holidays | DADvocacy Consulting

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.

Something to Celebrate For America's Conflicted 250th: Principles of Our Founding Daddies

Daddying Film Fest founder Allan Shedlin longs for an America that not only celebrates landmark birthdays but also adheres to the inclusive and promising ideals its "founding fathers" clearly expressed in the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 1

Revisiting Our Unique Daddying Perspective: Four Fathers' Days Plus One

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) director and founder Allan Shedlin celebrates Fathers' Day in a way different from many other Dads.

Allan Shedlin

Jun 17

'Tis the Daddying Season

The Daddying blog editorial staff of Allan Shedlin and Scott Beller share a few of their favorite posts of 2025 and some words they'd like to sweep into the dustbin of history.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 24, 2025

Navigating Holiday Stress: Managing Expectations with Teens from Both Parents' Perspectives

Guest writer and college advisor Dr. Medeeha Khan offers parents of teens practical advice to manage expectations and family stress during the holidays.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 18, 2025

A wall of banned books with cover artwork to read to and with your kids.

Getting the Banned Back Together

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller kicks off the holiday season by presenting the 6th annual Books to Read with Your Kids Holiday Gift Guide & FREE Book Giveaway!

Allan Shedlin

Nov 26, 2025

The Pinnacle of Daddying

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin opens the holiday season reflecting on fatherhood and how the lifelong process of daddying has been as nurturing for him as it has for his children.

Allan Shedlin

Nov 12, 2025

Daddying Gets Its Due This Fathers' Day with PBS Series "Grown Up Dad"

For Fathers' Day, PBS documentary series creator Joe Gidjunis champions involved Dads while urging meaningful public policy and societal changes to support greater balance in parenting roles.

Allan Shedlin

Jun 11, 2025

My Father Was My Hero But Don't Ever Call Him That!

Mitch Berliner's father was a veteran and hero of World War II. He also was a great Dad.

Allan Shedlin

May 21, 2025

Like Our Daddying, We're in Control of the Lights We Display in the New Year

Our editor takes stock in the things he can control in the New Year: his lights, his camera, and his daddying!

Allan Shedlin

Jan 10, 2025

Single Socks, Lost Umbrellas, New Year Resolutions, and Birth Vows

Allan rings in the New Year by reminding dads to renew parenting commitments to being there for their kids.

Allan Shedlin

Jan 2, 2025

Give Your Children What They Most Want and Need for the Holidays and Beyond

Allan Shedlin shares his timeless holiday sentiment urging dads to give their children what they most want and need: their presence.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 24, 2024

A Daddying Origin Story Reluctantly Renewed for the Holidays

Daddying editor Scott Beller would rather talk about his kids & D3F stories at holiday parties. But you're welcome to read his origin story.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 19, 2024

No Time for Empathy Overload During the Season of Good Cheer

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin is trying to suppress his empathy overload this holiday season.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 12, 2024

For the Love of Reading with Our Kids...and Brad Meltzer

Kick off the season of giving with the Daddying blog's 5th annual Books to Read with Your Kids Gift Guide & FREE Book Giveaway!

Allan Shedlin

Nov 28, 2024

Independence Day Reminder: Read with Your Kids and Get Your "Booster" Shot

For the Fourth of July holiday, Daddying Editor Scott Beller reminds parents of a sure-fire cure for America's ailing democracy: voting.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 3, 2024

Finding the Perfect Valentine Mix

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller tries to find the right mix to wish his better half a happy Valentine's Day.

Allan Shedlin

Feb 14, 2024

It Should be No Secret How to Be A Good Parent in 2024

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller remembers that like his Mom's cookie recipe, being a good parent in the New Year is really no secret.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 26, 2023

How the Grinch stole my heart

Washington Post book critic and dad to a special needs child Ron Charles shares his affinity for Dr. Seuss' iconic holiday classic story.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 20, 2023

A Daring New Year Reflection for Dads

DCG and Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin challenges dads to take a good look in the mirror in the New Year.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 13, 2023

All This Dad Wants For Christmas

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller submits his Christmas gift wish list for his teen daughters' consideration.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 7, 2023

I Left San Francisco for Colorado Springs. It Changed How I See Democracy

Youth Documentary Academy founder Tom Shepard writes about how he's been inspired by the diverse stories of his filmmaking students and other young people and what our country's leaders could and should learn from them.

Allan Shedlin

4 days ago

Savoring the Privilege of Lifelong Daddying

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin shares the joy of being a lifelong Dad, Granddad, and soon, a Great Granddad.

Allan Shedlin

4 days ago

With Our World in Metamorphosis, Those End-Of-Summer Butterflies Remain the Same

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin welcomes back-to-school season and those end-of-summer butterflies with an open mind and open arms.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 23

What Happened to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness?

Daddying editor Scott Beller laments the continued human rights abuses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including murders this past week of Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 16

A Dad Still Going Along for the Ride

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller embraces his evolving role as a Dad, which will always include being his daughters' safe, reliable ride home.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 10

Something to Celebrate For America's Conflicted 250th: Principles of Our Founding Daddies

Allan Shedlin

Jul 1

Many Aspects of Daddying Offer Positive Outcomes for Involved Fathers and their Kids

Senior Research Scholar for Child Trends, Dr. Mindy Scott, presents data evidence of the many positive outcomes related to Dads remaining involved with their children.

Allan Shedlin

Jun 25

Revisiting Our Unique Daddying Perspective: Four Fathers' Days Plus One

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) director and founder Allan Shedlin celebrates Fathers' Day in a way different from many other Dads.

Allan Shedlin

Jun 17

A Daughter's Ode To Her Father and A Father Figure

Poet Kani Manoharan Veeramarthini honors her father and an influential father figure through her poetry.

Allan Shedlin

Jun 11

Processing My Son's Graduation from High School...in Poetic Verse

Poet, author, and Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) Dadvisor Hakim Bellamy commemorates his son's high school graduation in the best way he knows how: in poetic Dad verse.

Allan Shedlin

Jun 3