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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.
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It's The Little Things They Will Remember
...engaging my children in making fresh pasta or brewing a cup of espresso, is a lesson in the joy of those simple things.
Allan Shedlin
Feb 18, 2021
How To Cope With A Race That Never Ends
We avoid the runner’s pitfall of incessantly asking “How much more is left?” Instead, we focus on our journey toward the finish...
Allan Shedlin
Feb 4, 2021
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 15, 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
Oct 1, 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 16, 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 18, 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 28, 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 21, 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 14, 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 10, 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
Our Nest is Half Full
Daddying blog editor Scott Beller chooses to look at his imminent empty nest as half full.
Allan Shedlin
7 days ago
Why Not Speak the Truth to Our Kids Through History?
Daddying blog editor Scott Beller suggests letting the truth of history be the guide when talking with our kids about important topics that too often have been politicized and obscured with misinformation.
Allan Shedlin
Apr 9
After 20 Years, We're at the Right Place at the Right Time and Still Having A Ball
On the occasion of his 20th wedding anniversary, Daddying blog editor Scott Beller reflects on how being in the right place at the right time can be life-changing.
Allan Shedlin
Apr 3
Preserving Your Daddying Heart
Daddying Film Festival founder Allan Shedlin writes that men are more than capable of exceeding cultural expectations for Dads when they embrace delivery-room vows and nurture their daddying hearts.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 25
Springing Forward but Dad's Still Keeping Time
Daddying editor Scott Beller adapts to an evolving Spring Break schedule with his teen daughters, one in college and one still at home.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 20
What Floats to the Top
Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin, whose older brother is battling cancer, reflects on the importance and true masculinity of men expressing emotion, tenderness, and compassion.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 10
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
Mar 4
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
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