A terrible (and incredibly minor) tragedy struck our family while in Texas. Thinking about the way I want my son to think, feel, and act when faced with frustrating situations actually helps me think, feel, and act more rationally in such circumstances.

Daddy Diatribes

Episode 12: Modeling Emotional Responses

It is important to reflect on the way we were parented and decide ahead of time the kind of parent we want to be because our default parenting methods will be imitations of our parents.

Episode 11: Imitating Our Parents

In this episode Jeremiah attempts to apply the concepts from past episodes to our own childhood. We deserved dignity, empathy, patience, respect, and understanding when we were kids as well.

Episode 10: You Matter Too

No one is my superior. No one is my inferior. When everyone is your peer, it opens the opportunity for authentic relationship.

Episode 9: No One Is Better Than Me

It's easy to blame others for our emotions, but we are responsible for the way we feel in response to an event or action. Especially with our own children.

Episode 8: Irrational Emotions

I forced my kid into existence without his consent. He didn't choose it, and thus he has no positive obligations as it pertains to me. However, as one of the people who brought him into this world, I owe him everything he needs.

Episode 7: My Kid Owes Me Nothing

One common piece of parenting advice: "Kids will do what you do and not what you say." Putting this into practice is the hard part.

Episode 6: Do What I Say, Not What I Do

Sometimes things are less than ideal, different than expected, and inconvenient. These can be frustrating, disappointing, and empty. Or frustrating and beautiful.

Episode 5: Enjoyment > Unmet Expectations

We all have strong feelings of love for our children. These are delightful and helpful, but they are not love.

#4: Every Parent Loves Their Kid

An inquiry new parents experience frequently. I suggest an analysis of its underpinnings reveal a poor way of evaluating the "goodness" of a child.

Episode 3: Is He A Good Baby?

One father's thoughts on kids, parenting, and some of the cultural and ethical issues related to both.

hubhopper

Daddy Diatribes

hubhopper