Being a Computer Squid Father

Here is a task I think I was meant to take on.

I used to be a computer nerd ... pretty much in every way you can imagine one defined in the late 70s and early 80s. Then, one day, my sister walked in and saw me managing three machines: one online, one being cleaned up, and one rendering a 3d modeled video I was creating. Realize that this was sometime around 1986 when personal computers were really just coming into existence with some regularity.

She made a comment that stuck with me ... "you're not a computer nerd, you're a computer squid."

Computer Squid ... it stuck. Over the years, I've joked about that comment with a brother's fondness ...

Now, I'm a father ... and being a computer squid has taken on a whole new meaning. Working on projects that I used to just warn Jen about is now a thing of the past. Projects are now assembling toys that take not just a Masters in Engineering, but a fluency in any one of a half dozen languages beyond English. I also find myself having to fix things like the crib when the side rail is stuck. I work on computer projects with one ear our for his cry. Because Patrick has a fondness for refrigerator magnets, I have to be distinctly aware of where he is and what he is doing when he is in the room and I am on the computer.

I purchased some heavy duty gaming equipment (mouse and keyboard) under the assumption that any child of mine will enjoy working (playing) on the computer. I was right, but significantly earlier than I expected. Patrick enjoys little more than sitting on my lap and slamming the keyboard and playing with the mouse. He lights up as he watches the mouse move and various menus open and close. I've learned to hold him and keep on finger on the escape key.

I never imagined a re-conceptualization of what being a computer squid would entail, but I am getting a real-life lesson in how I can apply the multi-tasking skills that I have developed using computers over the years.

Comments

Terror or Anger

Jennifer and I woke about twenty minutes ago to Patrick crying ... nothing unusual. I asked her to get him since I have to start getting ready for work in about three hours (yes, I have to work on a Saturday). Where things became unusual was the loud, sustained crash, and Patrick's cries rising to a hefty scream. Being the concerned parent that I am ... with visions of his changing table collapsed on top of him, I rushed to their aid. "What was that?" I cried. Jennifer, weakly replied, "I fell down the stairs." With Patrick screaming at the top of his lungs, I think I actually asked her to repeat what she said. I found my wife sitting, with her legs out and my son in her arms, at the bottom of the stairs. Asking if she and Patrick were OK was mixed into confused questioning about what happened. Somehow, her feet went out from under her (we suspect a couple of the leaves that Patrick likes to play with were on the steps). While my real concern was i...

Building Character

... in my Child. I really don't want him to be a character ... I want to help him develop "strength of character." I have always enjoyed the challenges in my life, or more correctly I enjoy solving the issues that arise. I love solving complex problems in situations that call forth my personal strengths ... ingenuity, imagination, teamwork, experienced judgment, persistence, and will power. Every day at work, I solve problems through the exercise of these strengths. I know that the greatest challenge I face will be raising my child well. Knowing this, I realize that there is no clear cut path that I can take when faced with the challenge of being a good father to Patrick as he grow and develops ... and no single correct path I need to take to "solve this problem." I need to remember, as Patrick grows up, to encourage him rather than being just a critic in his life. I know that it is tempting at times to focus on the mistakes of others, whil...

Solo Papa

I have got my son by myself until Tuesday night ... not truly by myself, but it feels that way. Jen is at a conference from Sunday to Wednesday ... and I get to be a solo Papa! I do have to be at work at six in the morning and daycare opens at seven ... so Papap is pitching in to get Patrick to school. But, other than that, he is all mine. We had a fun time last night ... dinner with Papap, then he got hungry again once we got home (don't forget the pretzels he tried to get into ... all over the floor). We got a bath ... smiles and laughter all around. Toward nine in the evening, he was getting tired and obviously looking for Mama (who usually gets him to sleep). I tried all kinds of things and gave up after about thirty minutes and threw him in the back of the car and drove around until he dropped off ... then, he slept all night! More fun to come ... one day down and two to go!

Fatherhood

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