This table shows the things Corey, a growing gamer dude, might expect from his dad, Adrian, the master planner. Remember, Adrian loves making lists and checking things off, but family life can be messy! See if these are similar to the things you’d expect from your own dad.
- Are there things on this list that you want from your dad too?
- Are there any missing things that are really important to you?
Talking with your dad about what you both expect can help you be a super team and have even more epic adventures together!
| Expectation | What if not met |
|---|---|
| Fun Activities Together: Playing video games, watching movies, or going on adventures – things they both enjoy. | Feeling left out, like Dad doesn’t want to spend time with him. |
| Clear Rules and Limits: Knowing what’s expected of him and what the consequences are for breaking the rules. | Feeling confused or unsure what’s okay and what’s not okay. |
| Fair Treatment: Not being treated differently than Kyra, even though they’re different ages. | Feeling jealous or left out, like Dad has a favorite. |
| Help with Schoolwork: Getting help with homework assignments when he needs it. | Feeling frustrated or stuck on schoolwork, without Dad’s support. |
| Honesty and Trust: Knowing Dad will tell him the truth and trust him to be honest too. | Feeling like he can’t trust Dad, or Dad doesn’t believe him. |
| Respecting His Space: Having some privacy in his room and time for himself. | Feeling like Dad is always checking in or telling him what to do. |
| Sticking to Plans: Following through on plans they make together, like playing catch or going to the park. | Feeling disappointed or frustrated when plans change at the last minute. |
| Being There for Games or Events: Watching him play sports, attending school plays, or cheering him on at competitions. | Feeling unimportant or like his interests don’t matter to Dad. |
| Talking About Stuff: Knowing Dad is there to listen when he wants to talk about things, big or small. | Feeling like Dad is too busy or doesn’t care about what’s going on in his life. |
| Celebrating Achievements: Feeling proud of his accomplishments, big or small, and knowing Dad is proud of him too. | Feeling like his hard work and successes go unnoticed. |
| Standing Up for Him: Knowing Dad has his back if he’s being bullied or treated unfairly. | Feeling scared or alone if he’s facing problems without Dad’s support. |
| Learning New Things: Exploring new hobbies or activities together, like building models or learning a new skill. | Feeling bored or like there’s nothing fun to do together. |
| Dad Time, Not Chores Time: Spending quality time together that’s not focused on chores or errands. | Feeling like all they ever do together is work on things around the house. |
| Making Time for Video Games: Playing video games together, even if it’s not Dad’s favorite thing. | Feeling like video games are never allowed, or Dad doesn’t enjoy spending time doing them with him. |
| Dad Jokes (Even the Cheesy Ones): Telling bad jokes and laughing together, even if they’re silly! | Feeling like Dad doesn’t have a sense of humor, or they can’t have fun together. |
| Understanding About Friends: Knowing it’s important to have friends and spend time with them. | Feeling like Dad doesn’t like his friends, or that spending time with friends is a waste of time. |
| Patience with Mistakes: Knowing Dad understands he’ll make mistakes and is there to help him learn from them. | Feeling like Dad gets mad easily or punishes him too harshly for mistakes. |
| Dad Being a Kid Sometimes: Having fun and acting silly together, even if it’s goofy. | Feeling like Dad is too serious all the time, or they can’t have fun together. |
| Feeling Safe and Loved: Knowing Dad loves him no matter what and will always be there for him. | Feeling scared, alone, or unloved. |
| Being His Dad, Not Just His Friend: Knowing Dad is there to guide him, set limits, and help him grow into a good person. | Feeling like Dad isn’t a good role model, or that they’re just friends. |
| Helping Out Around the House: Contributing with age-appropriate chores, like taking out the trash or putting away his toys. | Feeling like he doesn’t need to help out, leading to more work for everyone else. |
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