Ten Reasons Why We Fail
Here are ten reflections on falling short of a desired outcome. More precisely, why we fail despite ourselves or our best intentions.
Life Lessons at the Bike Park
One day, I won’t be there to catch them, and I need for them to know how to dust themselves off and keep going.
Mr. Reading, My Reading Teacher
October 5 is set aside as World Teachers’ Day, a time to honour educators around the globe. A Daily Dad reader remembers one teacher who made a difference in his life.
Once a Father, Always a Father
When your children have their own children, you get a promotion and join the elite group known as grandfathers. This elevation provides you with a whole new set of responsibilities, opportunities and joys.
50 Positive Affirmations for Dads
Whether new to the dad guild or a veteran dad-lifer, blunt affirmations offer sharp relief. Telling ourselves objective truths keeps us fit for the fight.
7 Lessons for Fathers from Mary Poppins
I know. “Mary Poppins.” I haven’t blown a gasket. Just hear me out. Without drilling too much into childhood nostalgia, or the feminist overtones, the original film has a great deal of good in it for dads. With the help of actor David Tomilson (1917-2000), the P.L. Travers/Disney film was more about fatherhood, than a ‘magical nanny.’ George Banks (Tomilson) ‘was the Poppins’ protagonist,’ explained Nathan Morley in his Tomilson biography, ...
The Best Things About Being a Single Dad
A few weeks ago, on an impulse and wanting to share a snapshot of my post-separation status, I wrote a part-whimsical, part-serious piece about the worst parts of being a single dad. By implication, if some parts are worst, then there must be some best bits, says my cerebral dialogue. Voice Number One says the best bit is simply being a dad. Voice Number One ignores the “single” tag and just ...
A Letter To My Younger Self
Now I’m a Nonna and have raised my own children, I can relax and watch as my son parents his little girl. I think back to myself as a young mum and I wonder what words of wisdom I could share with her. The things I know now -- hmmm… I’m always learning and growing, so I guess even these words will change as I continue my life's path. However, here’s ...
Eagle Parenting – Engaged Parenting
American Bald Eagles usually mate for life. Living between 20-30 years in the wild, the main mascots of the United States since 1782 also share traditional parenting roles. Thanks to modern tech, researchers have gathered more knowledge about this North American icon’s parenting skills, much of which comes from a platoon of Live Eagle Cams made available by conservationist groups. (Slight segue: These Eagle Cams are a great idea for a ...
My Annual Dad Superpower Check-up
Visiting the dentist has all the appeal of cleaning my daughters’ long, clagged hair out of the shower drain. I visit annually because it is the right thing to do. Each visit follows a predictable pattern. I arrive early at the clinic. I eagerly anticipate being able to read a National Geographic (I have allergies to sitting still doing nothing and like learning things) and ultimately am disappointed by the tattered ...
