mental health | DADvocacy Consulting

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.

Thao Vanessa Tran and her smiling father.

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

Glowing TV set in the middle of an otherwise darkened room.

The Elephant (& Donkey) In the Room

Dr. Dan and Celenie Singley discuss effects of constant divisive news, social media debate & threats to values/safety on our mental health.

Allan Shedlin

Mar 27

Distress flag hung in protest by park staff at Yosemite National Park

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

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

Embrace the Gap in Support for New Fathers: 7 Strategies to Offer Comfort, Encouragement and Guidance

Postpartum and emotional health expert Jane Honikman provides 7 strategies to support often underserved new fathers.

Allan Shedlin

Apr 3, 2024

A Dad's Influence and Memory Helps This Poet Remain Bulletproof

The Bulletproof Poet, Ismael Rodriguez, Jr., shares poetry that carries the positive, lasting impact of a father being there for his child.

Allan Shedlin

Feb 7, 2024

Veterans Day in A World Still At War

For Veterans Day, DCG founder Allan Shedlin introduces US Army and Iraq vet Donna Zephrine's reflections on seen and unseen scars of war.

Allan Shedlin

Nov 8, 2023

The Importance of Parents Being There – REALLY Being There

DCG Founder Allan Shedlin addresses how parents can help children during the mental health crisis that's hitting teenagers especially hard.

Allan Shedlin

Mar 2, 2023

It's No Surprise: Crying Can Be A Dad Strength

the birth of one’s first child often provides the chink that breaks through the masculine armor that has formed throughout a boy's life...

Allan Shedlin

Feb 11, 2021

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

6 days ago