Rekindling the Christmas Spirit: A Dad’s Guide

Ah, Christmas. The time of year when the air is filled with the scent of pine, the sound of jingle bells, and the sight of… teenagers rolling their eyes at your festive enthusiasm. If you’re like me, a dad trying to keep the Christmas spirit alive, you might have noticed that things change as your kids grow older. Gone are the days when they were thrilled by a visit to Santa or a simple string of lights. Now, everything feels a bit more procedural, like we’re all just going through the motions. But fear not. Here are some tips to shake things up and find that elusive holiday magic again.

Thank You: Reflecting on 12 Years of Blogging

As I sit down to write this post, I am filled with gratitude and reflection. It’s hard to believe that it has been 12 years since I started Like a Dad. What began as a simple journal during my parental leave has blossomed into something much more meaningful. Over the years, this blog has evolved into a space where I share my thoughts on fatherhood, BBQ, sports, and life’s everyday moments. Today, I want to take a moment to say thank you—to each and every one of you who has taken the time to read, comment, and engage with my blogging adventures.

The Dad Report: Your weekly news – Nov. 15

This week, I have gathered a collection of insightful and heartwarming stories about fatherhood from various blogs. From personal reflections to community events, these stories highlight the diverse experiences of modern dads. Whether you’re a father yourself or simply interested in the evolving role of dads today, these stories offer inspiration and perspective. Dive into the narratives below for November 15th.

Parenting Truths: The little things that test our patience

While parenting is a rewarding journey, it’s not without its frustrations. From constant interruptions to the never-ending messes, these small but persistent irritations can add up. As a form of dad therapy, I wanted to explore some of the most common things that annoy parents and how we can manage them with humour and patience. Spolier-alert, it’s not always possible, and that is okay. Let’s get started with some parenting truths.

The Dad Report: Your weekly news – Nov. 1

This week, I have gathered a collection of insightful and heartwarming stories about fatherhood from various blogs. From personal reflections to community events, these stories highlight the diverse experiences of modern dads. Whether you’re a father yourself or simply interested in the evolving role of dads today, these stories offer inspiration and perspective. Dive into the narratives below for November 1st.

Navigating teen smartphone use: A balanced approach

Negotiating phone time with teenagers can feel like a constant battle. It’s as if their devices are permanently attached to them, making it challenging to encourage breaks from screens. Even when they do put their phones down, the temptation to check social media or messages remains strong. This behaviour often leads to prolonged screen time, despite initial intentions for a quick check.

Communicating with your teen without losing your mind

Ah, teenagers. Those mysterious creatures who can go from sweet to sullen in the blink of an eye. As a dad of two boys, I get it—communicating with your teen can feel like trying to decode an alien language. There is no training. You think you will be ready after parenting your way out of the little kid phase. You believe it will all fall into place. It does not. Parenting teens is a whole different world. It’s kind of like when you finish a race (if you run) and instead of hitting the food table, there is a new race just starting. But fear not. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate these turbulent waters with a sprinkle of humour and a dash of patience.

The Dad Report: Your weekly news – Oct. 25

Welcome to this week’s curated collection of heartwarming and insightful stories about fatherhood from around the web. The week of October 21, 2024, brought a diverse array of narratives highlighting the unique challenges and joys of being a dad. From initiatives promoting engaged fatherhood and gender equality to personal tales of resilience and love, these stories capture the essence of modern parenting. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, reassurance, or simply a good read, these dad-centric stories offer something for everyone. Dive in and explore how fathers around the world are making a difference in their families and communities.