Vincent Daly, Author at CuteMonster.com

Cinderella and Fatherhood

March 20, 2015 by Vincent Daly

I had low expectations for Disney’s “Cinderella”. There was no urgency for me to see this movie. After all, it was just a live action retelling of a well known and some would say woefully anachronistic princess story. Yet there I was, seated beside my 6 year old daughter, inexplicably engaged in the story on an emotional level. The strong bond between Cinderella and her father drew me in sparking contemplation about my little girl’s future happiness. If the world around her comes crashing down, the likelihood of a magic savior seems remote at best. It will ultimately be her own strength that determines her fate. Indeed, she will need to “have courage and be kind.”

2015 New York Toy Fair in Pictures

March 13, 2015March 13, 2015 by Vincent Daly

The magic of the NY Toy Fair lies in the sights and sounds one experiences while gazing upon the latest and greatest the industry has to offer. Innovation and most importantly fun take top priority as toy manufacturers try to entice buyers and the press alike to fawn over their latest gizmo. For me, it’s an opportunity to be a kid again in the biggest toy store in the world.

Do you know Oren Miller?

January 29, 2016March 2, 2015 by Vincent Daly

The world should know about Oren Miller. He was a good father, a loving husband to an amazing woman, courageous, graceful, humble, smart, quick-witted, and a talented Dad Blogger. He was the founder of a thriving Facebook Community group aptly named Dad Bloggers. He championed the idea that all fathers can be better Dads. He mentored fathers and encouraged change from within the Dad Blogger community to shift the narrative of what modern fatherhood meant to the world. Advertisers, Film and Television have responded in kind by depicting fathers as competent nurturing parents instead of the 1950s stereotypical “dumb bumbling Dad”. Oren Miller also had Stage 4 Lung cancer. He passed away on February 28, 2015 at the age of 41 after a remarkably courageous 9 month battle. He was my friend.

Kid Conversations #6

May 21, 2016February 17, 2015 by Vincent Daly

Overheard conversation during breakfast:

6yo: Do you like snow?

8yo: Yeah, it’s fun!

6yo: I do too but I don’t like getting cold.

8yo: Me neither.

6yo: I wish snow was warm.

8yo: Yeah, that’d be cool.

2015 New York Toy Fair Preview

February 13, 2015 by Vincent Daly

It’s simply amazing how quickly a year races by but race by it did. The 2015 New York Toy Fair at the Jacob Javits Center opens on Valentine’s Day this year which suits toy lovers just fine. The anticipation has grown to a fever pitch as toy vendors make last minute preparations to ensure a successful debut at the Toy Industry’s premiere showcase event. For members of the media, the New York Toy Fair transforms into the biggest toy store in the world. For me, the allure lies in seeking out innovation at its finest.

Best and Worst Parenting Websites of 2014

January 21, 2015 by Vincent Daly

Knowledge is power. When you’re a new parent, you may find yourself feeling like the house idiot. A newborn baby, a precious and seemingly innocuous little life form, becomes the catalyst of life altering change. Imagine a lumbering freight train rounding the bend in the middle of the night. Then think of you and your significant other on a carefree adventure filled moonlit stroll on the tracks. You’ll never be aware of the massive impact awaiting you if you fail to see said train behind you in time.

Breaking the Bullying Habit

January 14, 2015 by Vincent Daly

As their children grow so too does the weight of world for parents and kids alike. I for one dreaded the notion that my children would be exposed to bullying. The emotional pain of being victimized often lasts longer than any physical impact. In response to this pervasive problem, studies and guides on how to root out all forms of bullying from our schools have been produced. Yet you see daily examples of bullying with certain adults in numerous venues such as public office holders, supervisors at work, law enforcement officers, houses of worship and more. The allure of power compels even the most humble human being to act in one’s self interest. So what’s missing? It comes down to respect.

Kids School Winter Break: 5 Reasons It Needs to End

February 12, 2015December 30, 2014 by Vincent Daly

Little known fact: Time moves at the pace it wants to move whether one is having fun or not. Consider Winter break for example. Here in the United States, we are collectively in the midst of a long school mandated kids centric “vacation”. Days and night have become a blur. Ask any parent of young elementary school aged children what day it is I suspect you’ll receive a long blank stare followed by a pained groan with muttered expletives. Don’t get me wrong. I love my children and countless millions of parents love theirs as well. But our collective cup hath runneth over. The kids need to go back to school now.

2014 Holiday Gift Guide for Young Kids

November 28, 2014November 17, 2014 by Vincent Daly

2014 Holiday Toys Gift Guide for Young Kids

You can almost hear the internal primal scream emitted from millions of parents across the United States. That’s right, the holiday season has commenced ushering in Toy buying stress for Moms and Dads. But fear not you wonderful readers of CuteMonster.com, help has arrived just in the nick of time. Especially if you’re buying for kids ages 18 months to 5 years old.