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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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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
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
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, 2025
For the Love of Reading with Our Kids...and Brad Meltzer
Kick off the season of giving with the Daddying blog's 5th annual Books to Read with Your Kids Gift Guide & FREE Book Giveaway!
Allan Shedlin
Nov 28, 2024
Storytime on Deployment: How Dads Can Stay Involved and Connected with Their Kids
U.S. Navy sailor Cody Dodd explains how deployed dads can stay involved and create memories with their kids through the magic of storytime.
Allan Shedlin
Jul 23, 2024
Independence Day Reminder: Read with Your Kids and Get Your "Booster" Shot
For the Fourth of July holiday, Daddying Editor Scott Beller reminds parents of a sure-fire cure for America's ailing democracy: voting.
Allan Shedlin
Jul 3, 2024
How the Grinch stole my heart
Washington Post book critic and dad to a special needs child Ron Charles shares his affinity for Dr. Seuss' iconic holiday classic story.
Allan Shedlin
Dec 20, 2023
It's Been Another "Banner" Year for Books and Curiosity...and That's Tragic
In a year of book bans, editor Scott Beller presents the Daddying blog's 4th annual Books To Read w/ Your Kids Holiday Gift Guide & Giveaway
Allan Shedlin
Nov 22, 2023
In This "Banner" Year, Celebrate Freedom of Reading Whatever You and Your Kids Want
Daddying blog's 3rd annual Books to Read With Your Kids Holiday Gift Guide and Giveaway
Allan Shedlin
Nov 25, 2022
Read With Your Kids to Open Their Minds...and Yours
DADDYING celebrates reading, discovery, and diversity with our 2nd Annual Books To Read With Your Kids Holiday Gift Guide & Book Giveaway!
Allan Shedlin
Nov 18, 2021
Give and Receive the Gift Of Reading Together This Holiday Season
I remember my mom reading to me almost every day as a kid. I remember hearing her voice, warm, energetic, and song-like...
Allan Shedlin
Dec 10, 2020
The Humanist RBG
Ruth Bader Ginsburg left behind a country that is better for her life and record of humanity, intelligence, tenacity, and perseverance.
Allan Shedlin
Sep 24, 2020
Lost In The Sun
As best as any words can, Ethelbert Miller's "Lost In The Sun" conveys some of the unimaginable heartbreak felt by a parent losing a child.
Allan Shedlin
Sep 10, 2020
Be the Role Model You Wanted As A Kid
What I wanted back then was access to an adult with whom I could take refuge & trust to let me vent...Luckily, my dad recognized this too.
Allan Shedlin
Aug 6, 2020
Presidential Fathers: The Most Powerful Men Can Be Involved Dads
What are the possibilities for effective “daddying” when dad is one of the most powerful and busiest people in the world?
Allan Shedlin
Jul 2, 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
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
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
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