What is “Fun Meals for Fathers and Sons?”

Posted by rfathers on December 17, 2008

Fun Meals for Fathers and Sons evolved from a very special moment in our kitchen into a full blown recipe for male bonding and mentoring. One day my sons and I were in the kitchen talking. I was cooking and they were drawing and enjoying our time together. We were talking about all the special meals that I make for them. Next we started making a list and the book idea naturally flowed from there. I dictated the recipes to Asiedu and Netfa started typing them on the computer.

As we wrote down the recipes we realized that our meals are not just ?things? to eat. They are ?experiences? to have. We designed the recipes and activities with both fathers and sons in mind. The idea is to get everyone involved as much as possible in all aspects of the meals thus creating an atmosphere for sharing and learning. There?s another point here as well – and that is to just have fun – enjoying each other.

This book is intended to help the bonding process between boys and their fathers which is so important in this day and age. Helping men to be involved in their sons? lives, providing direction, being a role model, and just sharing positive male energy is our goal. There is no slight intended to daughters and mothers as all of the meals and activities can be done by – and with – mothers and daughters. But, I do have a particular interest in help fathers help their sons to also become good men. The recipes and activities in this book are also good for grandfathers, uncles, step-fathers and older brothers to bond with younger males.

All the recipes are very simple and easy to make. You don?t have to be a gourmet chef to prepare these meals. In fact, you might already know how to make some of these meals, but the point here is not always to give you something that you do not already know. We want to – in a time of need – give you some food for thought ? (sorry about the pun) – that could help you create a special activity.

Fun Meals for Fathers and Sons has two sections: the first section is a series of recipes for meals and the second is a series of activities that are centered around meals. Both sections provide recipes for fun, adventure and excitement that helps in the bonding process for boys and their fathers.

Recipes for Fathers and Sons

We suggest that the children be as involved as possible in all stages of the meal. Many recipes provide suggestions for how to get the children involved in different aspects:

Plan the meal together (when possible). Sometimes making it a surprise is also a winner. Use the following questions as guides for planning a meal. What are you going to have? How is it going to be prepared or cooked? Who is going to do what?
Shopping. What items are you going to need from the store? Make a list together. Go together to get the items on the list. This is a great opportunity for lessons in economics.
Preparation and Cooking. You can get the children involved in ways that are not dangerous – especially for young children. Doing it together can bring a special level of satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
Eat the meals together. With some meals we have a special way of eating or serving the meal. Create your own fun ? and traditions.
Clean-Up. This is always a joint effort!

Activities for Fathers and Sons

The activities section of the book is also very exciting. There are suggestions for numerous activities. Most of the meals are for away from home. Some are for at the home. All of them are centered around a meal but can be done with your own creativity. We do a lot of these activities as we are always making something special out of something ordinary. These activities can become your special activities and your children will look forward to them.

My sons and I worked on this book off-and-on for almost five years. We continued to add artwork, recipes and activities to our collection. We find that as we do things over and over – we change them. This is the best way to benefit from this book. Use your own ideas and creativity when trying our recipes and activities.

Your children can also learn a lot about cooking through this experience. When they get out on their own they can actually cook for themselves instead of relying on nonnutritional fast foods.

We know that many of you have your own ideas about fun meals that you already do and many of you will create new ideas as you try our recipes and activities. Send us your recipes and activities. We will publish the most unique ones in the second volume of Fun Meals. See the back section of this book for details.

Creating Fun Meals for Fathers and Sons has been quite an experience. We certainly hope you enjoy it!

Akili Kumasi, 2004