New York Is Building More Than a Fatherhood Committee
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services convened a Fatherhood Steering Committee, marking a shift from treating fathers as peripheral to making fatherhood a core component of child‑well‑being policy. The initiative seeks to embed father engagement across child welfare, juvenile justice, workforce development, and health services, backed by new data‑collection standards. Advocates highlighted the need to address young incarcerated fathers and to ensure safety while promoting accountability. If successful, the model could set a national benchmark for integrated fatherhood strategies.
Let Them Be Bored
Parents increasingly fill children’s schedules with structured activities, leaving little room for unstructured play. Research shows that regular periods of boredom boost creativity, problem‑solving, and emotional regulation, while constant stimulation can heighten anxiety and future addiction risk. Allowing kids to...
This Is How You Get Better
The Daily Dad has launched Daily Dad Society, an online community designed to help fathers improve their parenting skills daily. The platform offers peer‑to‑peer support, reflective discussions, and practical advice for dads at every stage of child‑rearing. It promotes personal...
How to Raise a Kid Who Gives a Damn (without Telling Them What to Think)
Leah Greenberg, co‑founder of Indivisible and mother of two, explains how parents can raise civically engaged children by focusing on fairness, agency, and values rather than prescribing political opinions. She illustrates the approach with a personal story of her son...
Find The Things Where They’re Happy To Be With You
The Daily Dad article advises parents to seek out activities their teenagers love, using those interests as a bridge for quality time. It cites comedian Paul Scheer’s documentary where a mother enjoys a rare bonding moment with her 16‑year‑old at...
Responsible Fatherhood Isn’t Sustainable When Funded Like a Side Project
Kenneth Braswell argues that responsible fatherhood programs are funded like side projects, relying on short‑term grants that undermine stability. He proposes a braided funding model that embeds father engagement across federal, state, and local systems—including health, child‑support, TANF, and workforce...
Is This Really How You Want Tonight To Go?
The Daily Dad article urges parents to forgo petty arguments during transitional moments—travel, trips, or family visits—and focus on connection instead. It warns that short‑term rigidity often leads to lasting regret once the moment passes. The piece promotes a five‑minute...
Benjamin Watson: 5 Messages Kids Need to Hear When They Face Challenges
Former NFL tight end Benjamin Watson uses his own injury saga—torn Achilles, ACL, concussions and a mental‑health break—to outline five messages parents should give kids facing adversity. He stresses that children need to feel supported, see challenges as separate from...
Hunter Renfrow: 4 Things I Realized After Having Kids
NFL wide receiver Hunter Renfrow reflects on how becoming a father reshaped his outlook. He describes a shift from a 20‑year playing mindset to prioritizing family, health, and daily presence. Renfrow also reveals his recent ulcerative colitis diagnosis, which forces...
Recess Isn’t a Reward. It’s a Requirement. Here’s What the New AAP Recess Guidelines Mean for Your Kid.
The American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidelines that define recess as a health necessity, recommending at least 20 minutes of daily unstructured play for all elementary students. Research cited by pediatric experts links recess to lower stress, improved mood,...
You Never Know Where They’ll Find Their Thing
The Daily Dad article emphasizes that parents cannot predict the exact moment or place where their children will discover their lifelong passion, or "their thing." Citing Robert Greene’s concept of a "life’s task," it argues that discovery often occurs through...
Did You Ever See Your Father Cry?
The article argues that most men grow up never seeing their fathers cry, creating a narrow emotional script that limits their own feeling range. Only about 10% of men recall witnessing paternal tears, and roughly 20% let their children see...
Google Docked Dad’s Performance Rating for Taking Baby Bonding Leave, Lawsuit Claims
Google is accused in a California lawsuit of lowering a male employee’s performance rating after he took bonding leave for his second child, a move the complaint says violated the company’s own policies and state anti‑discrimination law. The employee alleges...
I Thought I Was Ready to Turn My Daughter's Bedroom Into My Office. I'm Not Ready to Accept She's Leaving...
A father planned to convert his 18‑year‑old daughter’s bedroom into a home office once she leaves for college, but emotional hesitation made him reconsider. He reflects on the practical benefits—more space, better ergonomics, dual monitors—but the sight of her personal...
Paternal Mortality Is a Family Health Crisis. Georgia’s Legitimation Law Makes It Worse.
A recent JAMA Pediatrics study matched 2017 Georgia birth records to death certificates and identified 796 fathers who died before their children turned five, with 60.3% of those deaths classified as preventable. The research highlights stark racial disparities: non‑Hispanic Black...
Let These Guide You
The Daily Dad article links ancient Stoic cardinal virtues—courage, discipline, justice and wisdom—to modern parenting, suggesting they act as a compass for everyday challenges. It argues that teaching these virtues to children can shape their future and improve family dynamics....
Why Can't My Teen Make A Decision? Experts Explain
A growing number of parents report that teens default to “I don’t know” when faced with everyday choices. Child‑development experts explain that the response is less about confusion and more about risk management—choosing reveals preferences that can be judged or...
