Editor's note: To mark the conclusion of National Adoption Awareness Month, guest columnist Tobin Walsh writes about his (and every) family's worries about such a life-changing decision. When I thought about adopting a child, my list of reasons about why I couldn’t began like this: Money Family impact Time Energy Work When we entered an adoption process close to 11 year ago, we were also too busy, too broke, too tired, too everything. But, still we did it. Our lives were forever changed. As I sit in my office today, re-reading that list, I quickly realize that … [Read more...]
Cheering in Youth Sports Should be About Do’s, Not Don’ts
I read far too much about what I’m NOT supposed to say or do when I watch my kids play competitive sports. “Don’t be negative.” “You shouldn’t raise your voice.” “Don’t embarrass him (or her).” Being told what not to do in regard to my kids immediately makes me defensive. I felt this way after hearing about the “Silent September” instituted in a South Carolina soccer league at the end of the summer. The rule that immediately turned me off because I paraphrased it as, “Parents shouldn’t cheer.” Maybe I’m too much like my hard-headed 4-year-old, Everett, whose ears shut down as … [Read more...]
Worth the Weight – Addressing Health with My Daughter
I remember when I started hating the scale. I was at the pediatrician’s office completing a routine physical before entering fifth grade. We were nearing the end of the exam when my relationship with the scale, and my weight, changed forever. My pediatrician closed his clipboard and, in a serious tone, began, “OK, there is only one thing left to talk about. Toby, let’s talk about your weight. You need some help.” I fought back tears as the well-intentioned doc explained a program to help me drop some pounds. At the time, I’d weighed more than 100 pounds and only stood 50 inches … [Read more...]
This Dad Says He Does Babysit His Children. Sometimes.
I'm a poser. I, at times, gracefully fake being a fully present father.
+ + +
From my vantage point on the nearby playground, I could see a golfer on the tee box in the distance. He looked like a legitimate professional – wearing a white belt, a bright-colored, neatly pressed shirt with matching shorts and sparkling clean, glowing white spikes. My daughter attempted to interrupt my staring, “Dad? Dad? DAD?” “Hold on, Vivi! I want to see this guy tee off,” shushing my 8-year-old as if I were a patron at the Masters. “SHHH? What? It’s a … [Read more...]