Neil Sinclair - Commando Dad: Mission Adventure: Get Active with Your Kids

COMMANDO DAD: MISSION ADVENTURE

Copyright Neil Sinclair and Tara Sinclair, 2016

Illustrations by Matt Smith and Kostiantyn Fedorov; fingerprint illustrations Shutterstock

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced by any means, nor transmitted, nor translated into a machine language, without the written permission of the publishers.

Neil Sinclair and Tara Sinclair have asserted their right to be identified as the authors of this work in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Condition of Sale
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

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eISBN: 978-1-78372-877-0

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DISCLAIMER
Neither the authors nor the publisher can be held responsible for any loss or claim arising out of the use, or misuse, of the suggestions made herein. Laws and regulations do change, so the reader should seek up-to-date professional advice on such issues. Commando Dad: Mission Adventure should not be considered as a substitute for your own common sense.

PRAISE FOR COMMANDO DAD: BASIC TRAINING:

One of the best parenting books Ive ever read

Lorraine Kelly

brilliant book

The Daily Telegraph

The advice, approved by healthcare professionals, is quick to read, easy to understand and simple to digest, delivered in short, unambiguous bullet points and, no-nonsense rules and, pretty unarguably, spot on

Jon Henley, The Guardian

A no-nonsense guide to being an elite dad or carer, from birth to three years great package

The Bookseller

A must-have for new dads

MADE Magazine

Neil Sinclair experienced many life and death situations during his six years as an Army Commando. But forget tracking drug traffickers through the jungles of Belize or clearing mines in Iraq while dodging sniper fire the most daunting thing the dad of three has ever faced is bringing his newborn son, Samuel, home from hospital

Baby & Me magazine

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photograph Kate Waldock

Neil Sinclair is an ex-commando, qualified childminder and full-time dad to three young troopers! He is the author of the bestselling parenting guide Commando Dad: Basic Training (ISBN: 978 1 84953 261 7). He lives in Derbyshire.

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

Samuel Sinclair, 14

My dad asked me if I wanted to write a few lines about the adventures wed had for this book. I did. When I think of the experiences that I have shared with him, my brother, my sister and my mum, my feelings can only be described in one word: privileged. When I was younger I dont think I realised how lucky I was. People are always asking my dad when he is writing a book for teenagers, so I think now I am giving him something back. Haha

Jude Sinclair, 13

As my siblings and I get older, we start to spend less and less time with our parents, and more with our friends. It happens to all of us. But the time you spend with your parents is so precious. I have just turned 13, and my love for my mum and dad never ceases to amaze me. This book will definitely give you some insightful ideas about how you can make the best of the short time you have with your child. Ive been told many times by my parents that to them it feels like just last week they were cradling me in their arms. And in another 13 years, who knows what well be doing. Thats the fun part. You will share new experiences with your child every day even as they grow up. And thats what really matters.

Liberty Sinclair, 9

My mum and dad take me on lots of adventures. Its so fun! Going to the park is my favourite. I love climbing so climbing trees and monkey bars are best for me. I love it so much I climb at a club now! Whatever your child loves to do outside, try and make it possible for them. Staying fit and healthy is one of the most important things in life. My mum and dad are the best parents ever because they put so much time and effort into keeping me outside and active but happy at the same time. Thank you so much for reading my advice. Bye x

AUTHORS NOTE

I am a stay-at-home Commando Dad, and throughout my troopers childhood I have personally tried and tested all of the activities in this book. I hope you find these activities useful and they inspire you to create your own adventures. If you want to share your ideas and thoughts with other Commando Dads, please share them on the Commando Dad website: www.commandodad.com/forum/

DEDICATION

To my unit: to my wife, Tara thank you as ever for all of your help and support. To my own troopers, Sam, Jude and Liberty writing this book has reminded me of the wonderful times we spent adventuring together. Thanks for the memories, and Im looking forward to making more in the years to come.

INTRODUCTION

To all dads, carers and fellow adventurers: this book is for YOU.

You need to look lively, lads. Remember what it felt like to be a child, when you anticipated adventure around every corner? The excitement you felt when you woke up to find snow had fallen overnight? Or discovered an empty swing? The accomplishment of building a den? What happened? You grew up.

And that is what is happening to your own little troopers. Right now. In fact, less than 7,000 days from birth, theyll be 18 and making their own way in the world.

Which brings me to the first rule of Mission Adventure:

ACTING GROWN-UP IS NOT APPROPRIATE IN ALL SITUATIONS

Obviously, you need to be a responsible adult when it comes to the safety, health and well-being of both yourself and your unit. And to live in the modern world you will have to be grown-up in virtually all situations. But not every situation. I am calling upon you to recapture your inner adventurer. Because if you can teach your troopers that life can be full of fun and adventure even as an adult then youll not only be entertaining them while building a whole host of important skills such as communication, creativity, cooperation and teamwork, but also giving them the means to a more fulfilling future. Because play and adventure isnt just for troopers its a key stress reliever and bonding activity for adults too.

When I was a commando in Operation Desert Storm my buddy and I came under sniper fire at a water point. Luckily, we were unharmed. We didnt go back to camp and wallow about what could have happened we went back to be the butt of all the jokes about coming under fire from the worst shot in Iraq. In doing so, we were able to laugh about it rid ourselves of the stress and anxiety and get up the next day and do our jobs effectively.

If all of the above werent enough of a reason, then consider this: you are setting the stage for the next generation of Commando Dads (and Mums).