top of page
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.
Search
Saying Goodbye to The House Where I Grew Up
When people ask me where I grew up, I usually say “Springfield, Virginia,” but that’s not entirely true.
Allan Shedlin
Jan 28, 2021
The Vital Importance of A President's and Daddy's First 100 Days
The presidency, like daddying, does not take place in a vacuum – both occur within a dynamic social system.
Allan Shedlin
Jan 21, 2021
Was 2020 Real or Just Virtual?
I’m trying mightily to embrace the optimism that usually marks a new year and the traditional hopefulness it entails
Allan Shedlin
Jan 6, 2021
Lessons From 2020: 192 Dads and Granddads Can’t Be Wrong
The end of each year is traditionally a time for us to reflect on the year just passed and, for many, to make resolutions for the year ahead
Allan Shedlin
Dec 17, 2020
Have A Thankful Thoughtsgiving 2020: Through the River and Over the Woods
Despite the sadness and disappointment being magnified as our holiday plans are rethought, I battle to have my positive nature prevail.
Allan Shedlin
Nov 23, 2020
Our COVIDious Crescendo
My basically-optimistic nature continues to prevail and believe that we are fitfully inching toward a decrescendo, a COVID convalescence...
Allan Shedlin
Oct 14, 2020
The Superpower of Being Present
Think of the children in your life. Their superpower is living in the moment. COVID-19 implores us to be more like our children.
Allan Shedlin
Sep 30, 2020
She Made Me A Dad and Gave Me Confidence
I was 38 when my daughter Morgan was born. Even though I had decades of preparation, nothing had quite prepared me for the responsibility.
Allan Shedlin
Sep 17, 2020
Creating A Special Daddy-Daughter Bond With Number Two
After much trial and even more error caring for our first child, I figured I was prepared for anything a second daughter could throw at me.
Allan Shedlin
Aug 27, 2020
Rebuilding My Relationship With Dad Now That He's Gone
It was only in the following days, weeks, & years that I realized his passing was just the beginning of a new kind of relationship with him.
Allan Shedlin
Jul 15, 2020
A Different Perspective: Four Fathers' Days Plus One
I’ll be celebrated this Sunday like millions of other dads on our official Father’s Day, but prefer to celebrate my four OTHER father's days
Allan Shedlin
Jun 17, 2020
Your Helping Hand Is the Antidote to COVID-19 Fear
With COVID-19, we're all scared & want to know how to overcome fear it's caused. Reaching out to hold someone’s hand is the best antidote.
Allan Shedlin
May 27, 2020
Mindfulness Helps Honor What's Important On Memorial Day
Armor Down founder and DADvisor Ben King teaches us a new way to give honor and observe Memorial Day with our families through mindfulness.
Allan Shedlin
May 20, 2020
Sometimes the Heart Will Not Be Bullied
This was not at all what I imagined becoming a dad would be like...being a dad is more than just who you are, it's something you do.
Allan Shedlin
May 13, 2020
Lessons From Mom On The First Mother's Day Without Her
This is the first year DCG's Scott Beller won't be wishing his mom a happy Mother's Day.
Allan Shedlin
May 9, 2020
This Is What I Learned From My Lovely Emma On A Windy Day
Emma’s my 9-year-old granddaughter, the first offspring of my first offspring. To say Emma is a delight begs more descriptive adjectives.
Allan Shedlin
Apr 29, 2020
A Eulogy For My Socially-Distant Dad
By the time he died, my father had become adept at social distancing. I didn't know it would take me more than 15 yrs to write his eulogy.
Allan Shedlin
Apr 22, 2020
Soul Searching and Daddy Yearning In COVID-19 Isolation
The men of my family were men of small rooms. I think of this as I begin another week of social distancing.
Allan Shedlin
Apr 15, 2020
Fathering The Sickness (AKA Ministering to the Sick)
Dad wouldn’t have done anything different in a pandemic. He was always stockpiling essentials.
Allan Shedlin
Apr 8, 2020
A Kid's View on Coronavirus: It's A Powerful Lesson in Gratitude
Guest post from U. of New Mexico physician & Dadvisor Dr. Anthony Fleg who considers parenting lessons learned from the coronavirus crisis.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 17, 2020
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
5 days ago
What the Heck is Neotenic Daddying?
In honor of Mickey Mouse's birthday, Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) Founder Allan Shedlin defines "neotenic daddying" and explains how Dads can best apply the idea to their everyday parenting.
Allan Shedlin
Nov 18
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
Farewell to A Caring, Thoughtful, Giving Dad, Granddad, and Writer
Daddying blog editor Scott Beller remembers his first boss, longtime friend, and award-winning writer J. Boyce Gleason.
Allan Shedlin
Nov 6
At School Our Kids Are Now Forced to Learn the Difference Between Spooky and Truly Scary
Daddying blog Editor Scott Beller writes about the horrific state of our country and classrooms in 2025 and how this Halloween, our kids have been forced to learn the difference between Halloween frights and real monsters.
Allan Shedlin
Oct 31
Setting Sail – A Father's Journey Reimagined
Guest poetry by 21st Century Dads founder David Hirsch intended to help comfort other parents caring for their own special needs children.
Allan Shedlin
Oct 22
D3F Makes an Impact Because The Importance of Daddying Is Universal
Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin explains one of the many behind-the-scenes benefits of managing a festival with such universal appeal: forging diverse and lasting friendships.
Allan Shedlin
Oct 16
Heroes Fight Book Bans for Their Kids' Freedom to Read and Think for Themselves
Daddying blog editor Scott Beller provides a Banned Books Week reminder that the freedom to read fight continues and reading with our kids helps open their minds and ours.
Allan Shedlin
Oct 8
A Poem For Our Grandchildren During Ugly Times
Granddad, poet, and literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller shares an original poem for his grandchildren and yours that reflects these difficult times.
Allan Shedlin
Oct 1
When Our Babies Become Adults, Daddying Work Persists
Daddying blog Editor Scott Beller debunks the myth that dads and their children can age out of blogging relevance.
Allan Shedlin
Sep 24
bottom of page