want a little space. A good battery operated baby swing will give you that space without making baby fussy. Again, there are lots of makes and models of swings. Some play music, others have mobiles, and some make the sounds of the womb. But whatever model you get, make sure it is stable and solidly built and assembled.

These essential items will help ease the transition into fatherhood and will help you and baby be safe, comfortable and secure.

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm is an advocate for responsible fatherhood and is proud to serve the fathers of the Central Florida community.

Making magazine and internet headlines across the world, celebrities are showing the importance and appeal of being a good father.

Probably the most well-known celebrity father is Brad Pitt, who split from Jennifer Aniston in 2005 and coupled with Angelina Jolie shortly after. Together, the two have six kids—Maddox Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne.

In a CNN Entertainment article entitled, “Brad Pitt on Love, Sex and Fatherhood,” Pitt opens up about life at home with his children.

The following is an excerpt from the article:

“These days, Pitt said he’s happy with his decision to become a parent with partner Angelina Jolie. ‘This family is full of life,’ Pitt said. ‘There are laughs, aggravations, irritations, but at the end of the day, it’s fun. When life is really good, it’s messy.’

Pitt said his life is very different now that he is a dad.

‘When I go down a path, I take it to the end,’ he said. ‘Then I take another one. I took the path of not having kids, now it’s time for family. Children are a dominant value in my life now, and they weren’t before.’”

Pitt isn’t the only celebrity embracing parenthood today. Known worldwide as the former Guns N’ Roses guitarist, Slash treasures a different role—father to his two sons London and Cash.

Recently, SundayMercury.net published an article entitled, “Former Guns n’ Roses Legend Slash Admits Fatherhood Saved His Life.”

The following is an excerpt from the article:

“Becoming a dad for the first time has tamed rock’s wildman Slash – and probably saved his life.

‘I was so used to being self-centered and wrapped up in the band that it was a shock to realize I now had responsibility for two lives other than my own. I suddenly had other people to worry about. I had to work at domestic unity.’

‘I do all the un-rock star things you’d expect any dad to do with his kids. I take them to Disneyland (although I have to admit that I love Disneyland myself); I take them to school; I take them to hockey and softball, and I watch from the sidelines.’”

Men’s Divorce Law Firm is proud to support fathers as they embrace their role as loving parents.

Because making a trip to the grocery with your kids can be a harrowing experience, flying with them tends to be an even more stressful and exhausting.  However, About.com recently published an article filled with helpful tips for flying with children. These tips should make traveling fun for your kids and allow you to better enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

The following is an excerpt from the article:

1. Build in some extra time.

Rather than stress about being late, give yourself some time to get to the airport and your gate when flying with children. Gone are the days of pre-parenthood when you could throw your bags in the taxi or a car and zip to the airport just before your flight. In addition to the time-consuming security measures at airports, you’ll have to contend with doing things on kid time, which means you should plan on adding at least an hour for trips to the bathroom, pleas for a turn on the videogames that airports so thoughtfully install near gates to entice kids, and at least several dozen “Oh, look!”s at all the various exciting things going on at the airport.

2. Pack family travel games.

Because Murphy’s Law tends to apply to any sort of travel with kids — especially flying with children — it’s a good idea to prepare for any delays by bringing along some fun family travel games.

3. Get some good tunes.

Load up your iPod or pack your portable CD player and get some great kids CD choices lined up for your trip.

4. Don’t forget the books.

Bring some great kids’ books along, both in print and on CDs or on your iPod or MP3 player. And older grade-schooler may enjoy reading a book quietly while a younger child might prefer listening to an audio book. Either way, consider choosing something exciting or action-packed, so that your child’s attention is more likely to stay focused on it for a period of time.

5. Bring some great kids movies.

Even if you don’t think you have room for a laptop or portable DVD player in your carry-on, trust me: You will be grateful to have it, particularly if your flight is a long one. A good kid movie can easily take up an hour and a half or more of your trip, which means, you probably won’t hear “I’m bored” for at least that long. But be sure to pack earphones for movies or any videogame players so that fellow passengers are not disturbed.

6. Pack snacks.

Your grade-schooler may not be a toddler who needs to eat every couple of hours, but you will not want a hungry, cranky kid on your hands if there are any sorts of delays. And bringing along some healthy snacks such as lowfat cheese, crackers, and fruit can help you avoid the high-fat, high-sugar snacks that you’re bound to find near airport gates.

7. Bring lollipops or gum.

The weird sensation of your ears popping due to air pressure changes during takeoff and landing can be disconcerting to adults — think about how it can feel for a kid. To help, take a relaxed attitude about it and turn it into a game. Challenge your child to suck on a lollipop or chew on gum to see if she can feel her ears pop. Have a contest to see which family members can feel the least “pops.”

