Gratitude is good for your psychological health, and now researchers are even tracking whether or not gratitude could have physical health benefits, too. So I thought what better way to invigorate writing about fatherhood and faith than a thank you list to my dad. The job of parenting rarely receives accolades. I don’t think I … Continue reading A New Year’s Day Thank You to My Dad
Tag: fatherhood
Sticks & Stones May Break My Bones, but I’m Ignoring Your Words that Hurt Me
A teacher enrichment day following Thanksgiving added another day to the long Thanksgiving break to total six days off in a row. The last day fell on a Monday, and I drew the straw to take the day off of work. My first-grade son chose to go to The Works Museum, a children's museum focusing on … Continue reading Sticks & Stones May Break My Bones, but I’m Ignoring Your Words that Hurt Me
Can You Be A Parent without Loosing Your Sh*&?
There appears to be one thing universal to most parents that I interact with. There is always a point, no matter how small or large, that we loose our sh*& as parents. Maybe it's a toddler who is having a fit because she wants a second piece of Halloween candy from her bag. Maybe it's … Continue reading Can You Be A Parent without Loosing Your Sh*&?
It’s Okay, Don’t Feel Bad. It’s Also Okay to Not Feel Okay.
As a father who likes to fix what's broken or to help my kids feel better, I'm pretty quick to be uncomfortable when my kids aren't feeling okay. Maybe they are frustrated, maybe they are melting down, or maybe they are mad at a friend, I'm always quick to say that it will be okay … Continue reading It’s Okay, Don’t Feel Bad. It’s Also Okay to Not Feel Okay.
The Socks Are Too Tight, so Who Forces Who?
With about seven minutes remaining before we needed to be out the door to catch the school bus, my first-grade son melted down because his socks were too tight. I'm not the dad who can remember which clothes fit, nor am I the dad who proactively vets his kid's clothes when they jump sizes, and … Continue reading The Socks Are Too Tight, so Who Forces Who?
Newly Added to List of Swear Words: Can’t
I've decided to add a word to the list of swear words in our house: Can't. My six-year-old was invited to a rollerskating parting, and it what his first time wearing wheels on his feet. He was eager to try but, as it goes when you're learning to skate, quickly fell on his butt. He … Continue reading Newly Added to List of Swear Words: Can’t
No Saving
I was given this mug when I was seven years old. I vaguely remember an ivy of some sort growing out of the soil, planted into its "no spill" design. I loved everything about it, the color, the design, the sail boats. I received this cup during a week in the hospital for the removal … Continue reading No Saving
Can You Please Watch Your Mouth?
"I will kill you mother f*&^$%. I will stab you," she said. And there was more. A full on rant. I can't seem to recall additional pieces of the swearing that was taking place but it seemed to go on and on. This wasn't the latest Netflix series, so there was no mute button for … Continue reading Can You Please Watch Your Mouth?
Substituting a Why or a What or a How: Paths to a Two-Way Relationship
My son's school has a uniform. The last week of school and he wanted to wear gym shoes instead of the more formal black standards. My first reaction was no, it's not a gym day. Can't. Then I recall how I always reacted to no or can't. Yup, I was one of those don't tell … Continue reading Substituting a Why or a What or a How: Paths to a Two-Way Relationship
Involving Your Kids in the Mundane and Necessary
For those of us in the grown up role, fathering and mothering young children, the mundane and necessary can be something to fear or even procrastinate. Shopping for groceries for example, is often scheduled sans kids. Dinner prep can be a time to fear. Laundry is a never ending chore. Never mind basic cleaning to … Continue reading Involving Your Kids in the Mundane and Necessary
Father Through Me 