Spring Break - Your Once-In-A Lifetime Opportunity for Father-Son Bonding

Every spring break is a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity for building and strengthening the bond between a father and son. It's a time to create memories that both will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Spending quality time together engaged in activities of mutual interest helps cement the father-son relationship, create lasting memories and offer the chance to do things they don't often get a chance to do together.

Men's Night Out

Enjoying an evening together "on the town" is a way to have fun, enjoy each other's company and just talk.

Begin by having dinner at a restaurant you both like, and where your son will feel comfortable. A sports bar and restaurant is usually a good bet because It's a natural setting where guys get together to eat and talk. Sports themed restaurants also offer a wide menu selection of steaks, shrimp, burgers, sandwiches,nachos and other food boys of all ages just love. Portions at these establishments are usually "man-sized' and very satisfying too.

After dinner, go to a baseball, basketball or hockey game, a wrestling match or whatever interests you both. Make it a "big event". Buy programs, souvenirs, and of course soda and hot dogs. Take pictures too. Even though it's just a start of the season baseball game, make it seem like the world series to your son!

Yell and cheer during the game, but take the time to talk to one another too. Ask your son's opinion on the players and the game. Here's your chance to be a strong male role model. Point out examples of good sportsmanship or team work and discuss their importance both on the field... and in life. If he doesn't learn these values from you ... he may never learn them at all.

After the game, if your stomachs can handle it, stop somewhere for some ice cream or dessert to rehash the game and talk some more. Don't forget to bring home some dessert for mom, so you can share your good times with her too.

A Fishing Adventure

Fishing is a time-tested way for a father and son to spend time together talking, bonding and creating memories ... including some "fish tales" about the one that got away.

For most boys, especially the younger ones, the anticipation is as much fun as the fishing itself

Plan your outing with your son several weeks in advance. Decide together which lake, stream or bay you'd like to try, what fish are in season and how you'd like to fish for them ... from the shore, wading in the lake or stream ... or from a boat. Take your son shopping before the trip to get a new rod and reel ... or some lures. If you're going fly fishing for trout, spend and evening or two together tying flies.

The night before the big trip, pack a special lunch and snacks. Create a couple of man-sized subs (heros, wedges or grinders depending where you come from) with tons of meat, cheese, vegetables and your favorite condiments. Be sure to buy plenty of chips, popcorn, beef jerky or other snacks to enjoy throughout the day as well.

Fishing offers a quiet and peaceful time to talk ... about fish and how to catch them, as well as about the important things in life. Take the time to seriously talk about things that may be on your sons mind such as college, sports, what he wants to do with his life, girls or that car he so desperately wants. Be sure to bring along a camera to capture the memories ... especially if you're a "catch and release" fisherman.

Workout Together

Going to the local gym to pump some iron is a great way to bond, talk and teach your son the importance of physical and mental fitness.

Spend an hour or so working out. Work on the same equipment, bench press and spot one another, grunt and grown together while you do your crunches, sit-ups and curls. Have fun and enjoy each other's company.

Above all don't forget to talk. If your gym has a sauna or steam room, spend some time there relaxing and just talking. After the workout, stop off at a local health food restaurant or juice bar for a smoothie or some juice to rehydrate and give you an opportunity to just talk some more.

Spring Breaks Won't Be Here Forever

Time passes quickly and in the blink of the eye, your son is out of school and there are no more spring breaks to spend together. Once he's out on his own, starting his own life, there will be fewer and fewer opportunities to spend quality time together.

Make the best of the spring breaks you have left because once they're gone, you can never get them back again.