I had the pleasure of recently attending the press junket for the movie Gifted about young man unexpectedly into the role of protector and father figure for his math-genius niece. The talent of the film's actors -- Chris Evans, McKenna Grace, Octavia Spencer and Jenny Slate -- is a testament to director Marc Webb's vision and all those that were part of this magical production. Gifted is a heartwarming and heart-wrenching story about Frank (Evans), an uncle raising his 7-year-old niece, Mary (Grace). Frank vows to give her a normal life even though Mary shows extraordinary mathematical … [Read more...]
‘Gifted’ Director Marc Webb on Being a Father Figure
How does a man handle being thrust unexpectedly into the role of protector and father figure? That is one of the issues addressed in the movie Gifted, opening in select theaters April 7 and nationwide April 21. Frank Adler (Captain America actor Chris Evans) is a single man, whose attempting to give a "normal" life to his 7-year-old, math-prodigy niece (Mckenna Grace) who he is raising. His plans are threatened by his mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) who wants to separate them and put the girl's skills to work. City Dads Group members sat down with Gifted producer and director Marc … [Read more...]
TV’s ‘Pitch’ a Home Run for Women, Daughters
As a stay-at-home dad of two boys, I have been asked if I think I would raise a daughter differently. No! If I had a daughter I would do exactly what I am doing with my boys. I allow my boys to choose what interests them and allow them to try things some may think aren't "fit for boys." For example, my youngest has a baby doll that he carries with him everywhere and my oldest loves pink -- things our society considers "girly." I am not going to tell my boys what to play with even if it is not geared toward their gender. I love my boys unconditionally and wouldn't want to hamper their … [Read more...]
5 Great Tips for New Fathers that Really Help
I still consider myself a “rookie” as far as being a dad goes. It has only been five years! A lot has happened in those years good and bad, so this is my top 5 tips for new fathers at this point on my journey so far. Tips for new fathers #1: Manage expectations This includes yours, your partner’s, your child’s even your parents or in laws. This is all about communication. What do you expect? What does your partner expect? These expectations can be extremely different and if you do not let other’s know what your intentions are, when/if things don’t go the way you intended, it will be on you. … [Read more...]
Change Fatherhood with Action at Home
The boys and I just did a news interview for a Swedish TV station. This just showed me how small of a world we live in, and how we are all a part of the same world. We are all products of past generations, along with our environment today. Things are always changing and growing. Should we get stuck doing things the same as past generations? For example, men are portrayed as leaders outside the home. Why not in home? There are things that are broken today, that are in need of fixing all around the world (a lot of things). It may or may not be the past generations fault, they may not … [Read more...]