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.

'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

FK Your Diet and Feed the Urge to Give

During this season of giving & eating, author J. Boyce Gleason reminds us that just a little bit of kindness & creativity can go a long way.

Allan Shedlin

Nov 29, 2023

It's Been Another "Banner" Year for Books and Curiosity...and That's Tragic

In a year of book bans, editor Scott Beller presents the Daddying blog's 4th annual Books To Read w/ Your Kids Holiday Gift Guide & Giveaway

Allan Shedlin

Nov 22, 2023

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

2 days ago

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

Looking for a Little Humanity? You'll Find It at the Daddying Film Forum

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) Founder Allan Shedlin reflects on the meaning of so many heartwarming festival submissions from students, Dads, and indie filmmakers worldwide as the 2026 Daddying Film Forum kicks off at American University.

Allan Shedlin

Jan 28

Defiant bulldog hood ornament on a rusting old car in a lot filled with old cars

A Dad Reflects on Another Harsh Dichotomy of Our Struggling Times

New Mexico-based Dad, teacher, and writer Alex Paramo shares poetry about an America that promises a brighter future through improved financial and educational opportunities while many, including teachers, still find it hard to make ends meet.

Allan Shedlin

Jan 21

New Year, New Daddying Traditions

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller welcomed back a few old holiday traditions in 2025 and started new traditions he hopes return in 2026 and for many years to come.

Allan Shedlin

Jan 14

The 5th Annual Daddying Film Fest Offers 71 Reasons to Celebrate Importance of Involved Dads in 2026

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller officially opens the 5th annual virtual Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) by sharing a preview of the festival's official selections, 2026 Atticus Award finalists, and how to get free passes to the online festival.

Allan Shedlin

Jan 9

Behind-the-Scenes with Dad, Filmmaker, and Megaforce Fan Bob Lindenmayer

Filmmaker Bob Lindenmayer shares the backstory and inspiration for creating the documentary film and Daddying Film Festival & Forum 2026 official selection "Making MegaForce," which celebrates the 80s sci-fi cult film, starring actor Barry Bostwick.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 31, 2025