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Scott Beller, Editor and Contributing Writer
Since February 2020, the DADDYING blog has provided weekly commentary, personal narratives, reviews, research, poetry, and other creative expressions from a diverse group of colleagues, guest writers, and experts to promote the benefits of lifelong Dad involvement to kids, families, and communities.
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Preserving Your Daddying Heart
Daddying Film Festival founder Allan Shedlin writes that men are more than capable of exceeding cultural expectations for Dads when they embrace delivery-room vows and nurture their daddying hearts.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 25
Do Our Kids Really Want or Need a d-AI-ddy?
Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin considers the potential negative and positive impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on parenting and whether a "dAIddy" might ever measure up to the very real wants and needs of our kids/grandkids.
Allan Shedlin
Dec 8, 2025
What the Heck is Neotenic Daddying?
In honor of Mickey Mouse's birthday, Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) Founder Allan Shedlin defines "neotenic daddying" and explains how Dads can best apply the idea to their everyday parenting.
Allan Shedlin
Nov 18, 2025
Dear Dads, You're Neither Damned nor Doomed
Allan Shedlin explains that while growing up with family trauma makes becoming a good dad more challenging, it isn't a certainty.
Allan Shedlin
Oct 30, 2024
This Blog Exists Because Men Are Eager to Talk About Daddying
D3F founder Allan Shedlin explains the motivation behind his daddying work serving dads who want to be more involved with their children.
Allan Shedlin
Jul 9, 2024
4 Standouts From 3 Decades of Daddying Dialogue
Allan Shedlin offers highlights from 3 decades talking to fathers and kids about qualities they value most in being or having a dad.
Allan Shedlin
Jun 5, 2024
There is No Such Thing as a Perfect Dad
Allan Shedlin asks dads & moms to consider children consumers of parenting and strive to meet their needs rather than be "perfect parents."
Allan Shedlin
Feb 21, 2024
Louise's Suitcase and How Film Can Help Make Our Daddying Mission: Possible
DCG founder Allan Shedlin explains his inspiration for creating the Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F).
Allan Shedlin
Jul 12, 2023
How Priscilla Gilman Found Her Daddy and Herself
DCG founder Allan Shedlin shares his first Daddying blog book review for Priscilla Gilman's memoir, The Critic's Daughter.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 29, 2023
How the Atticus Award For Best Dad-Created Film Earned Roy R. Neuberger's Name
Daddying Film Festival & Forum founder Allan Shedlin explains the origin and significance of the festival's Roy R. Neuberger award.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 23, 2023
How Daddying Manages to Endure While Our World Remains In Flux
D3F Founder Allan Shedlin shares truths learned from 100s of interviews with men of different circumstances but with similar stories to tell
Allan Shedlin
Mar 16, 2023
Why Not Speak the Truth to Our Kids Through History?
Daddying blog editor Scott Beller suggests letting the truth of history be the guide when talking with our kids about important topics that too often have been politicized and obscured with misinformation.
Allan Shedlin
3 days ago
After 20 Years, We're at the Right Place at the Right Time and Still Having A Ball
On the occasion of his 20th wedding anniversary, Daddying blog editor Scott Beller reflects on how being in the right place at the right time can be life-changing.
Allan Shedlin
Apr 3
Preserving Your Daddying Heart
Daddying Film Festival founder Allan Shedlin writes that men are more than capable of exceeding cultural expectations for Dads when they embrace delivery-room vows and nurture their daddying hearts.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 25
Springing Forward but Dad's Still Keeping Time
Daddying editor Scott Beller adapts to an evolving Spring Break schedule with his teen daughters, one in college and one still at home.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 20
What Floats to the Top
Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin, whose older brother is battling cancer, reflects on the importance and true masculinity of men expressing emotion, tenderness, and compassion.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 10
Daddying and the Toys That Bind
Daddying editor Scott Beller returned from Toy Fair 2026 inspired and ready to roll out expanded blog and Daddying Film Festival content to include a focus on the importance of play.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 4
A Special Dad's Quest to Balance the Needs of the Many
Guest writer Clint Harrison, a Dad of Two, adoptive Dad of six, and foster Dad to many, explains some challenges involved in caring for his uniquely blended family.
Allan Shedlin
Feb 26
What Fatherhood Taught Me About Leadership, Accountability, and Legacy
Guest writer Joe Henderson, men's coach and founder of Lead Don't Blame, discusses the importance of presence and reveals how true leadership in the adult world begins at home in how you respond to everyday interactions with your kids and family.
Allan Shedlin
Feb 18
Halftime Shows, Dads Playing with Kids, and OTHER Sources of Joy
Daddying Editor Scott Beller's pursuit of joy in 2026 takes him from the Super Bowl to Ticketmaster to Toy Fair in New York City in search of meaning, music, and the importance of being a more playful, involved Dad.
Allan Shedlin
Feb 13
How I Made a Short Film as a Single, Full-Time Dad When Time, Money, and Energy Are Gone
Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Coughlin explains how he is inspired to keep creating despite his scarcity of time and resources as a single Dad. His short film, "The Small Hours," won the 2026 Daddying Film Festival & Forum's Roy R. Neuberger Prize for Best Dad-Created Film.
Allan Shedlin
Feb 4
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