DiaryDad and his son are learning to leave things behind so they can move forward. — What are you willing to leave behind? We have reached that part of the year we are ready to make changes. These changes are often short-lived because we struggle with giving things up and letting things go. We want…
7 Hard Truths About the Strength to Succeed
DiaryDad shares 7 hard truths about what it takes to be strong. — There is an oft used metaphor about learning and becoming stronger that is used in the martial arts, but I have heard it in many other venues as well. It tells of how steel becomes stronger as you fold it with other materials to…
“Yule” Be Glad You Read This
DiaryDad celebrates this season of light. — My family loves a good celebration. This fact makes December quite a fun month for us. There is so much to celebrate. I am fond of using the term “Happy Holidays” during this season because I never know who is celebrating what, or if they are like me…
Santa Clause: Case Solved
DiaryDad’s kids are close to cracking the case of “Mr. Claus”. — At my house we are preparing to break the spell over one of the first deceptions we perpetrated on our children. That is correct, we are bracing to break the news about Santa Claus. It is a moment that I feel a little…
How Do I Tell My Kids the Terrorists are Winning?
DiaryDad is concerned about how loud the message of fear is. — In 2001 when the Twin Towers fell my kids were just a hope I had. They were a part of a bright dream I had for tomorrow. They were what I believed would be my chance to put the best of me into…
“Thanks a lot”—9 Life Lessons I am Thankful For
DiaryDad is thankful for life lessons he has learned and wants to pass them on. — Here in the United States we are prepping for Thanksgiving. A favorite holiday of mine because it reminds me to take a moment and realize and take stock of the many good things in my life. My wife, my…
3 Ways to Teach My Kids the Art of Civil Discourse
DiaryDad is disappointed in the lack of civil discourse in politics, so he is going to try to teach his kids to do better. — We are less than a year away from our next presidential election here in the good ol’ U.S. of A. and I am already fed up of the childish behavior of…
A Little More Conversation
DiaryDad’s kids are ready to be part of the conversation; now if only he could see that. I blew it with my kids the one night a little over a year ago… The worst part about it is that I didn’t realize it until after I had started to get mad at them for a situation that…
One more… (This one is about Men’s Health)
DiaryDad shares a story about a “one more” that never was, and why it has changed his outlook on Men’s Health. — The first time I participated in Movember I had some interest in Men’s issues, but mostly I participated because it gave me a “legitimate” excuse to mess around with my facial hair. 4 years ago however…
Sacrifice – Tyr Loses a Hand to Save the World
DiaryDad dives into Norse Mythology to talk about the value of sacrifice.
5 Things Watching the Chicago Cubs with my Grandpa Taught Me About Being a Dad
DiaryDad shares 5 things he learned while watching the Chicago Cubs with his grandpa. — I’m turning 40 this year, and if I could cap it off with any one thing it would be the Cubs winning the World Series. Now before I get the cart before the horse I realize that there is a lot…
Is Tragic News Preventing Our Kids from Learning Compassion?
DiaryDad searches for compassion and love and finds it in abundance in his 8 year old son.
Can you Handle the Truth?
DiaryDad puts the “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” in context for his son. Lying is a new challenge in our household. We all tell lies, we all skirt the truth, mostly in trying to make our lives easier or less uncomfortable. It never works at that way. Maybe for a time but the hard…
Finding Fatherhood in the Myths of Old
DiaryDad loves myths and stories and how they help us develop strength of character. — I have always loved a good story. As a boy I loved to hear them, as I grew older I became fascinated by the many ways we tell them; now as a father, I love telling them. Mythological stories are particular favorites…
7 Life Lessons You Can Teach Your Kids During Football Season
DiaryDad has learned some life lessons by watching football.
My Kid Loves Guns, and I Don’t
“The older I get, the more, I find myself faced with the task of trying to understand the terrible things that people do with guns.”
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DiaryDad tries to find balance with his son’s love of guns.