Digitial Dads

A Father's Day survey conducted by Best Buy, of all sources, revealed that Dad’s would prefer satellite radio service or a digital camera over a new set of golf clubs. Imagine that? The preference is technology over the traditional masculine gifts that we are accustomed to giving. So what's behind his preference for technology gifts?

Well…dads and men of parenting age in general, are beginning to appreciate how technology helps keep them connected as they strive to achieve better work-life balance. A poll by the National Center for Fathering revealed that 56.5 percent of fathers say they spend less time with their children than their fathers did with them. But thanks to devices like cell phones and PDAs, Fathers can e-mail the office from a son's soccer game or send a text message to his daughter while miles away on a business trip.

I recall a former boss that also took advantage of the convenience that technology provides. A critical business proposal was at stake so I sent him an email, with the expectation that he would reply when he returned from his father-son vacation at Disney World. To my astonishment, I received an immediate and quite thorough response to my question. He actually replied via Blackberry while standing in line for the Space Mountain ride. Gotta love it!

She-Tech laptop totes and accessories are definitely feminine and not suitable for most fathers, but after treating your father, why not treat yourself? While supplies last, She-Tech is offering a complementary pair of crystal ear phones ($30 value) with each tote purchase! Listening to your iPod has never been so stylish.

Hopefully if you are spending time with your dad this weekend, you can enjoy some of his technology toys together. Consider a day at the park taking family pictures or reminiscing about the “good old days” while rummaging through old music stored in your MP3 libraries. Cherish your fathers as they cherish you. Have a wonderful Father’s Day and stay connected!