Fatherhood Archives - Page 2 of 4

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 #5

October 27, 2014 by Vincent Daly

Overheard conversation on the way to the store:

6yo: I love the zoo.

8yo: Yeah. What kind of animal would you be?

6yo: Um…a monkey because they’re fun.

8yo: I’d be a giraffe so I could hula hoop with my neck.

How Time Travel and Fatherhood are one in the Same

May 24, 2016June 15, 2014 by Vincent Daly

power of dad
I woke up this morning aware it was Father’s Day. My children, although making an earnest attempt, have not quite mastered the whole whispering so no one within earshot can hear them. “Hurry up and finish making the card before Daddy wakes up!” “Daddy is going to love, love, LOVE THIS!” Still, even though I was semi-comatose from a combination of broken sleep and downright strange dreams(Running for my life holding a bag of Cheetos while fighting off giants from the Game of Thrones), I couldn’t help cracking a smile. Moments like these have filled my life since becoming a Dad. Like guideposts, each memory interconnects allowing my mind to time travel from place to place. I can’t always trace the exact origin of the details, but the feelings ring true as if experienced for the first time.

Sometimes You Just Have To Laugh

November 19, 2013 by Vincent Daly

If one wasn’t actually living the experience on a daily basis, being a parent could be construed as quite comical. We as parents collectively lose our minds tending to the growth and well being of little people. Sure there’s an abundance of rewarding moments overflowing with joy and laughter. But for the most part, it’s just plain hard work. Trying to impart this concept to child-free couples and singles alike usually results in blank stares or downright disbelief. The best advice I can offer to the uninitiated is simply “You’ll see.” In the meantime, perhaps a few comedy videos about parenting might be helpful.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mario the Magician

March 23, 2017October 16, 2013 by Vincent Daly

I first learned about Mario Marchese aka Mario the Magician in 2012. Kal Toth, a college buddy of mine who also happens to be a filmmaker told me about a short film he created entitled “Building Magic”. Based upon the successful response to the short, a 2013 Kickstarter campaign secured funding to extend “Building Magic” into a feature length film expected to be ready for the film festival circuit in early 2014. I had the opportunity to catch up with Mario in an interview that touches upon life, fatherhood, and magic.

Facing the Danger: Keeping Your Family Safe

April 10, 2014September 9, 2013 by Vincent Daly

My wife, kids, and I strolled through Chicago’s Grant Park on a hot August weekday afternoon as we leisurely made our way back to the hotel. We completed a fun yet exhausting visit to the Shedd Aquarium. The Summer breeze cascaded gently through the vibrantly green leafed trees which provided welcome relief from the intense heat. The two little people of our group attempted to keep pace with the grownups but inevitably began to show signs of fatigue. Our 6 year old son exclaimed “your legs are TWICE the size of mine which means I have to do TWICE THE WORK when I walk with you!” Of course our 4 year old daughter concurred with his assessment and initiated her relentless rallying cry “pick me up Daddy!!” Given that we were less than 10 minutes away from our destination, I encouraged them to soldier on even adding the incentive of a snack of their choice at the hotel food mart. After muttering a few indiscernible replies, they agreed. We crossed Columbus Drive and began to make our way onto the vast Balbo Avenue overpass which crossed over the CTA train tracks. As I looked off into the distance, I could see we were not alone.

Becoming a Gardener

April 30, 2014July 9, 2013 by Vincent Daly

As I look around the room in my suburban home, I see evidence aplenty of young children. Teeming mountains of toys, books and crafts have laid claim to much of the available surface area. Even my own work space has transformed into a post adventure holding station. LIke a flourishing garden, family life has taken root here including its growing challenges.

Parenting Experts Bribe Their Kids Too

March 11, 2013March 8, 2013 by Vincent Daly

As a parent, you attempt to respond appropriately to your children’s behavior. In a NY Times article titled “Train a Parent, Spare a Child” by Bruce Feller, the topic of modifying a child’s behavior without resorting to bribes is addressed by several Parenting experts. You may ask “Was there any consensus to be found in their opinions?” In short, no. In fact, some even condoned the occasional bribe. Go figure.

The Best and Worst Parenting Websites of 2012

December 31, 2012December 30, 2012 by Vincent Daly

Being a parent is a tough job. In the 21st century there’s no shortage of information available for parents to turn to, in fact, there might be too much. With parenting experts popping up every day like weeds, it’s hard to discern what’s useful and what are simply talking points presented to sell products. Thankfully, a few sites rise above the crowded parenting website landscape. Here are our picks for best and worst 2012 Parenting Websites.