optimism | DADvocacy Consulting

Scott Beller, Editor and Contributing Writer

Since February of 2020, the DADDYING blog has been providing weekly 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 to kids and families.

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, 2025

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, 2025

I'm Just A Dad on a Mission to Pursue Joy and Resist the Chaos

After a rough start to 2025, this dad embraces little daily joys and his daddying purpose to shield him and his family from global chaos.

Allan Shedlin

Jan 31, 2025

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, 2025

Like Our Daddying, We're in Control of the Lights We Display in the New Year

Our editor takes stock in the things he can control in the New Year: his lights, his camera, and his daddying!

Allan Shedlin

Jan 10, 2025

Our Daddying Thoughts Post-Election

Editor Scott Beller and D3F Founder Allan Shedlin offer daddying thoughts after digesting results of the 2024 Presidential Election.

Allan Shedlin

Nov 6, 2024

The Secret to Beating Lane 6

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller explains how on the same weekend in Philadelphia, he & his daughter overcame seemingly insurmountable odds

Allan Shedlin

May 22, 2024

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 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

The Daddying Movement Continues to Evolve

Allan revisits The Daddying Movement and positive changes spurred by a growing, dad-friendly social media ecosystem, including podcasts.

Allan Shedlin

Feb 1, 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

Embrace the Wobble

Dr. Anthony Fleg writes about his dilemma of being a coach, teacher and dad as he helps his daughter learn to ride without training wheels.

Allan Shedlin

Sep 6, 2023

5 Essential Rules for Parental Time Travel

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller is a dad who constantly travels back and forth in time.

Allan Shedlin

Sep 2, 2023

5 Tips for Talking to Kids About Climate Change

Writer and author of "Growing Sustainable Together" Shannon Brescher Shea shares 5 tips to help parents talk to kids about climate change.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 20, 2023

Graduation Tears Guaranteed

DCG founder Allan Shedlin celebrates another emotional graduation with family and despite our chaotic world climate, he is filled with hope.

Allan Shedlin

May 18, 2023

Taking A Walk Down Memory Lane In My Daughters' Shoes

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller takes on his next challenge as a dad: remaining a trusted resource for his kids during their teen years.

Allan Shedlin

Feb 9, 2023

How We're Embarking on A Daddying Mission of JOY for the New Year

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) Director Allan Shedlin rings in the New Year with a joyful daddying film recommendation.

Allan Shedlin

Jan 5, 2023

Please Remember the Embattled Families of Ukraine

DADvocacy Consulting Group founder Allan Shedlin offers hope and another plea for more humanity, kindness, and daddying in the New Year.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 30, 2022

Let There Be Peace, Presence, and Daddying This Holiday Season

Season's greetings and happy holidays from DCG Founder Allan Shedlin & Daddying blog Editor Scott Beller.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 22, 2022

Want More Time With Your Kids? Cherish Your Health

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller learned the importance of parental self-care by watching his father neglect his own health.

Allan Shedlin

Nov 11, 2022

New Year, New Daddying Traditions

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller welcomed back a few old holiday traditions in 2025 and started new traditions he hopes return in 2026 and for many years to come.

Allan Shedlin

6 days ago

The 5th Annual Daddying Film Fest Offers 71 Reasons to Celebrate Importance of Involved Dads in 2026

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller officially opens the 5th annual virtual Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) by sharing a preview of the festival's official selections, 2026 Atticus Award finalists, and how to get free passes to the online festival.

Allan Shedlin

Jan 9

Behind-the-Scenes with Dad, Filmmaker, and Megaforce Fan Bob Lindenmayer

Filmmaker Bob Lindenmayer shares the backstory and inspiration for creating the documentary film and Daddying Film Festival & Forum 2026 official selection "Making MegaForce," which celebrates the 80s sci-fi cult film, starring actor Barry Bostwick.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 31, 2025

'Tis the Daddying Season

The Daddying blog editorial staff of Allan Shedlin and Scott Beller share a few of their favorite posts of 2025 and some words they'd like to sweep into the dustbin of history.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 24, 2025

Navigating Holiday Stress: Managing Expectations with Teens from Both Parents' Perspectives

Guest writer and college advisor Dr. Medeeha Khan offers parents of teens practical advice to manage expectations and family stress during the holidays.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 18, 2025

Do Our Kids Really Want or Need a d-AI-ddy?

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin considers the potential negative and positive impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on parenting and whether a "dAIddy" might ever measure up to the very real wants and needs of our kids/grandkids.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 8, 2025

Why I Work with Dads

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin explains why he's made it his mission to support the work of Dads around the world and impact of the international Daddying Film Fest.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 2, 2025

A wall of banned books with cover artwork to read to and with your kids.

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

Nov 26, 2025

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, 2025

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, 2025