“PLEASE GET YOUR SHOES ON! I’ve asked you five times, and if you don’t get them on RIGHT NOW, I’m leaving you home alone by yourself!” It seems those words come out of my mouth once, maybe twice a week while we go through the morning routine. Throw in a "damn" here and there, and it might be more accurate. At some point in one's parenting career, we all experience these feelings. Before you start to call the authorities, no -- I would never leave my son home alone. It’s one of those empty promises we offer our children so that they do what we are asking of them. If you don’t do this too, … [Read more...]
About Brandon Billinger
Laid Off? Parental Advice to Get You Through Unemployment Blues
These last few months have been quite possibly the most difficult that I have had to endure. I came home the day after being laid off wondering what the next chapter in my life would be. I wondered exactly how long would this latest stint as a laid-off father be? My family and I have been through my unemployment twice before. We knew exactly what we had to do as a result. We knew for the next few weeks, months, possibly years, I’d first and foremost be a stay-at-home-dad. Being unemployed wasn’t easy either time before. There I was laid off, treating my employment search as a … [Read more...]
Having a Favorite Child Has Made Me a Better Parent
I love both of my children equally but I have become a better parent after realizing I have a favorite child. I sat in the hospital room holding our newborn son, Joseph. Just minutes before, the doctor had to tell me to stop talking throughout the delivery because, as my son was being born, he was turning his head to see me, making things difficult. I looked down at his eyes drawn closed in sleep after the arduous journey he had just taken. Something felt different at that moment than it did after William, our first son, was born. When I held William that first time, I had a sense of … [Read more...]
Foul Ball Memories Shared Between Baseball Loving Fathers, Sons
There is this ball that I have sitting in my office. To many, it looks like just any other baseball. On most days it just sits there, without someone even looking at it. There is no signature on it, and I have yet to fill out the placard on the baseball stand. But I treasure that ball. I wouldn’t say it’s Babe Ruth-esque special, but I’d still be upset if William took the ball to the sandlot one day. The story behind that ball dates back to 1996. A good year for me as a young boy. My local high school baseball team won the state baseball championship, and it seems that anytime something … [Read more...]
Start Daycare Right with These Tips to Prepare Your Child, You
You have picked out your daycare. Now the time has come for your child to start. From experience, it isn’t easy -- for you or your little one. I’ve made the first drop-off twice now. Many emotions run through you as you leave your child with people you barely know. For the most part, nerves take over. You wonder how your child will react to when you leave him to start daycare with this strange person for an entire day. Will he cry all day? You wonder if your boss is going to think you are an emotional wreck, especially if you are returning to work that day for the first time in weeks, … [Read more...]