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Why Eddie Murphy Forbids His Kids From Acting Before They Turn 18
Eddie Murphy has a family rule that his children cannot act or work in the entertainment industry until they turn 18, aiming to preserve a normal childhood. His youngest daughter, Bella Murphy, broke the rule briefly by auditioning for a...
Nick Cannon Has So Many Kids He Got a Netflix Docuseries
Netflix is set to launch an untitled docuseries this winter that follows entertainer Nick Cannon as he raises his 12 children with six different mothers. The series promises a blend of high‑profile moments, such as "million‑dollar meetings," and everyday parenting...
We’re Done With My Wife’s Brother After How He Treated Our Son. Her Mom Insists We’re Being “Precious.”
A father writes to Slate’s Care and Feeding column after his brother‑in‑law’s children mocked his 7‑year‑old son for wearing an Elsa shirt and expressing traditionally feminine interests. The uncle reacted defensively, accusing the parents of a "woke agenda," while the...
Fatherhood Is a Protective Factor, But Only When Safety Leads
The article argues that fatherhood can be a powerful protective factor for children, but only when safety and accountability are prioritized. It calls for a nuanced, father‑inclusive framework that evaluates the quality of father involvement rather than assuming any presence...
Raising Kids in the Age of AI Doesn’t Have to Feel Like Doom. Here’s Why.
Michele L. Jawando, former Google exec and CEO of Omidyar Network, argues that raising children in the AI era can be hopeful rather than dystopian. She points to a Gallup study showing a 14‑point drop in Gen Z excitement but...
Moving Like a Knight
The article explores how Black men serve as community fathers, filling gaps left by absent biological dads, and challenges the mainstream narrative that paints low‑income fathers as disengaged. Researchers like Natasha Cabrera and Alvin Thomas reveal that Black fathers are...
Jalen Brunson’s Rise Rooted in Father Rick Brunson’s NBA Journey
Rick Brunson, a former NBA journeyman who played nine seasons with eight teams, joined the New York Knicks as an assistant coach in June 2022, just as his son Jalen signed his rookie contract. A painful cut by the Philadelphia 76ers when...
Positive Parenting Styles: An Integrative Map for Practitioners
The article reframes positive parenting as a flexible set of dimensions—warmth, structure, and autonomy support—rather than static labels. It integrates classic two‑dimensional models with self‑determination theory to explain how these factors shape children’s emotional, social, and academic outcomes. Practitioners are...
It’s Supposed To Be Difficult
The article argues that parents increasingly shield children from challenging ideas, literature, and history, fearing discomfort rather than fostering growth. It cites George Saunders’s anecdote about a teacher’s Ambrose Bierce unit being removed after parental complaints, highlighting a broader trend...
How To Teach Kids To "Read The Room" & Have Situational Awareness
A Reddit parent asked how to teach a 5‑year‑old to "read the room" without yelling. The article defines situational awareness as sensing the emotional vibe of a space and explains why it matters for empathy and parental sanity. It then...
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Mastering Screen-Free Road Trips: A Dad’s Kid-Friendly Tips
Travel + Leisure’s June 2023 feature shows how a family of four can enjoy long road trips without relying on in‑vehicle screens. The author recommends hands‑on activities such as Crayola Twistables, magnetic boards, and classic Etch A Sketch toys, alongside travel bingo and alphabet games...
Advertisers Are Still Selling the Myth of the Missing Black Father
A new study by the Moynihan Institute surveyed 51 Black fathers about 15 nationally‑aired TV commercials from 2016‑2021, revealing that most ads either omit Black fathers or portray them in narrow, stereotypical roles. Participants praised Denny’s, Oreo and Dove spots...
The Worst Day Of My Life Was My Kids’ Best Day
Jessie Lerner, a 37‑year‑old mother with a BRCA mutation, underwent her first breast biopsy while juggling preschool drop‑offs. She explained the procedure to her four‑year‑old in plain terms, shielding him from medical jargon. Despite the anxiety of potential cancer, the...
Raised to Have No Emotional Needs?
The article explains how childhood emotional neglect (CEN) teaches children to suppress or hide their feelings, often unintentionally by well‑meaning parents. As adults, these individuals may fear being labeled “needy” and avoid expressing emotional needs. Recognizing that emotional needs are...
Matthew McConaughey's Mom, 94, Says an Old-School Parenting Style Helped Her Raise 'Loving and Productive' Men
Kay McConaughey, 94, told Southern Living that she raised her three sons on a single, non‑negotiable rule: be consistent and obey household rules until age 18, after which they were free to choose their own path. She credits this old‑school...
The Age You Have Your First Child Predicts Your Long-Term Educational and Financial Success
Researchers analyzing the 2017 Statistics Canada General Social Survey found that the age at which individuals have their first child strongly predicts long‑term education, earnings, and health outcomes. Those who became parents in their teens were far less likely to...
