We asked some of our City Dads Group members to reflect on what they took away from attending the recent Dad 2.0 Summit in San Francisco. Here are a few of their thoughts:
Michael Moebes, Atlanta Dads Group
The opening keynote inspired me to be a “good man” over a “real man.” I was astounded to learn that children actually have fewer mental and behavioral issues if they see both parents helping with housework (and daughters’ career aspirations will be higher). This was convicting, as my children hardly ever see me doing housework. Does anyone ever ask his wife to let him do more housework in front of his children? I’m about to.
I also came away inspired by the mentoring panel. You see, Atlanta has this new program called “veterans court.” I signed up a while back but haven’t made time to meet with my mentee yet, and a large reason why is because I’ve felt intimidated by the prospect of trying to help someone who’s older than I am and has had multiple issues with law enforcement and alcohol. Well, I’ve had multiple issues with law enforcement and alcohol, too, and I’m tired of being scared to try to help someone I’m not sure I can benefit. Because you know what’s not helpful? Not helping. I committed today to the program chair to be with my mentee Friday morning in court at his hearing.
One day, my children will realize that my annual trips to the Dad 2.0 Summit benefited them in ways that were even greater than the bag of Transformers and Legos I gave them today after dinner. And for that, I’m grateful that this program continues to grow, and I can’t wait for its fifth installment in 2016.
— Read Michael’s complete thoughts on Dad 2.0 on his blog Dadcation.
Victor Aragon, Chicago Dads Group
There is no awkwardness.
One thing I was worried about was meeting and talking to the other dad bloggers, but you know what, I was worried about nothing. Due to me being active on Facebook’s Dad Bloggers page, most of these guys already recognized me. It was more like running into an old friend than meeting a stranger. I felt welcomed and very comfortable after a few minutes at the summit.
It can be a little overwhelming when you get to the summit. There are lounges to visit, cars to test drive, conference rooms filled with brands and panels to attend. I did make an itinerary before I left for the conference, but I did not stick to it. I did attend a few panels I wanted to, but lost track of time talking to brands, that I missed a panel I really wanted to see.
— Read Victor’s complete thoughts on Dad 2.0 on the blog FanDads.
Doug Gertner, Denver Dads Group
I was totally blown away by what I encountered at the 2015 Dad 2.0 Summit. My first day began with a reunion with my friend and mentor Michael Kimmel, a leading researcher and writer on men and masculinity, and the delight of reuniting with men’s equality expert Michael Kaufman; then I met in real life mental health advocate Sally Spencer-Thomas who’d been my radio guest during a men’s health special. I just wish she’d brought Dr. Rich Mahogany with her. Anyway, it just got better from there…
Kimmel’s keynote set the tone, the panels and breakouts took it to a new level, and by the time we boarded the bus to visit LucasFilm, I was hooked on this Daddy Blogger community. What a treat to see folks I’ve known and collaborated with like Jessica DeGroot and Armin Brott, and to meet and explore future synergies with folks like Diaper Dude Chris Pegula, and professor/author Scott Behson, who chaired an impressive session on paternal/parental leave policy.
I won’t need convincing to go to Dad 2.0 again. See you at the 2016 even in Washington, D.C.!
— Doug writes ‘The Grateful Dad’ blog on his website DougGertner.com.
Adam Gertsacov, Chicago Dads Groups
Being a blogger/entrepreneur/involved dad is not easy, and being in a community of great guys who are going through a lot of the things I’m going through, have and lived to tell the tale about, or are about to go through is a boon to me. This group is a great group of guys with a lot of wisdom and a lot of bonhomie. And it helps. It’s easy to feel isolated when you work by yourself, or when your primary company during the day is your child.
At the end of the conference, everybody seemed to be having a great time, and for whatever reason, I caught myself feeling a little sad and a lot alone. Not sure why — although I think part of it was missing my family a little. At any rate, I was looking at the rest of the guys having fun, and wondering “Have I missed it? Am I not part of the group? How come I’m not having the same kind of fun as everyone else?” I went back to my room, and had the thought that maybe I should just stay in and wallow. Long story short, I pushed myself to not do that, I went down to the lobby, found a group that was going out to dinner, invited myself in a little, and ended up having a great time. I also heard one of the funniest true life stories I’ve heard in a LONG time!
And afterward, hanging around with a bunch of the “in” guys at the bar, I found myself in the thick of it, and having the good time I was afraid I wasn’t having previously. And I really connected with a couple of guys who I hadn’t really talked to all conference.
— Read Adam’s complete thoughts on Dad 2.0 on his blog Dadapalooza.
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