The Dad Games of 2012: Join Team Dad and Be a Gold Medal Dad!

As the nation cheers on Team USA in the 2012 London Olympics, we're also cheering for Team Dad in The Dad Games of 2012!

The Dad Games challenges you to be a Gold Medal Dad in five areas of fathering. Each week we'll give you a checklist of seven specific actions you can take to build your relationship with your kids. Print the checklist each week and see how many "medals" you'll bring home!

To honor you for your efforts, we're giving away prizes from our corporate partners, including sports memorabilia signed by celebrity athletes and free gift packs of men's skin care products. Learn more about the prizes here. 

Enter to win by telling us about your experiences in The Dad Games on Facebook, Twitter, and our Blog. Get more info on how to enter to win here!

This week, The Dad Games challenges you to Affirm Your Kids.

Gold Medal Dads...Affirm Their Kids:

An important part of being a Gold Medal Dad is affirming your child and showing affection. Showing affection and expressing praise may or may not come naturally to you, but it's important for your child to experience you demonstrating your love in visible, tangible ways. Affirmation from Dad plays a big role in shaping a child's self-confidence and attitude.

This week's Dad Games checklist gives you 7 easy ways to affirm your child. Print out this checklist and challenge yourself to see how many activities you can do this week. Tell us about what you do on this checklist on Facebook, Twitter, and the Blog and you'll be eligible to win some great prizes.

Click here to print your own Dad Games checklist for this week.

Gold Medal Dad Activity #1: Hug your kids every day this week: Hugs build bonds and fosters a sense of security and comfort. (Research says there's health benefits to hugs too!) If you don't live with your kids full-time, make sure they get hugs every time you see them.

Gold Medal Dad Activity #2: Say "I love you" every day: Sure, your kids know you love them. You demonstrate it every day by what you do for them. But hearing the words makes a difference. Say it when you praise them or after disciplining them; but say it!

Gold Medal Dad Activity #3: Compliment your kids three times this week: Think of three things to compliment each child on. Maybe it's their appearance, improvment in a certain area, their interaction with a sibling or praising a character trait they demonstrate.

Gold Medal Dad Activity #4: Ask your kids one way you can improve as a Dad: Last week we challenged you to ask Mom this question. This week ask your kids. They'll appreciate you valuing their opinion and you'll set an example of humility. Then, act on their feedback.

Gold Medal Dad Activity #5: Say "thanks" as often as you can this week: Even in the busyness of juggling the family's schedule and daily needs, find things to say thanks to your kids. Thank them for doing their chores, sharing with their siblings, or just being awesome in general. 

Gold Medal Dad Activity #6: Show excitement to see your kids when you come home: Make coming home a big deal. Even if you're only returning from work, intentionally greet your kids. Seeing them is the highlight of your day - show it!

Gold Medal Dad Activity #7: Surprise them - do something nice or give them a gift/treat: You don't have to wait for birthdays or special occassions to surprise your kids. It doesn't have to be pricey - pick up ice cream for dessert or leave a funny note on their bed.

Click here for more advice on showing affection and affirming your children.  

Best of luck in The Dad Games!

Look for opportunities on our Blog, Facebook, and Twitter to tell us how you're doing in The Dad Games and enter for the chance to win a prize!