Divorced From Reality? Japan’s Joint Custody Reform Divides Parents
Japan amended its Civil Code on April 1, 2024 to allow joint custody after divorce, ending a system that forced sole custody on one parent. A Mainichi poll shows 53 % support and only 10 % opposition, but family‑law experts warn the reform...
Dad Turns Daughter’s Wedding Into Full Sci-Fi Crossover Event
John Chapman, a prop maker, spent two years hand‑crafting Star Wars‑themed costumes and life‑size models for his daughter Zoe Rule’s May 4, 2026 wedding in Wiltshire. The ceremony featured a K‑2SO droid officiating, the bride in a Sabine‑inspired armored dress, and guests...
The End of Helicopter Parenting
The Wall Street Journal highlights a cultural shift from intensive "helicopter" parenting to a more relaxed "beta mom" approach, where parents scale back extracurricular overload and let children set their own schedules. This change reflects a growing emphasis on parental...
Do You Know Where They Are?
The article urges parents who travel or work across time zones to stay actively connected with their children’s daily lives. It highlights the emotional toll of distance and the importance of brief calls or texts to maintain presence. By treating...
Study Reveals How Parenting Styles Shape Babies' Willingness to Help Others
A Durham University study of 273 infants in the United Kingdom and rural and urban Uganda found that mothers' instructional style strongly influences early helping behavior. Ugandan mothers tended to use "assertive scaffolding," giving clear, direct commands, while UK mothers...
Parents Who Grew up in the 1960s Who Seem Emotionally Distant Aren’t Always Withholding — Sometimes They’re Offering Love in...
The article reveals that many parents who came of age in the 1960s appear emotionally distant because they were taught to express love through concrete actions rather than words. The author realized this when his father checked his car oil...
Goldie Hawn Shares Her Advice For Raising Kind, Emotionally Resilient Kids
Goldie Hawn, longtime advocate for children’s mental health, has launched a middle‑grade book series, *The After‑School Kindness Crew: Pooch on the Loose*, co‑written with Lin Oliver. The books weave humor, kindness, curiosity and built‑in "brain breaks" to teach empathy and...
Why Mother’s Day Matters for Fathers Who Live Apart From Their Children
Mother’s Day offers non‑custodial fathers a concrete chance to reinforce a child’s emotional stability. Research shows that a father’s consistent care, respect, and support matters as much as his physical presence. Simple actions—helping make a card, encouraging a call, or...
I’m 38 and I Realized Last Weekend that My Dad Has Started Walking Me to My Car when I Leave...
The author, a 38‑year‑old, realized his father has begun escorting him to the car and extending the goodbye by about five seconds, adding a brief comment and a longer wave. This subtle change, unnoticed for 18‑36 months, signals the father’s...
The Most Painful Thing About Having a Lonely Aging Father Is that He Won’t Let You Fix It — He...
A son recounts a decade of honoring his aging father's polite refusals, only to discover that the man’s words mask deep loneliness. He learns from his mother to "override" the protocol by booking trips without asking, which finally brings his...
Good Dads Recognized with SPS Partner in Excellence Distinction
Good Dads was named one of ten Springfield Public Schools "District Partners in Excellence" for its volunteer‑run Strong Schools program, which hosts before‑school breakfast events that connect students with dads or father‑figures. The initiative operates in more than 40 Missouri...
Thrifting Has Helped My Daughter Understand Life’s Thornier Topics
The author describes how thrift shopping became a practical parenting tool, helping her adopted daughter navigate a gender transition, financial responsibility, and difficult conversations about aging and death. Consignment stores offered affordable, gender‑appropriate clothing and the emotional concept of “rehoming”...
Sting Shares Why His Kids “Make Their Own Way” Instead of Living Off His Money
Sting told CBS Sunday Morning that he will not let his children live off his fortune, insisting they develop a strong work ethic rooted in family values. He said the lesson is not cruel but a trust that they will...
My Kids Are Taking Their First Big Exams – and Revealing My Own Anxieties About AI and Long Division |...
Emma Brockes recounts helping her 11‑year‑old with Year 6 SATs, admitting she still struggles with long division. She uses the experience to question whether traditional exams still serve a purpose as AI reshapes entry‑level jobs and university value. The piece contrasts...
Meet Todd: Taking Action After Son's Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis
Todd, whose son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 8, became actively involved in the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure. He served as chairperson for the Finger Lakes region rides in 2023 and 2024, using his personal story to rally...
Glory Actor Kunal Thakur Calls Father’s First Set Visit His “Real Moment of Glory”
Indian actor Kunal Thakur revealed that his father attended the set of the Netflix series "Glory" for the first time in his nearly ten‑year career. The visit, shared via Instagram, was described as a "real moment of glory" that eclipsed...
Jaundice in Newborns: Everything New Dads Need to Know
Newborn jaundice, a yellowing of skin and eyes caused by excess bilirubin, affects over half of full‑term infants and most preterm babies in the first week of life. Most cases are physiologic, appearing around days two to three, peaking at...