Topics of Conversation

Every Wednesday morning I host a playgroup for stay-at-home dads and their kids. Our basement is basically a huge playroom with loads of toys and room for the children to run around, so they always have a blast. The dads? Well, we get to sit around and chat with each other.

Talking with other dads may not seem like a big deal, but when you're stuck with the kids all day, everyday (not that I don't love being an at-home parent), you really miss being able to talk to other adults about life and all. And it's especially nice to be able to talk with people who are in the same situation as you.

Some highlights from today's conversation:

• Our kids! Hey, it's hard not to talk with others for 2 hours and not mention the kids running all around you.
• Baseball returns to Washington, DC. Well, maybe. The DC City Council passed an amended version of the necessary legislation that may prove untenable to Major League Baseball officials.
• Childproofing your house. Make sure to cover all those exposed electrical outlets!
• The amazing amount of liquid diapers can absorb. Why don't they market some type of sandbag-like product made of diaper material to help during floods (some parts of the DC area are prone to flooding)? Of course, after the flood recedes you'd have to deal with all these bloated, waterlogged diaper-sandbags (ever seen a diaper after a kid has worn it in a pool?).
• Cooking with kids nipping at your heels all day. Ideas about making a weekly meal plan and menu to streamline shopping trips and save time. Where to find good recipes (All Recipes was recommended by one chef/dad). Know any other good recipe websites?
• Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (the extended version) was released on DVD yesterday. Time for a movie night! wOOt!!!

Assuming you're a parent, what do you talk about when you get together with other adults?