It happens to everyone sooner or later: The big financial emergency that makes you feel like your life may crumble and fall. But if you have a good financial plan in place, those great big, one-time bills or financial emergencies won’t be as life altering as they might otherwise be. Saving money is critically important...Continue reading
Category: Parenting
College is Great–But Not for Everyone
Dear Mr. Dad: While I appreciate your recent column about the benefits of education, I encourage you to add the option for a career technical education (CTE) degree and/or certificate to possible educational endeavors. Not all students are destined for a four-year degree. Without the burden of substantial debt., large numbers of students can have...Continue reading
Hereditary Habits: Three Childhood Health Habits It’s Time to Let Go Of
If you’re like some adults, there are still a few habits that you have carried over from childhood that are simply too hard to let go of in life. It’s important to make sure you are constantly assessing your habits and working on those habits that aren’t necessarily beneficial for your health or well-being. Take...Continue reading
Lack of Education Could Kill You
Dear Mr. Dad: My son just finished his sophomore year of high school and has decided that he doesn’t want to graduate. My wife and I never finished high school and we’re doing okay—she’s a waitress and I’m an auto mechanic. Some of my friends (the ones who have college degrees) are telling me that...Continue reading
You (And Your Kids) Are What You Eat
This Father’s Day I want you to think a little differently. As the love pours in from the family, or the family to be, give something back this year. There’s new meaning out there to being the best man (and father) you can be. And that involves taking great care of yourself. Not only are...Continue reading
Life in the 21st-Century Blended Family
Dear Mr. Dad: My fiancée and I are both divorced, and between the two of us, there are four children from previous marriages. Mine are 7 and 5, his are 6 and 8. When my girlfriend and I first met each other’s kids, things were great—the children hit it off really well and liked hanging...Continue reading
Why You Shouldn’t Tell Your Children They’re Extremely Talented
Is your daughter the brightest math student in her class? Do your son’s piano skills outpace everyone in his peer group? If so, you’re likely already thinking about how fostering your child’s natural talent could lead to great accomplishments and happiness. But if future success is in store, one of the best ways to set...Continue reading
Is There a “Right” Way to Play with Kids? Ah, Nope.
Dear Mr. Dad. My husband and I have two-year-old twins—a girl and a boy—and we both love spending time with them. But I’ve noticed that he and I have very different styles, in several ways. We do different activities with the kids. And I’ve also noticed that I do a better job of treating the...Continue reading
What’s Platonic Parenting and Could It Work For You?
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
Am I Boring My Child? Probably Not.
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
