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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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Hammering Out Life's Lessons
I was born in 1951 when my Dad was almost 40. That was the time when fathers were supposed to dispense advice to children based on TV shows.
Allan Shedlin
Dec 2, 2020
The Squirrel in the Coal Mine
by Allan Shedlin Founder, DADvocacy Consulting Group The following was written 11/4/2020, mere hours after Election Day 2020 closed and...
Allan Shedlin
Nov 5, 2020
A Good "Family Man" Can Be Hard to Define
I have been a dad for 48 years and a Grandpa for 12. My "kids" have thanked me, over and over, for their growing up.
Allan Shedlin
Oct 21, 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
How CAMPAIGNful Politics Impact Us and Our Children
After watching the first un-presidential debate, I wondered if it was acceptable fare for kids.
Allan Shedlin
Oct 7, 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
Nurturing the New End-of-Summer Butterflies
When the cocoon of childhood summers past opened into a more predictable fall, the emergent butterfly was able to unfurl its new wings & fly
Allan Shedlin
Sep 2, 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
How To Best Support Your Child’s Other Father
Biological fathers shouldn't view stepdads or foster dads as a threat to the relationship they have with their kids.
Allan Shedlin
Aug 19, 2020
A Pandemic May Be the Best Time to Discover the Freedom of Limits
When limits are consistently and clearly in place, they provide a sense of freedom that doesn’t exist when boundaries are unclear...
Allan Shedlin
Jul 22, 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
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
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 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
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
2 days ago
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
How I Made a Short Film as a Single, Full-Time Dad When Time, Money, and Energy Are Gone
Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Coughlin explains how he is inspired to keep creating despite his scarcity of time and resources as a single Dad. His short film, "The Small Hours," won the 2026 Daddying Film Festival & Forum's Roy R. Neuberger Prize for Best Dad-Created Film.
Allan Shedlin
Feb 4
Looking for a Little Humanity? You'll Find It at the Daddying Film Forum
Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) Founder Allan Shedlin reflects on the meaning of so many heartwarming festival submissions from students, Dads, and indie filmmakers worldwide as the 2026 Daddying Film Forum kicks off at American University.
Allan Shedlin
Jan 28
A Dad Reflects on Another Harsh Dichotomy of Our Struggling Times
New Mexico-based Dad, teacher, and writer Alex Paramo shares poetry about an America that promises a brighter future through improved financial and educational opportunities while many, including teachers, still find it hard to make ends meet.
Allan Shedlin
Jan 21
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
Jan 14
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
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