Everyone talks about ‘Phillies Karen’ — but Dad and Son ‘just doing the right thing’ is the true lesson

By acting like a grown-up, he was showing his son that might wasn’t always right, even if the bullies sometimes walk away with the prize. … More Everyone talks about ‘Phillies Karen’ — but Dad and Son ‘just doing the right thing’ is the true lesson

Regret: My Mother can’t realize how rebellious Daughter has inherited her ‘wild streak’

Regrets … I’ve had a few … The older I get, the fewer regrets I hang on to, not that there were many to start with. I’ve had a great run for many years, and I’m not done yet. Many ups, many downs. Now I find myself sandwiched between childhood, parenthood, and spouse-hood. While my … More Regret: My Mother can’t realize how rebellious Daughter has inherited her ‘wild streak’

The ultimate complication of being an Older Dad: Likely you’ll miss the 2nd (or 3rd) act of the show

“Though I know I’ll never lose affection

For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more … More The ultimate complication of being an Older Dad: Likely you’ll miss the 2nd (or 3rd) act of the show

When her feelings turn from tender to toxic, best strategy is keeping my mouth shut

What’s bothering her? She’s barely 10 years old. What weight of the world is she carrying? Is there something big going on in her life, or is she simply submerged under a landslide of minor injustices and irritants? Tender queries reveal two answers: “No,” and “Nothing.” Stomp. Slam. It must be hard growing up in … More When her feelings turn from tender to toxic, best strategy is keeping my mouth shut

She found coal in her stocking Christmas morning — I must’ve had rocks in my head

“If you’re not good, Santa is going to leave coal in your stocking!” Sure, we’ve all heard it. Said it. Understand the implications of the threat. But have you ever gotten a firsthand eyeful of what happens when this nightmare becomes reality for a child on Christmas morning? Sure, it had been a little rougher … More She found coal in her stocking Christmas morning — I must’ve had rocks in my head

This year’s Santa Claus: Hoping her beliefs evolve – not vanish

To believe, or not to believe. Last year, we wondered if it was the last Christmas for Santa Claus with Young Daughter. It’s bittersweet, since she’s been a fervent believer since she could recognize the jolly old fellow. We’ve watched the Polar Express the past few years, hoping it will ease the transition. I tell … More This year’s Santa Claus: Hoping her beliefs evolve – not vanish

Days of ‘magic’ might be passing for her — but never for parents

He casts a magic spell, as our daughter leans back in the plush seat. That’s the euphemism favored by our children’s dentist, who refuses to use the term “pulling teeth” in front of his young clientele. “I just lean back and breathe through that mask. Next thing I know, he’s done his magic!” Unfortunately, “magic” has become … More Days of ‘magic’ might be passing for her — but never for parents

Wonder Woman vs. the UFO: Halloween’s sweet memories (not the candy)

I still remember the Halloween my mother duded me up as the then-TV hero Green Hornet. There was the dark green hand-me-down, knee-length coat, which was too uncool for me to wear as a raincoat. The green mask covering my eyes, and the toy gun in my pocket, completed the get-up. I think it was … More Wonder Woman vs. the UFO: Halloween’s sweet memories (not the candy)