There are many ways to have a happy, healthy family that fall outside of the traditional nuclear family unit. Today’s diverse social climate and advanced technology have expanded the definition of family, reminding us that family is a matter of love, connection and care — rather than simply blood and marriage. Children need parents who...Continue reading
Dear Mr. Dad: I’m a stay-at-home father and I’m committed to being very involved in my son’s life. He just turned one and we usually have a great time together, but I’m starting to get worried that he’s going to think I’m boring. What do I do to keep him entertained? A: This is definitely...Continue reading
Dear Mr. Dad: Our 28-year-old daughter lost her job a while back, and after burning through her savings, moved back in with me and my husband. That was nearly nine months ago. In the beginning, I enjoyed having her around, but at this point, she’s definitely overstayed her welcome. Not only is she giving no...Continue reading
Some of your fondest childhood memories may be of you and your father going fishing. Today, with a son (or daughter) of your own, you want to pass down this tradition to your offpsring and keep this pastime alive. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your first father-child fishing trip: Pick...Continue reading
April is Autism Awareness month. People all over the globe will be Lightning It Up Blue to shine a bright light on autism during World Autism Month! So what exactly is Autism? Autism is a neurological disorder that affects an individual’s social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and repetitive or restrictive behaviors. The incidence of...Continue reading
Dear Mr. Dad: I have been noticing kids who look much younger than high-school age buying frapuccino-type drinks at Starbucks and similar coffee places. It worries me, because I didn’t think caffeine was good for children, and didn’t allow my own son to have any while he was a teenager. Is coffee really bad for...Continue reading
Dear Mr. Dad: My father, who had been sick for quite some time, recently died. He and my 7-year old daughter were very close. Naturally, she’s sad that Gramps isn’t around anymore, but I know that she doesn’t completely get why. Do you think she’s old enough to grasp what death is? If so, what’s...Continue reading
Being a dad can be tough. Finding ways to balance work, life, relationships, and time for yourself can be exhausting. As a busy dad myself, I remember what it was like when my little girl arrived. Stress was piling up at work, the days were getting longer, I was sleeping about 2-3 hours a night,...Continue reading
Dear Mr. Dad: My parents never talked with me and my siblings about money, but I’m feeling the need to give my kids—ages 4 and 7—a better financial education than I got. When’s the right time to start? A: What is it about money that no one wants to talk about it? Drugs, sex, and...Continue reading
Dear Mr. Dad: My kids are 9 and 11 and they’re fortunate enough to be good at almost everything they do. But if something comes up that they don’t pick up immediately—whether it’s a sport, a board game, an art project, or something else—they tend to get frustrated and quit. How can I get them...Continue reading