Here are the supplies needed for this challenge. 

- One (1) TV, laptop, or device

- A smattering (3) shows to choose from: one you like, one he likes, and one you can inevitably compromise on

- One or two (1-2) things to sit on, depending on the situation. Perhaps a couch or set of chairs.

Now that we have everything we need, let’s venture into the unknown. Here are some tips gained first hand by our staff. 

First: Be on alert. Especially if your choice of media is somehow chosen, you want to make sure both parties enjoy this experience. You’ll want to check in every now and then to see if he is really enjoying himself or just being nice. This can sometimes be hard to tell. In this golden age of television that we find ourselves residing in, you may be familiar with the stereotype of the stoic father. While this particular stereotype will not apply to every man, there is some truth to the matter. He may be silent, with an unmoving face and crossed arms, but inside, he loves the show you are watching together. 

Next: If you must comment, make it a good one. Nothing is worse than saying a joke or a sentiment and having it echo in the void that is your living room. You may know an obscure fun fact that perfectly ties into what you are watching, but if the mood in the room is low, it will just hang with no response in sight. Especially since the point of this endeavor is to watch the show, whether it be Law & Order, Star Trek, or a documentary, some people do not like talking. And even if you pause the TV to circumvent this talking-over issue, it raises another. Some people do not like the repetitive starting and stopping of a program, and if you must stop it, make sure you have something great to say. This whole rule is more of a “read the room” clause. Maybe one day, they are fine with comments and chatter, but the next, they just want you to shut up. If it was a stressful day, full of important meetings or taxing errands, he may just want to sit back and unwind. There is an emotional barometer that people develop the longer they are around others, the strongest of which is with the immediate family. We can only speak from our own experience, but we believe you can feel the energy in the room. A Monday night can differ from a lazy Saturday afternoon. 

Also: It may be hard for this occasion to happen. You might need to wear them down, asking repeatedly until the time is right. “When do you want to…” “When would be a good time to…” “Would you be interested in…” Be prepared to get “Some other time,” “Not now,” or “Maybe tomorrow.” All of these are entirely valid; fathers are busy, after all, but on the other hand, don’t be too surprised when you find them playing phone games or watching something else. And be warned… wearing down the person in question will make them more resistant to watching the show and more resistant to any comments you might make during the show.