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The DADDYING blog provides commentary, personal narratives, reviews, research & other creative expressions from a diverse group of colleagues, guest writers, and experts to raise awareness and promote the benefits of lifelong Dad involvement.
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Pulling Your Finger From an Emotional Dike
Daddying Film Fest founder Allan Shedlin's experience conducting daddying interviews with 205 men ages 16 to 104 years old, from 20 countries and a broad spectrum of backgrounds and socio-economic status, counters the usual stereotype that men don't want or are unable to talk about their feelings and emotions.

Allan Shedlin
2 days ago


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


Daddying/Parenting During Trumpestuous Times
Allan puts a name to what many parents must be feeling right now and how they must overcome those feelings for the sake of their children.

Allan Shedlin
Feb 26


Trying To Live Up to High Ideals Isn’t Easy
Guest writer Claudette Scheffold remembers her fire-fighting hero father, Fred, and aspires to model his ideals daily.

Allan Shedlin
Jan 15


When It Comes to Protecting Families and Human Rights, We're Partisan Dads and Moms
After a polarizing 2024 Presidential election, DCG and D3F Founder Allan Shedlin restates the dadvocacy organizations' guiding principles.

Allan Shedlin
Nov 13, 2024


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


What Would A Father Do for His Daughter?
Filmmaker Adam Fried is inspired in his personal and professional life by his daughter and his own experience with an absent dad.

Allan Shedlin
Oct 8, 2024


D3F and Sundance Award-Winning Film "Daughters" Takes Dad Involvement to the Next Level on Netflix
We celebrate the Netflix debut of Sundance & Daddying Film Fest winning documentary Daughters by resharing Angela Patton's guest post.

Allan Shedlin
Aug 13, 2024


The Ecology of Daddying
With Fathers’ Day upon us, Allan offers a perspective on parenting that doesn't get enough attention: it doesn't happen in a vacuum.

Allan Shedlin
Jun 12, 2024


Not "Just Another Graduation"
Allan spent last weekend at his grandson Sam's college graduation, one he considers as unique as every other graduation he's attended.

Allan Shedlin
May 9, 2024


The Little Film Festival That Could and Freshman Boat That Did
While editor Scott Beller troubleshoots the virtual D3F looking for solutions, the blog gets lost and his daughter hunts a championship.

Allan Shedlin
May 4, 2024


Embrace the Gap in your Past: 5 Strategies to Seek Comfort, Encouragement, and Guidance from Family History
Guest writer & emotional health educator Jane Honikman gives guidance to parents who want to trace and connect with their family's history.

Allan Shedlin
Apr 24, 2024


How A Faithful Dad Gained A Healthy Perspective and Counts His Blessings
Cantor Rick Lawrence explains how he gained perspective about his and his family's health by visiting with others during chaplain training.

Allan Shedlin
Apr 11, 2024


Welcome to The Daddying Film Festival's Leap Year
editor Scott Beller explains why, in 2024, the D3F can afford to take a leap of faith. Spoiler alert: it's the quality films and filmmakers!

Allan Shedlin
Mar 8, 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


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


Once Upon A Time...Before Daddying
Allan writes of a little boy who craved his father’s love, attention, and presence, which was scarce.

Allan Shedlin
Jan 17, 2024


Grand Ink Revelations for the New Year
DCG and Daddying Film Festival & Forum founder Allan Shedlin puts his commitment to being there for his kids and grandkids in writing.

Allan Shedlin
Jan 10, 2024


For Unto Us A New Life in the New Year
U.S. Marine vet, dad coach Ben Killoy celebrates the arrival of his son Evan and gives heightened meaning to the phrase "New Year, New You."

Allan Shedlin
Jan 3, 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


Pulling Your Finger From an Emotional Dike
Daddying Film Fest founder Allan Shedlin's experience conducting daddying interviews with 205 men ages 16 to 104 years old, from 20 countries and a broad spectrum of backgrounds and socio-economic status, counters the usual stereotype that men don't want or are unable to talk about their feelings and emotions.

Allan Shedlin
2 days ago


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


Time and Babies Fly II: She's On Her Way
Daddying blog editor Scott Beller celebrates his oldest daughter as she graduates high school and looks forward to college life.

Allan Shedlin
Jun 7


I Am My Father’s Medicine
Guest writer and Ditox founder Thao Vanessa Tran writes about her father and asserts that supporting men's mental health need not be complicated.

Allan Shedlin
May 28


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


When Firsts are Over and Finals Begin, Daddying Finds New Life
Daddying blog editor Scott Beller prepares for his first daughter to graduate high school and takes another step towards letting go.

Allan Shedlin
May 15


In Appreciation of Teachers
Allan gives thanks to his 5th-grade teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week 2025.

Allan Shedlin
May 7


Live Forum Wraps Another Heartwarming and Heartbreaking Year of Daddying Films
Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) Founder Allan Shedlin wraps up the 4th annual event and looks forward to D3F 2026 Call for Entries.

Allan Shedlin
May 1


What Happens at the Daddying Film Forum Doesn't Have to Stay There
Daddying blog Editor Scott Beller previews the 3rd annual Daddying Film Forum at Bryn Mawr College, PA.

Allan Shedlin
Apr 24


Death, Taxes, and the Daddying Heart of a Documentary
Documentary filmmaker Justin Schein tells the daddying story at the heart of his award-winning film "Death & Taxes."

Allan Shedlin
Apr 17
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