When I volunteer for the annual school carnival, I usually get to run the bounce house. That’s where the action happens. I wear a black T-shirt and tell parents the bounce house is "for kids only," although I understand their desire to climb in. Bounce houses are awesome. That's the kind of job dads normally do when they volunteer. But sometimes, when you're a dad named Shannon and the new president of the PTA doesn’t know you yet, you get a job that would normally go to a mom. That’s how I found myself, a bald middle-aged man, running the hair chalk station. My first customer, the … [Read more...]
Playground Dads Deserve Understanding, Respect — not Suspicion
Dear Playground Patron of the Adult Persuasion, The playground at our local park remains a really great yet intimidating place for fathers like me. It’s a place where we get to have loud, crazy fun with our kids but it is often where we encounter frustratingly frequent reminders of how much gender roles and stereotypes about men and dads are entrenched in society. To help you and all those of us who watch over our children (or others' children) at these public spaces, I put together a guide so you can understand what modern dads are thinking and experiencing. This guide could have been … [Read more...]
LGBTQ Parenting: How Different is It from Just ‘Parenting’
As an openly LGBTQ parent of twins, I'm often asked, “How different is it raising your children?” Our household must be a complete contrast from our heterosexual counterparts, right? Well, I’ve put together our household routine – let’s count the differences together, shall we? Wake up and sing Every morning when the kids wake up, we sing, “Good Morning, Sun.” I take off their sleep sacks, we stretch our arms and give great morning smiles. Sometimes they go on their tummies to stretch after a long sleep in the same position. Diaper change The kids really love their diaper changes. (And … [Read more...]
#MeToo Parenting: How Moms, Dads Can Make a Difference for All Kids
The #MeToo movement has been a game-changer in the world of entertainment, politics and business. But how can parents make it one in everyday life while raising children? And how can men participate without being accused of the dreaded "mansplaining" or fear of causing more harm than good, no matter their intentions. On the latest Modern Dads Podcast, guest host Whit Honea speaks with two powerful voices on parents’ roles in the #MeToo movement: Karen Walrond and Mike Reynolds. + Listen to our #MeToo parenting podcast + Walrond is an author, photographer, speaker and coach. The Houston … [Read more...]
‘Queer Eye’ and the Formerly Straight Guy Who is Now a Gay Dad
As a professional full-time gay man, I'm obligated to write about the Netflix's recent reboot of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. I sat down with my husband recently to watch the first episode, and after I did, I had a few thoughts. My first thought: I hated it. I'll back up a bit. The original series aired on Bravo from 2003-2007: a kitschy and colorful little show in which five fabulous gay men kidnapped a slovenly straight dude and taught him the ways of the Gay Force. The gays would give the straight slob a makeover: a cool haircut, some better outfits, tips on healthy eating and … [Read more...]
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