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🧔🏽♂️ Dad Thoughts: Role Player
Some parents think parenting means giving your kids everything they want, instead of teaching them to work for it. A friend told me about softball parents who were so upset about playing time that they started their own team.
Sports parenting is a hell of a drug.
With Niam, I try to do the opposite. At the park I'll ask him to let another kid go first, even if it was his turn. We work on passing and defense more than scoring. I want him to know the world doesn't revolve around him. That sometimes you're the supporter, not the star.
Honestly, I'm not sure if any of this matters. I just know I don't want him growing up thinking he's owed anything.
I want him to be resilient. To be okay with not getting his way. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I'd rather raise a kid who knows how to handle a loss than one who buckles under it.
🚗 FAMILY FUN FIELD TRIPS
Dad-approved outings.
This Weekend → 🇮🇹 Massapequa Festa del Giglio A Long Island summer tradition unlike a standard carnival - the Giglio is a Neapolitan religious procession where an enormous tower is carried and "danced" through the streets, surrounded by music, food, rides, and zeppoles. One of the most distinctive cultural events on the Island.
💰 Free admission (pay for food/rides)
📅 July 30 - August 2
🔗 massapequa-giglio.org
🪩 Disco Summer Dance Party at Town Park Point Lookout The Town of Hempstead throws a beachside blowout with live music from Sister Sledge, France Joli, and C+C Music Factory, plus food trucks, craft vendors, a beer garden, and a drone show to close the night.
💰 FREE
📅 Sat Aug 1, 4pm
🔗 townofhempsteadevents.com
Next Week → 🎵 Jones Beach Bandshell Kids DJ Night An interactive DJ on the boardwalk gets kids dancing. Bring a blanket, grab some boardwalk fries, let them move around with the ocean breeze. Free, family-friendly, and the ocean air alone is worth the drive.
💰 Free entry; $10 vehicle use fee
📅 Tues Aug 4, 7:30–9:30 PM
🔗 parks.ny.gov
🎶 Farmingdale Music on Main Downtown Main Street shuts down for the night. Live music across multiple stages, food vendors, outdoor dining, local shops open late. You can grab tacos, sit on a curb, let the kids run in a car-free space.
💰 Free admission
📅 Thu Aug 6, 5–9 PM
🔗 farmingdalemusiconmain
Next Weekend → 🎮 Long Island Retro Gaming Expo at Cradle of Aviation Three levels of vintage arcade cabinets, old console games, vendors, panels on gaming history, live performances. Your kids can actually play Pac-Man and Donkey Kong on the original hardware. Parents sneak in a game or two. It's chaotic in the best way - lots of energy but structured enough you can actually breathe.
💰 Adult starts at $30, Children $15
📅 Fri Aug 7 (3–9 PM), Sat Aug 8 (10 AM–8 PM), Sun Aug 9 (10 AM–5 PM)
🔗 liretro
✏️ PENCIL IT IN
Future you will be glad you read this.
⚾ Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Festival at Old Bethpage Teams from multiple states compete in a weekend tournament under 1860s rules - the marquee vintage base-ball event of the year.
💰 Village admission $15 adults / $12 kids 5-12
📅 Scheduled Aug 8-9
🔗 oldbethpagevillagerestoration
🎭 Long Island Celtic Festival & Highland Games Scottish music, dancing, games, food, and the gardens as backdrop. All-ages event. Mid-August family outing that feels special without being overbooked.
💰 $25 advance / $30 day-of
📅 Sat Aug 22, 8 AM–5 PM | Old Westbury
🔗 oldwestburygardens
Two Things:
Forward this to Nassau County parents you think would appreciate it.
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See you next Thursday,
Akash