Go to Disneyland. I took my daughter for the first time when she was 3 ½ and it was a hoot. She walked the place like she owned it. However, she freaked out in Pirates of the Caribbean and made it clear the Haunted House was off-limits. Fewer than three and I think you'll think you overpaid for the day. Over five, and your little baby may be as jaded to the whole thing as you are.


Stay home alone. I remember being home alone at age six, but then again I remember playing outside at night until mom called us home. Some states set 12 as the legal age, which is a pretty good guide. Check with your state's National Child Care information Center to know your state's minimum legal age. Make sure your child knows basic safety rules like not allowing strangers to enter the house and how to call 911. Experts also advise you to role play to make sure your child knows what to do.


Get a pet. You buy it for them, I say, and you've brought it on yourself. If you want a dog and are happy to feed and walk it, then you can have it. It has little to do with the child. For small defenseless creatures like hamsters, gerbils, snakes, turtles, scorpions, and the like, make sure your child is old enough to pick up and set down the pet. Age 7-8 is usually a safe age for a child to know how to respect a little creature.


Get pierced earrings. Sorry chum, you're on your own on this one. Some babies get their ears pierced before they are even old enough to weigh in on the subject. I'm all for waiting long enough so that when they do, they can get the belly button, nose, and tongue done at the same time; perhaps freshman year of college. Many states have laws about minimum ages for ear and body piercing, as well as tattoos. Generally, your kids have to be at least 18 to do anything more than pierce their ear lobes without your approval.


Hang at the mall. This is a tough one. A child needs to be old enough to be left home alone and then again perhaps a bit older to be street-smart. The mall is more dangerous than the living room couch. You have to know your own child also, who his or her friends are, and who their parents are. Make sure to set very clear rules and know exactly when they are to be home.


Borrow the car. I borrowed the car alone the first day I had my driver's license, on my 16th birthday. Individual state laws now differ, but it will be hard to argue to hold onto the keys unless there are some clear examples of irresponsible behavior already. Borrow the Ferrari though, probably around age 60. Click here to view a page cataloging minimum driving ages in the U.S.

I'll try in this article to provide Tips for Dad of different types and styles to relate their challenges and solutions. While having a kid may come naturally, being a good dad can be quite a challenge.