Chatting with Dads

[mamabeca]

Hey - we have a couple of sahd's in our community - one is really easy to chat with - and I gotta say that most moms hanging out at a library or social playgroup or whatever CHAT - like oh did you hear kind of crap that is SO not important or thoughtful, but it seems to be ESPECIALLY mind numbing for the sahd's.

So: give me some ideas?! I'm not super into sports, or tv shows (though I'm catching up on Hero's) - cooking? Mom's do not hang out chatting about cooking for more than about 2 seconds lol!

HELP!

[Greg B]

You want suggestions on topics to chat about with them? Seems like it would be different for each guy. Just like when I am in chat with others I have to explore until we hit upon a topic that both find engaging.

Maybe try asking them what they like to do for fun? What hobbies they have? Do they miss being out in the workforce?

And if they are like me, a problem to slove is a good way to engage them. So you might ask if they have any suggestions for......

Regards

[mamabeca]

Thanks! That's what I need. An ice breaker, I suppose. I can see how this would be much more individualized than generalized.

So what do YOU want to talk about when you go to a children's gathering?

[LaLaLaLa]

At a gathering with people I don't know very well, men and women, we talk mainly about our kids (assuming it's an event related to kids). How old are your kids, what are they into, if you have more than one how do they get along, how do you fill the cold and snowy winter days without going absolutely crazy, what are they eating, when did they learn this or that skill, what is their favorite book or toy.... In talking about the kids, you also get a pretty clear idea of what the other person's lifestyle is like, which leads to other insights and possible topics of conversation with the other person.

[Greg B]

Me? I like a variety of subjects, based upon my interests, or things I konw enough about to talk about or ask about. Cooking, photography, woodworking, what hte kids did recently that was cute, etc.

[mamabeca]

Thanks for the ideas. I appreciate your help trying to open this fella up a bit. I'm not much into chat myself, and often it is he and I sitting on the sidelines. I will keep trying! Peace, and happy holidays to ya'll! Andy