Come to papa
We help you reconnect with your old man this Father's Day
- Published: 30/11/2012 at 02:11 PM
- Newspaper section: Guru
In the modern world of globalisation and technology, it seems that while we have a number of ways to get closer to our peers, it's becoming more and more difficult to get connected with your dad. So before you and the old man grow further and further apart, Guru has come up with some tips to reconnect as this year's Father's Day (Dec 5) draws near.
EIGHT WAYS TO GET MORE CONNECTED WITH YOUR DAD
1. Facebook: Stop ignoring the notifications and accept your dad's friend request already. Let him know whether it's still "complicated" or you're already in a relationship and let him keep on guessing who that person might be. Status updates like, "I'm getting sick and tired of my family, and can't wait to move out and live alone" or "When is my father gonna stop complaining about what time I got home and what I should do in my life" is probably going to make you guys understand one another better, knowing how good a person you turn out to be as you grow up.
2. Instagram: Get him started on Instagram and let him follow your account. He is probably going to ask who that girl/guy in your photo is and how come both of you have hardly any clothes on, or why you're smiling and seem so proud with 20 empty Leo bottles in the background, but none of these are things you should hide from your dad.
3. iDevice: Buy him an iPad or iPhone by which you and him can easily reach each other through WhatsApp, Line, FaceTime or Skype. Don't worry, these devices are geniuses and are very easy to use. He won't knock on your door in the middle of the night and ask you questions like, "How do I unlock this thing?" or "Do I have to connect to the internet first?"
4. Mum Chat: Apart from how amazing and caring a mother she is, there must be quite a few other points you and your dad silently agree upon. You two should have quite an entertaining talk behind her back. For example, you could discuss how irrational she is to really think that the dishes would suddenly rot if they weren't washed right away and left in the sink overnight.
5. Call Him: Make up excuses like "Hey, my phone is running out of credit, are you anywhere near the ATM so you can top up a little bit for me?" It doesn't matter whether you have really run out of credit, the important thing is that you get to talk to your dad more often.
6. Quality Time: Everyday life is becoming faster and faster in the modern world, and making time to be with your dad is very important. How about going back to when you were young, letting him hand you some money every morning as a routine. This way you will get to meet and talk every day.
7. Check-in: After your dad learns how to unlock his iPad and actually remembers his Facebook password (and knows where to type it in), maybe it's time you teach him how to check in wherever he goes. Who knows? There might come a day when you're broke and he happens to check in at a restaurant nearby.
8. Be Economical: Being economical is hardly a difficult task, and is something you and your father can help one another with. Why not try something like using just one car, letting your dad drive you to work first and then he can continue on to his office? This way you will not only save a lot of money but will have plenty of time to talk about or reminisce on happy times while stuck in traffic.
UNIQUE ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR DAD
A good dinner and some quiet time alone with your dad (don't forget to ask your mum also because she would get really mad if you didn't) is probably enough to celebrate Father's Day, but it might be a bit boring because we can do that any time. Here, Guru rounds up some unique activities around the city where you can take your QT to the next level.

Surf's up! Take your dad surfing at Flow House (A-Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-108-5210, www.flowhousebangkok.com) where you can help him forget about approaching old age by putting the flowboard under his feet and make him realise that he too can be a surfer dude who can still elicit a girlish scream from mum.

As he must have seen you naked before, there's no reason why he shouldn't see you naked again. But this time the awkwardness can go away while relaxing in an onsen at Yunomori Onsen (A-Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-259-5778, facebook.com/yunomorionsen). Maybe you can buy him an aromatherapy or Thai massage package afterwards so that he can relax (and hopefully forget that you're still asking him for money even though you're already in your mid 20s).

Wheel your way through Bangkok vertically with your dad on a Segway, or two-wheeled stand-up scooter. At Segway Tour Thailand (1/F, Maharaj Pier Building, Maharaj Road, 02-221-4525, www.segwaytourthailand.com) you can get started with a training session before embarking on a tour around various historic buildings and temples in Bangkok, with commentary and insights from a knowledgeable guide.

If extreme excitement, not sightseeing leisurely around the city, is more to your dad's personal liking, go for a Paintball or BB Guns battle at Combat Zone Seacon (Soi Supapong 3/8 Srinakarin Road, 089-771-3354, www.combatzone62.net) where you can team up with your dad and beat the enemies together, or go on opposite sides to let your dad vent his anger for all the disappointment you have caused him.

If golf is your dad's passion and hobby, take him to Wilding Golf (Phloenchit Road; Sukhumvit Soi 24; Thong Lor Soi 18, www.wildinggolf.com) where you can help him improve his skills with hi-tech analysis like Swing Scan system (using video capture technology) with which his golfing swing strengths and weaknesses can be analysed. There are also customised lessons and practice drills which may help him turn pro (and get sponsors and bring more money into the family).

Simply ride a bicycle around Suan Rod Fai (Kampangpetch 3 Road, 02-537-9221) where you can rent a bicycle for only B20-B30 for a whole day's ride. It is a huge place with bike paths all over the place. With vast grass slopes here and there and various spots with trees overhead, there are also mats for you to rent for a quick nap or a nice picnic with your dad.

Ride a go-kart at Easy Go Kart Track Bangkok (RCA, Soi Soonvijai, RCA Road, 02-203-1205-7), where you can enjoy the speed and excitement of a race and kick your dad's ass at the same time.
About the author
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Writer: Kaona Pongpipat
