We live in a time where things that were once gender specific are no longer that. You're almost free to do or be interested in anything that was once only considered for the opposite gender. I think in many ways that is a great thing. It allows for Marley and I to do so many things. Ghostbusters can play with Barbies. Ninja turtles can come out of the sewers and hang out in the doll house. We can watch and play any sport we want. She can be more than a "girlie girl", even though that's ok too. It's ok for her to be strong and tough, mentally and physically. She can be the leader of women and m ..read more

As I continue on the path of trying to be the best dad I can be, I think about another objective to accomplish. The role of the safety net. I would love for Marley to know and feel that when I'm around no matter what's going on that she's ok. That she can always be herself without fear. That she's able to explore her curiosity in this new world filled with new experiences. I know that I cannot hold her hand through life forever or else she'll never grow. So even though we try our best to prevent bumps, falls, and scrapes they are going to happen and we always make sure she's ok. My way of doin ..read more

"Go ask your dad?" "what did your mom say?" "If your mom says you can?" What determines who gives permission in these situations? And why would one be reluctant to give permission? Where there is a two parent household, I feel this creates a kind of parenting hierarchy. Maybe naturally there has always been one. I don't like," Well your mom said no "or "Your dad said no." I feel like that way of responding can create a possible divide in parenting. Also pitting them against each other. Growing up, most of us knew which parent to ask what to. You knew who to plead your case to first about situa ..read more

Have you ever wanted to do your kid the way Homer Simpson does Bart Simpson? How often are you spending your day sounding like MC Hammer? Constantly telling your kid they can't touch this. When your tiny human seems to be uncontrollable what do you do? I remember watching talk shows growing up where the topic of the day would be something like, "Please help me, my child is out of control." You'd have a parent crying about how hard it is to deal with there kid. The host would ask the kid why they were so bad and by the end of the show they would have some swole guy in a tight vest come out, mak ..read more

I can't be the only one that compares his kid to other kids. Even though I know you probably shouldn't because every kid develops at their own pace. But I still do. And the best way to compare your kid's progress and how great or terrible your parenting skills are is at birthday parties. I look at birthday parties as baby Olympics. You can see whose baby is the best of the best. "Oh, your kid can only say 34 words and mine has over 100 in her repertoire."*TSK TSK * My kid is still in diapers and yours is potty trained?!" " We have some work to do." For me I want Marley to be better than everyo ..read more

What's the earliest childhood memory that you have? For me, I don't remember the exact age, but it was a birthday party for me. There was a clown/magician and he made confetti turn into bubble gum. I wonder when my parents did things like that, did they hope I would remember them or was it more about seeing me enjoying the moment? Often I heard other parents say that they'll wait to take a trip to like Disney until their kid is older so they'II remember it. Even if it's not a trip, when it comes down to money people often say wait until your kid will remember it. That stance people may have ma ..read more

Often I see on different social media platforms accounts that give advice on raising kids." Give your child choices." "Make your child feel like they're in control." "Help your child work through their tantrum." First off, choices?! The choice has already been made and it's chaos. They like to feel like they're in control, well that's because they are. Remember that routine you had? Gone. Their schedule is now your schedule. If they're aware you're aware. Someone just pooped for the 3rd time today and guess who's changing. it? It's you. Have you seen a trantrum at a F5 magnitude before? Just g ..read more

Have you ever been out somewhere and saw a kid being bad and their parents not even stop it? I've heard drawing attention or reacting a certain way when your kid is doing something will more than likely result in them doing it more. The other day at Marley's swim class, there was a little boy that just wasn't listening to the teacher at all. He wouldn't sit on the step like the teacher had asked. Instead he kept trying to dive in. The major issue with that is he doesn't know how to swim. If he wasnt diving in, he would be almost hitting the other kids with the water noddle. All while this litt ..read more

When you think about the role of a dad/father what comes to mind? Usually what comes to mind would be based on experiences or examples that you've seen. Growing up for me my dad provided, cooked, disciplined, and taught me the "typical" dad things such as ridiing a bike, fish, and playing some sports. Life is always changing, sometimes even evolving. Has the role of dad changed and evolved too? Of course, I can't teach Marley what Jen is able to as good as Jen. The roles of both parents, I believe are very important in raising a child. I do know of amazing people that have come from single par ..read more

Growing up I don't think I ever put too much stock in the characters I saw, and whether or not they looked like me. As a kid I just watched tv and never pay any attention to the race of the people and looking back now most of them were a different race. I was just enjoying whatever I was watching. Even though I had no idea what effects that might have had on me as a kid, I know that I want Marley to see content that represents her. Either with characters, actitives, or interests. We recieved the American Girl doll catalog in the mail recently, since this is my first time looking through one I ..read more