When our youngest son turned 13 a couple of weeks ago he was officially engulfed in teen spirit, embracing it wholly, eye rolls and all. Granted, the smell of it had moved in several months before, body spray in a hoodie, and the attitude arrived even earlier. His birthday completed the set: two teenage boys sharing a bathroom and little else, save their love of pets and parents. They are, for the most part, free to choose their own adventures. There was a time that I would chronicle all of it -- the love and the loss, the raw and the perfectly flawed. I would put their stories to the … [Read more...]
2018: The Best of City Dads Group’s Writing, Podcasts
With 2018 in its final throes, let's reflect on what has been City Dads Group's most successful year to date. We expanded to 37 cities, including our first venture across the U.S. border with a chapter in Toronto, Canada (more on that in the new year). Our membership numbers are approaching 13,000, and getting more active every day. Our chapters and members have participated in several campaigns -- local and national, for fun and for a cause. We have had great partners such as Dove Men+Care, Plum Organics, Alex's Lemonade Stand and GOOD+ Foundation who understand and … [Read more...]
Parental Blogging and Self-Censorship
I recently had a misunderstanding with a member of my family over blogging, something I wrote about my son and posted online in particular. I tried to convince this relative that it was pure satire, tongue-in-cheek, like "A Modest Proposal" but with Star Wars references peppered throughout. Needless to say, the conversation turned ugly and things were said that we both regret. But, in retrospect, he had a point. This relative was furious that I would post anything negative about my son or that I would make it appear I resented my own child or would seek to harm him in any way. I meant no … [Read more...]