8. Book aisle seats.

When making reservations, book seats together so that your whole family is sitting together. Kids like to look out the window, so book a window seat. More importantly, get a seat in the aisle so that your child’s frequent bathroom breaks do not disturb fellow passengers.

9. Never let each other out of your sight.

The best way to be safe in crowded public places such as the airport is to never let your child out of your sight. And be sure to emphasize to your child that he should never wander away without mom or dad. (That goes for using pubic bathrooms at airports, too.) If you’re traveling alone with a child of the opposite gender, use a family restroom.

10. Prepare your child for an emergency.

Make sure your child knows his or her full name, address, and home telephone number in case you get separated. Tell your child to ask another mommy with a child for help in the event that you become separated.

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm hopes you have an excellent and safe Thanksgiving Day.

Remember, a fun afternoon doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Your children will just love the fact that you are spending time with them.

Go Ice Skating. Central Florida’s climate may not offer all of the fun outdoor activities associated with winter weather, such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowman-making. But kids can still enjoy the winter festivities when you take them to an ice skating rink for an afternoon of slippery fun.

Make A Bird Feeder. Children love getting their hands messy and making crafts. So plan a fun activity where they can build bird feeders to help their feathered friends keep warm in the winter. Hang the bird feeder close to a window so that your kids can enjoy their creation and its visitors throughout the entire season.

Challenge Your Kids to a Game of Chess. Introduce your kids to a lifelong hobby by teaching them to play chess. This game will help them develop their reasoning skills, while making them feel grown-up. This is a classic game that you  can enjoy together.

Build an Indoor Fort. Since building a snow fort isn’t a possibility in Florida, treat your kids to a similar indoor adventure. Use your creativity to transform your living room into a massive fortress of chairs and blankets, which your kids will love to help set up. Next, break out a flashlight and your kids favorite story book and treat them to an enchanting tale.

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm is proud to support fathers and encourages all fathers to assume an active role in their children’s lives.

Today, video game consoles have become the primary source of entertainment for most kids and teens; leaving them isolated in their rooms conversing with their friends over headsets. So how can you reconnect with your teens in this new world of technology? Join them in a night of video game fun! The Nintendo Wii is one of the most popular video game systems ever created.  According to About Fatherhood.com, the games listed below allow for a lot of interaction between players and are fun for players at all levels.  So grab a Wii control and enjoy a night of 21^st century family gaming with your children.

1. Mario Kart

If you loved Mario Kart for other Nintendo units (like DS or Game Cube), then the Wii version will really be a hit with you and your family.  Not only are the graphics amazing, but the maps are creative and the ability to race other players online (up to 12 at a time) makes it a real kick.  To make the experience even better, purchase the Mario Kart wheel accessory.

2. Pinball Hall of Fame

Your kids may not appreciate the pinball games of your youth– hours and hours spent pumping quarters into the pinball machine at your local arcade. But this version of the classic game is easy to learn and fun to play, and your kids will become addicted to Pinball Hall of Fame.

3. Boom Blox Bash Party

This is the second installment in the Boom Blox series.  Boom Blox is a really fun concept in which game players strike at or pull out blocks from a variety of structures.  The characters in Boom Blox are entertaining and engaging and the tools for striking blocks now include various shapes like cylinders and wedges.  They are fired with cannons, slingshots and other implements.  The colors and sounds are bright and loud – just like dads and kids like.

4. Playground for Nintendo Wii

Remember the lazy summer afternoons at the neighborhood park playground?  Playground for Wii includes virtual activities like tetherball, dodgeball, lawn darts, slot car racing, and paper airplane competitions are available for you and your kids to enjoy.  The graphics are colorful and fun, and the action realistic.  If you like any Wii games, you will enjoy the ones offered in Playground.

5. Wii Carnival Games

Once again, this game is a real throwback to the carnivals of bygone days at the County Fair or the local carny.  Think ring toss, lucky caps, dunk tanks, and shooting gallery as carnival games.  Players can also visit a swami or a fortune teller.  Step right up and experience this game with your family!

6. Wii Sports Resort

This game is full of adventurous competitions– power cruising, disc dog, archery, fencing and more.  It is pretty good exercise for  couch potato dads and kids, and the graphics are extraordinarily fun and enticing.  Wii accessories and Wii Motion Plus make these games even more enjoyable!

7. Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga

Star Wars has long been a favorite franchise for fathers and children alike.  In this latest version of Star Wars Lego games, there are game units that reflect all six Star Wars movies.  The games actually require players to use team building and cooperation skills, so there are even life lessons available as the game is played.  With over 160 different characters, every game played is unique and different.

8. Lego Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues

Another Lego classic, Indiana Jones 2 is really an adventure.  Taking its theme from the Indiana Jones movie series, this game allows the player to collect historic artifacts which then unlock various characters and levels which test the players skills and creativity.  With many new vehicles, weapons and characters, this game will immediately engage adventurous fathers and children.

9. Ultimate I Spy

Based on the I Spy book series, these games are challenging for older children and dads.  This is not a game that children under seven years-old will enjoy.  But for older kids and dads, this will be a really fun game experience.  The graphics are very cool and the game is full of riddles, excellent character action and simulations, and great games involving darts, paddleball and more.

10. MySims Party for Nintendo Wii

My Sims Party offers 50 fast-paced mini-games in which any combination of Sims may participate as a team.  Each Sim brings his or her own set of strengths and weaknesses, and you will want to try to build the best team to win a given set of mini-games.  It will help dads and children learn more about team work and human interaction.  Ideally suited to children close to 8 years old, the Sims Party game will be a favorite of dads and kids.

Fathers, Families, Fairness.

Full of helpful parental tricks and insightful tips, All Pro Dad recently posted an article entitled, “10 Ways To Teach Your Children To Be Compassionate.” The following is an excerpt of the article:

• It Starts At The Top

Your life must lead the way for the next generation. If your existence is shallow and self-serving, your children will emulate the same. Display a generous and loving heart so that your children may see it in action. Never let an opportunity slip by that compassion can be given. It is always the small things that matter in life. A warm smile where only cold is known. A gentle embrace when all others have passed by. A helping hand to ease an overbearing struggle. It starts with you.

• No Child Left Behind

Talk to your children about school life. Do they notice the girl eating alone at lunch? The boy with nobody to play with at recess? Are they themselves that child? Encourage your children to reach out to those that need a friendly face. It takes courage to do so. The group dynamic is such that those children are left behind. Teach them to be leaders that set positive trends.

• Seniors Rule

In most aspects of life, seniority rules. At school and in your career. This should translate to Grandma and Grandpa as well. In most cultures, it does. In American culture, it does not. That is to our disgrace. Teach your children to respect their elders. It is biblically commanded and extremely wise to do so. Have your kids spend quality time with the older folks in your circle. To help them and learn from them. Compassion for the weak and fragile is a very strong character trait to possess.

• Positive Impact

How can our compassion have meaningful results? That is the challenge to bring up and discuss with your kids. You want to have a positive impact. Giving a homeless man $5 just to buy more booze is frustrating to many people. Instead, consider pre-making survival bags for the homeless. Take the kids to distribute them.  Fill a grocery bag with everyday needed items and food that does not need preparation. You will light up the face of a desperate man with gratitude and hope. If only for a brief time.

• Turn The Media Tables

Television and the Internet are overflowing with bad examples for our children. Sex, violence and self-centeredness are celebrated and encouraged. It is simply not possible to filter it all out. Instead, use it for your advantage when possible. Watch what your kids are watching. When opportunity presents itself, use it. Point out moments that could have been different with compassion and decent morals. Turn the tables on irresponsible media making money corrupting the souls of society. You should see it as a war, because that’s exactly what it is.

• Furry Friends

Do you have a family pet? Animals teach many great qualities. Compassion right at the top of the list. How your child treats his pet is a great indication of the character within him. Is he loving and nurturing? Or callous and abusive? Perhaps indifferent? Pets can be used to break through even the iciest of shells. Make sure your children have daily responsibilities for the care of your pet. It will teach them dedication to the well being of something besides their own needs.

• Disabled Is Not A Dirty Word

Disease, birth defects and mental challenges run rampant in our world. They leave no age group untouched. In nearly all situations, it is no fault of the victim that they have been stricken with the burden they carry. Yet in many cases, they are left on the sidelines to deal with life in relative isolation. Disabled is not a dirty word. Many of the greatest stories of human triumph emerge from the ranks of the disabled. Their bodies or their minds might not be of normal state, but every soul is created beautiful and pristine. Remember that and teach it to your children.

• Open Your Heart

The ability to display and comprehend emotions is not always easy for all people. Some men and women have a lot of trouble discussing out loud how they are feeling. Open your hearts to your children. They need to feel that you can verbally and physically express the love you have for them. Big hugs and three simple words on a daily basis. This builds much needed security and enforces in them the ability to love others as well. Hugging your child and telling her that you love her makes you more of a man. Not less.

