I am responding to the letter from "Insecure Dad", which ran in the Jan. 1 issue of the Cedar Valley Saver.  I applaud his caring and interested attitude toward his daughter.   

There are also several activities in the area that would encourage time spent together, such as performances at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the UNI campus, where often they have kids’ performances for a reasonable price.  This could instill the love for music and the arts.  Also, there is the Hearst Art Center on Seerley Blvd. in Cedar Falls, or the Waterloo Center for the Arts in Waterloo where children can engage in art projects with other children and on their own. The Phelps Youth Pavilion, at the WCA, is a great place for parents and children to interact while learning. 

I am also a single parent, and know the importance of time spent developing a strong family bond, so I am well aware of many of the events that require little money and offer lots of time together.  

Also, can you tell me where more guys like him are hiding?

Caring Mom

Dear Caring,

Thanks so much for your wonderful suggestions.  Let me add a list of my own outlining how and where my child and I have spent many delightful hours.

1) This time of year is perfect for sledding or riding a disc down a snowy hill.  

2) The Black Hawk Children’s Theater, also located at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, provides opportunities for children to act in plays or work behind the scenes, as well as be audience members.  The Waterloo Community Playhouse sometimes has roles for kids, especially in the summer musicals. 

3) Music, dance, acrobatics lessons help give a child confidence, poise, new friendships and skills.  The YWCA and YMCA offer a variety of terrific classes for adults & kids.

4) Don’t forget the beautifully expanded Grout Museum of History & Science on South Street in Waterloo.  I intend to revisit it myself soon – the exterior is stunning.

As for where to find guys like Insecure Dad, I’m not sure.  But I do know another great dad has a letter posted in my column online.  Click on cvsaver.com, then Miss SmartyPants.  His letter is headlined “Re: Insecure Dad”.  So we know there are at least two guys like that out there!