I have become very comfortable in my little gay life since coming out six years ago. I've found a partner who is a kind and compassionate dude. My now teenage daughter has been supportive since the start, and is a champion for equal rights. And, I live in a socially liberal part of the country where homophobia is distinctly uncool.But I've learned that a requisite part of the coming-out process involves the continuing acknowledgement that you're gay. It's important because, even in the most accepting of circumstances, being gay is still seen by some as being "Less Than."Yes, many … [Read more...]
‘Brothers’ Documentary: A Moving Family Journey on Sundance Now
Editor's Note: See special offer to receive a free trial of the Sundance Now channel at the end of this review.When you look back, what will you remember?That is a question asked in various forms in the documentary Brothers, an internationally award-winning documentary currently available to watch on Sundance Now. The film follows two brothers over the course of a decade from young children to young adults. Consider this gem of a film about life, reflection, maturation and parenthood.Norwegian filmmaker Aslaug Holm records her two sons, who are already accustomed to her … [Read more...]
‘Star Wars’ Focus on Fatherhood, Abandonment
As the latest movie in the four-decade-old Star Wars saga continues to the fill theaters with old and new fans alike, The Modern Dads Podcast focuses on the role fatherhood and parenting plays in George Lucas' space opera.This special discussion is led by two of our more pop-culture oriented NYC Dads Group members. Chad D. MacDonald, who recently penned his own epic on the subject of dads and Star Wars for our NYC blog, and Lorne Jaffe analyze the fathers of Star Wars through eight movies, including the new Rogue One film. They dig deep into the decisions various fathers and father figures … [Read more...]
Your Parental Costume Changes as Your Children Grow
Halloween season always reminds me of the time I dressed as Clifford the Big Red Dog. My children’s school needed an adult volunteer to wear the costume for a reading event. I decided to oblige in part because I like to laugh, and in part because my two young daughters liked the idea. In other words, they had not yet reached the Age of Embarrassment.As children gathered in the gym, I started to suit up in a “secret” adjoining room. The costume was large and heavy, so a few parents helped me with the process. I remember being so amused by one of the instructions on the costume’s interior: … [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...]