• Square Dealing

Once upon a time, only a scoundrel would consider taking advantage of another for profit. Businessmen had an unspoken code to be square dealing and honest in their work. It was a matter of social standing. Is this the case today? In the present, it is normal business practice to use whatever means necessary to claim the prize. Morals sacrificed and ethics out the window. This trend must be reversed. Teach your children to have standards they will not waver from. To deal fairly in all matters. Compassion flows from those that treat others with dignity and respect.

• Tolerance For All Kinds

One of the most used words of this strange new century. Tolerance. Sadly, it is often misused as more of a form of control than actual acceptance. That is called social engineering and is not true tolerance. Tolerance is a love for all of God’s creations. To be color blind. To practice understanding for those different than yourself. The world today is full of open borders and worldwide communication. We can’t hide in conclaves of those only like ourselves. Relish in that fact and teach your children that it is a glorious time to be alive. You only heard about the “starving children in China” when you were little. Your child can talk to different kids all over the world on the Internet. Tolerance and compassion for all people and creatures is certainly a goal worthy of your children’s soul.

To read the full article, click here.

Fathers, Families, Fairness.

In its September 27 issue, Newsweek Magazine ran an article entitled, “Men’s LIB.” Highlighting the various roles that men play in society, the article advocated for the redesign of masculinity at home and work.

Although many men volunteer to do the dishes after dinner, the article claims that the distribution of home life responsibilities is still off balance. According to the article, “The average wife still does roughly double the housework of the average husband: the equivalent of two full workdays of additional chores each week. Even when the man is unemployed, the woman handles a majority of the domestic workload, and it’s the same story with child care. If both parents are working, women spend 400 percent more time with the kids.”

The authors propose a solution to reverse this trend: policy change. Citing international examples such as Sweden and Germany, they suggest that the United States implement policy changes regarding paternity-leave legislation. Referring to the legislation pass in Sweden, the article says, “If a man refuses time at home with the kids, he faces questions from friends, family, and, yes, other guys. Policy changes produced personal changes—and then, slowly but surely, society changes as well.”

The battle of redesigning masculinity doesn’t just take place within the home, but throughout the workforce. For decades, men have flocked to typically-male jobs. However, the job titles that are expected to grow the most in the next few years, such as teachers and nurses, are mostly dominated by women. As the articles states, “The coming employment gap represents a huge opportunity for working class guys—and for the families they’re struggling to support. The problem is that men, unlike many women, still feel limited to a narrow range of acceptable masculine roles—a range that hasn’t kept pace with the changing employment landscape.”

The authors advocate for the redesigning of masculinity as matter of necessity. As society has altered and progressed over the years, the image of the typical male should have too, but it didn’t. The female icon has transitioned from June Cleaver to Hilary Clinton, whereas the male image has remained at Archie Bunker.

The article concludes, “Ultimately, the New Macho boils down to a simple principle in a changing world, men should do whatever it takes to contribute their fair share at home and at work, and schools, policy-makers, and employers should do whatever they can to help them. After all, what’s more masculine: being a strong, silent, unemployed absentee father, or actually fulfilling your half of the bargain as a breadwinner and a dad?”

To read the full article, click here.

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm strongly believes and supports the continuing evolution of the role of men both in their domestic and career capacities.

In the past, Fathers were considered to be the primary breadwinners; the parent who was often absent due to work and not involved in the everyday details of their children’s lives.  “The Evolution of Dad” film reflects on this past idea of, “society perpetuating that the distant, productive, bring home the bacon father is the only way to really love your children.”  Nowadays, children also turn to Fathers to bandage their scrapes, cook their meals, read them bedtime stories and offer hugs and kisses when they’re feeling down.

Dana H. Glaster is a stay-at-home dad who cares for his two sons while his wife, Deborah, goes to work each day.  While going against the expectations of society and what a father should be, Dana expresses to the New York Times that he “felt like a failure, and I felt alone, and yes, I’ll admit it, I often felt like less than a man.”   Dana grabbed hold of the opportunity to enlighten and make the world aware of the changing roles of fathers in his documentary, “The Evolution of Dad.” 

In “The Evolution of Dad,” Glaster outlines a cornucopia of different situations wherein the father/child relationship challenges older stereotypes and shares why being a father in today’s world is so wonderfully unique. 

The Evolution of Dad – Official Movie Trailer:

To purchase your copy of “The Evolution of Dad,” please visit the official site by clicking here.

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm is proud to represent Husbands and Fathers in their fight for fairness and equality concerning their parental rights. 

Fathers, Families, Fairness.