Role Models for Marriage
Every marriage needs role models, couples to look up to and imitate – usually parents. But for young people raised without stable, marital role models, mentors can fill the gap, offering hope and guidance.
Identity Crisis
I finally got it all together. Then I forgot where I put it. In my life BC (before children), I had a career based around my impeccable attention to detail. Writing, proofing, editing. Nothing gave me greater pleasure than spotting a typo at 50 paces. I don’t know whether it’s ...
Cry for Help
Parenting is a wonderful but also very difficult enterprise. Make sure to take time out for yourself to rest and recuperate from the constant demands. Also, don't be afraid to seek professional support. Ask for help when you need it -- this will help you and your family flourish. Being ...
Expanding Your Capacity
When you are juggling family and work responsibilities at full capacity, is there still room for giving back to your community? Once a month, on a Sunday afternoon, we head out to our ‘connect group’ as part of our church. Connect Group is a group of families that meet together ...
Finding Option 3
Even when you are overwhelmed by unforeseen messes, it is possible to choose to laugh at the situation and carry on. It always happens when you’re at your most tired and looking after the kids by yourself. One or multiple children engage in a maddening act that would be enough ...
12 Reasons Why Being a Bad Mum Makes Me a Good Mum
On the weekend I headed to see the movie Bad Moms with a group of school mums whom I just love hanging out with and getting to know. Let’s be honest, there was bad language and themes that were definitely for adult eyes only. But the movie pointed out something ...
How Your Child Views the News
If you’re struggling to cope with the graphic details and images you’re exposed to in the media (cyclones, acts of terrorism and violence), imagine what must be going through the minds of your children. Children contend with these images according to their age and development. Little ones will often mix ...
40 Ways Your House Will Change Once You Have Kids
Be prepared for the absolute mess which your children can make while growing up. At the same time, they will fill your home with joy. Kids. They are amazing creatures whom you love to the moon and back, but they can frustrate the heck out of you. And none of ...
Six Things You Don’t Want to Hear From Your Kids When in The Pool
Taking the kids anywhere is always an adventure -- a swim in the pool can give rise to a whole other level of memorable moments! Heading to the pool with three kids in tow is no relaxing feat. Gone are the days of taking a book to the pool and ...
Keep Your Kids SunSmart All Year Round
To prevent sunburn now and skin cancer later in life, make sure your children abide by the easy steps to be SunSmart. Sandwich? Check. Water bottle? Check. A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses -- to help your kids stay SunSmart? They should definitely be instant ‘checks’ when packing the schoolbag daily! Here ...
When Life has Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Moments
There are moments when one can feel totally overwhelmed by the stresses of parenting, but take a deep breath -- these moments pass. When I feel overwhelmed by my family and life in general, I like to watch a movie that reminds me I much prefer my crazy than someone ...
Digital Detox
With the young becoming quickly addicted to digital technology and social media, parents need to be aware and prepared for disciplining and guiding their children in the use of the internet. Whether we like it or not, you and I are pioneers in this brave new world of parenting in ...
Why Having a Margin is Essential in Life
It can be a habit to push oneself to the limit, but consciously carving time out of paid work, housework and childcare to rest, tend to yourself and others, and listen to God's soft prompting will keep you happier and at peace amidst the busyness of life. Life has been ...
Declaring War on Allergies
My son's many allergies have been a trial. In learning to alleviate his pain, and watching him bear patiently with discomfort, I have found a depth of strength and love which I never knew I had. ‘We’ll have to shut down the whole clinic for the afternoon,’ she said, annoyed. ...
Understanding the YOLO Generation
To guide your children through the throes of their teen years, help them form genuine relationships and find their purpose. Having a goal directs their energies in a productive and life-giving direction, instead of frittering their youth away with a YOLO attitude. This generation of teenagers is worrying parents like ...
Choosing to Focus on What Matters Most
It can become overwhelming to juggle one's duties and deal with interpersonal conflict. However, taking a step back and considering what matters most in your life can help you regain perspective on why the daily grind is all worth it -- for your family. Life is never without problems, is ...
The Desires of Your Heart as a Parent
One's career ambitions or personal desires can take longer to achieve when busy parenting your children. Still, have patience and savour each moment with your family. At my old church, there were initiatives and events in place to get more women to connect with each other, mainly to get the ...
What to Say if You Think Your Teen Daughter is Having Sex
Parenting expert Michelle Mitchell shares pointers on how to address the thorny topic of premarital sex with your teenaged daughter. Sexual intimacy is a wonderful gift but it can also be a source of great harm when misused. It is essential to provide guidance on this aspect of human relationships, ...
If You’re Grieving this Christmas, Look at the Stars
Christmastime is difficult for many people suffering loss and separation from their loved ones. If you are in pain, turn to the Christ Child Who was born in a stable, far from home; the Father Who loves us so deeply no matter how far we may wander; and the Holy ...
Backyard Water Fun with an Inflatable Water Slide
For hours of summer fun in the sun making splendid memories, invest in an inflatable water slide for your children. Here are some tips on how to pick a suitable slide, and how to maintain it well, along with your yard. One of the best Christmas presents we’ve bought the ...
A Random Act of Christmas – Mother to Mother
If you are able to, find an opportunity to spread a random act of kindness this Christmas season. You could touch someone deeply and change their life for the better, creating a ripple effect of paying it forward. This time last year, a kindly gentleman rescued me at a busy ...
6 Tips for Spring-Cleaning a Home
Looking for motivation to declutter your home? These 6 tips for spring-cleaning your home might help. The holidays have always been the best time to deep-clean the home, which often includes a cull of material possessions. But when you’re forced to isolate at home (as many of us have experienced), ...
Supporting Your Child Through a Trauma
Loss and grief are naturally part and parcel of our finite lives. This does not make it any easier. How can we teach our children to handle the pain? When my father passed away suddenly, I was quickly forced to understand how a traumatic event can tip a family upsidedown. ...
Parenting: Too Many Chiefs, Not Enough Villages
Parenting can be so all-consuming that we end up disconnected from other parents who need our support and who can support us. We end up becoming a band of lonesome chiefs with no communal village. How can mothers connect and support one another more during these vital years? Do you ...
Choosing to Join In When Your Kids Have Fun
Having fun with your kids sometimes means choosing to join them in their silly activities. The other day my girls emptied shredded paper all over the floor to play with it -- so I joined them! On Friday afternoon, I had Phoebe asleep in the swing while Esther and Magdalene ...
You Won’t Believe What Love and Nurture Does to Your Child’s Brain
Some parents worry that too much nurture can make children co-dependent. But the risk of too little is worse. You won't believe what love and nurture does to your child's brain. "I wish I hadn't cuddled my babies so much," said no mother, ever! It's probably one piece of parenting ...
About
The Daily Dad is a blog for writers to share interesting insights, news, and stories, to encourage dads and their families. The opinions of the various writers are not necessarily the opinion of Dads4Kids. Please do your own research and come to your own conclusions. We welcome feedback and if you would like to submit an article for the Daily Dad, please contact the editor at info@dads4kids.org.au
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