Hopefully, you have learned to moderate your news consumption during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Three-and-a-half months in I've learned that all I really need is 15 minutes of news, twenty if I want to read an article or two in depth. It's good to keep up on any new developments of how the virus transmits, … Continue reading We Know About the Coronavirus Already
Today is the beginning of day four since schools have closed in Minnesota since the COVID-19 pandemic has reached middle America. There has been a shift in thinking, in work, in our communities and world as this virus has spread. A week ago, about 10 co-workers and I got together at a local restaurant to … Continue reading How Are You Taking the Test Given by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Here it comes. There are occational moments around my house where my almost seven-year-old son will say, "What can I do? There's nothing to do." I'm a fixer, so I've always been quick to list off a number of things after suggesting he help with cleaning up. But here is why I'm thinking of switching … Continue reading Dad, What Can I Do?
According to this blurb, parents who practice self care help their kids by: 1. Lowering stress levels 2. Teaching our children to value their health and wellbeing 3. Being better, healthier, calmer parents That's all great in theory. And it makes perfect sense. When I'm in better health, I'm much more patient with my kids. I … Continue reading Parents Take Care of Kids by Taking Care of Themselves
My almost-seven-year-old son was taking a bath with his sister. Bath nights at our house can drag for up to an hour, and I was getting tired of nagging to get out of the tub. I decided to lay down outside my kids' view next to the tub on the bathroom floor. After a minute … Continue reading “Dad’s Dead,” But Don’t Get Heated
Fatherhood is a lot of work. There are times where there is no end in sight, and it feels like I won't spend a minute to myself for the next month on end. Fatherhood, and motherhood, is also a lot of joys. You hear people say children are a gift, a blessing, a joy. To … Continue reading Encouraging, Enriching and Acknowledging the Joy of Childhood
I've told my son countless times when he's asked me where something is that he is going to have to learn to keep track of his own stuff, and that I have a hard enough time keeping track of where my belongings are. And I'm not just making it up to get out of helping … Continue reading Why Short-term Memory Loss May Help You Be A Better Dad
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*&?
People are fearful. Our antiquated lizard brain has helped keep us alive through fear for thousands of years. Here are some of the most common phobias: Social phobias or self-consciousness in social situations. Agoraphobia: fear of open spaces. Acrophobia: fear of heights. Pteromerhanophobia: fear of flying. Claustrophobia: fear of enclosed spaces. Entomophobia: fear of insects. … Continue reading Who Decides What’s Scary and What’s Not?
A co-worker disclosed to me some stresses from his personal life. His daughter who is approaching the age of two has to have surgery on her kidney to improve function. Her second surgery since birth. Not sure of the stats, but you could probably catch a daily news story about the Make-A-Wish Foundation and their … Continue reading Playing with Rocks and Perspective
Father Through Me 