In Just 20 Minutes Dads can Reconnect with their Kids - A New Board Game Fills the Communication Gap - Fairfax, VA [October 1, 2004]

Fairfax, VA – (October 1, 2004) – Mom says: "You need to spend more quality time with the kids.'
Dad thinks: "And do what?'

Dr. Lawrence E. Shapiro, a leading parenting expert, has the answer to how dads can spend quality time with their children by playing an engaging new board game from CTC Publishing called
Hey, Dad – Let's Talk! This fun game takes only 20 minutes to play, but Dr. Shapiro guarantees it can change the relationship between fathers and their children forever.

Dr. Shapiro explains, "Kids love to talk to their dads and they really do say the darndest things. This game will get kids talking about the bully at school who picks his nose or the teacher who farts in front of the class. Dads will talk about what they are thankful for or describe what their children did that made them feel proud. The game also helps dads and kids just enjoy each other; playing catch with their eyes shut, drawing pictures of each other, or telling stupid riddles. The unique game pieces depict miniature dads and kids (and mom, too) and they actually hold hands. All the playing pieces end up holding hands when the game is over.'

And when dads and kids start communicating, it really does make a difference. According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have a healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy, and avoid high-risk behaviors such as drug and alcohol use.

Dr. Shapiro and CTC Publishing also have a unique communication tool for absent dads, who travel frequently, live in a different part of the country, or may even be stationed in Iraq. Hi, Dad - Let's Write is a set of pre-printed post cards that contain "thought starters' such as 'I'll tell you something funny that happened…' or "I had a dream that….' There is a set of post cards for dads to send and a set for kids to send back.

The board game retails for $29.95 and the post card set for $17.95. They can be purchased at www.couragetochange.com or by calling 1-800-440-4003. The products will be introduced in bookstores and gift stores for the holiday season.

ABOUT Dr. Shapiro:
Dr. Lawrence E. Shapiro is the author of dozens of books and games, including How to Raise a Child with a High EQ: A Parents' Guide to Emotional Intelligence, which has now been translated into more than 20 languages. He is a regular guest expert on radio and television.

ABOUT CTC Publishing:
CTC Publishing creates products which are designed to enhance family communications, address common problems, and promote healthy living. CTC Publishing is a division of the 10-year old catalog company, Courage To Change.
###