hope | 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 for kids, families, and communities.

More Thoughts About Entering the Kingdom of Great Granddaddying

Allan has hope and many thoughts to share as he stands on the precipice of becoming a Great Granddaddy.

Allan Shedlin

May 13

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

A Rare Dad Gets Beyond "Why Me?"

Daniel DeFabio, a dad dealing with a life-threatening diagnosis for his child, tries to move past hopelessly asking "why me?"

Allan Shedlin

Mar 20, 2024

A Perfectly-Timed Antidote to Despair

As world events push him toward despair, D3F's Allan Shedlin turns to what always brings him hope: children & youth, specifically at AAHSFF.

Allan Shedlin

Nov 1, 2023

The Smallest Coffins Are the Heaviest

D3F founder Allan Shedlin considers effects of war on the most vulnerable and suggests how we can combat feelings of hopelessness from afar.

Allan Shedlin

Oct 25, 2023

She Impresses Dad Most with the Way She Carries Herself

Daddying blog Editor Scott Beller celebrates his oldest daughter from afar on her 19th birthday.

Allan Shedlin

10 hours ago

The Day My Soul Crashed: A Father's Journey from Shattered to Serving

Alfred Niwagaba tells his story of being inspired by and caring for his son with special needs in Uganda.

Allan Shedlin

Sep 9

Distant Water Cannot Quench A Thirst

Nicholas Banura Aine writes about his struggles with long-distance parenting, which created deep emotional gaps with his children, one with autism, who needed his presence.

Allan Shedlin

Sep 2

Glad You're Here: A Love Note to My Youngest Daughter on Her 17th Birthday

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller writes a special note to his youngest daughter for her birthday, which coincides with back-to-school and the beginning of her high school senior year.

Allan Shedlin

Aug 28

Modern Childhood: Is The Next Generation of Kids Really The Loneliest One?

Guest writer Tessa Dodson highlights the complexity of modern childhood and offers parents practical guidance for supporting kids in building social connections through open communication, managed screentime, and unstructured play.

Allan Shedlin

Aug 19

The Dads and Sons of Summer

Poet and literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller debuts an original poem about baseball, Dads, and sons in this week's Daddying blog.

Allan Shedlin

Aug 12

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

Jul 30

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

Jul 30

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