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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.

Defiant bulldog hood ornament on a rusting old car in a lot filled with old cars

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

Teacher Appreciation Week written on blackboard.

In Appreciation of Teachers

Allan gives thanks to his 5th-grade teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week 2025.

Allan Shedlin

May 7, 2025

My Grandson Made Me Do It: Refreshing Our Focus on Family-School Partnerships

Allan laments the focus on standardized testing and urges a return to basics of learning facilitated by stronger family-school partnerships.

Allan Shedlin

Aug 21, 2024

How Can Parents Prepare Kids for Ever-Larger End-of-Summer Butterflies?

As the new school year begins in a chaotic world, how can parents calm kids' seemingly larger, more plentiful end-of-summer butterflies?

Allan Shedlin

Aug 15, 2023

I Really Lucked Out In 5th Grade

DCG and Daddying Film Festival & Forum founder Allan Shedlin remembers and gives thanks for a caring teacher he considered a father figure.

Allan Shedlin

May 31, 2023

'Tis the (Awards) Season and D3F Is Calling for Short Films from Kids and Involved Dads

Daddying Film Festival & Forum director Allan Shedlin announces 2023 call for entries will open to student and dad filmmakers on January 16.

Allan Shedlin

Jan 11, 2023

An Important Daddying Perspective for a New School Year

DCG founder Allan Shedlin prepares for back to school by thanking teachers for their dedication during difficult times.

Allan Shedlin

Aug 16, 2022

Distant Water Cannot Quench A Thirst

Nicholas Banura Aine writes about his struggles with long-distance parenting, which created deep emotional gaps with his children, one with autism, who needed his presence.

Allan Shedlin

1 day ago

Glad You're Here: A Love Note to My Youngest Daughter on Her 17th Birthday

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller writes a special note to his youngest daughter for her birthday, which coincides with back-to-school and the beginning of her high school senior year.

Allan Shedlin

6 days ago

Modern Childhood: Is The Next Generation of Kids Really The Loneliest One?

Guest writer Tessa Dodson highlights the complexity of modern childhood and offers parents practical guidance for supporting kids in building social connections through open communication, managed screentime, and unstructured play.

Allan Shedlin

Aug 19

The Dads and Sons of Summer

Poet and literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller debuts an original poem about baseball, Dads, and sons in this week's Daddying blog.

Allan Shedlin

Aug 12

I Left San Francisco for Colorado Springs. It Changed How I See Democracy

Youth Documentary Academy founder Tom Shepard writes about how he's been inspired by the diverse stories of his filmmaking students and other young people and what our country's leaders could and should learn from them.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 30

Savoring the Privilege of Lifelong Daddying

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin shares the joy of being a lifelong Dad, Granddad, and soon, a Great Granddad.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 30

With Our World in Metamorphosis, Those End-Of-Summer Butterflies Remain the Same

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin welcomes back-to-school season and those end-of-summer butterflies with an open mind and open arms.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 23

What Happened to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness?

Daddying editor Scott Beller laments the continued human rights abuses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including murders this past week of Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 16

A Dad Still Going Along for the Ride

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller embraces his evolving role as a Dad, which will always include being his daughters' safe, reliable ride home.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 10

Something to Celebrate For America's Conflicted 250th: Principles of Our Founding Daddies

Daddying Film Fest founder Allan Shedlin longs for an America that not only celebrates landmark birthdays but also adheres to the inclusive and promising ideals its "founding fathers" clearly expressed in the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 1