I spent a lot of time growing up in garages. They were the manhood museums of my late grandfathers; they held a half-century’s worth of their work and whatchamacallits. Tools, scraps of metal and wood, sawdust, two-stroke motors, and oil cans tell the story of the men in my family. It was in those garages…
Category: Being a Dad
As Big Daddy Kane once said, “Dadding Ain’t Easy” (or something like that). Our dads explore best practices, dad skills and things to think about when playing the role of father. Since there’s no “how to” guide that we’re aware of, we offer our thoughts on how to be the best dad you can be.
Everyday Dad / Disneyland Dad
To a certain extent, every parent (and parenting team) has to wrestle with being the “cool” parent or the “strict” parent. I’ve seen plenty of parents who take pride in being the disciplinarian, the rule maker and enforcer, all the while knowing that their partner is relieved (in a sense) of that side of the…
Kids Answer Questions about Dad for Father’s Day
To celebrate Father’s Day, we asked kids to answer questions about their dads (like “what’s something your dad says all the time?”). Their responses are both funny and heartwarming. Enjoy!
Local Politics and Building a Better Reno
Politics is the most divisive topic of the day. More so than religion or sports, especially these days. Everyone’s focus is on President Trump, for better or worse, or national politics in general. We rarely take the time to discuss local politics, let alone getting involved at that level. Politics at the local level affect…
Mother’s Day: A Day to Honor Moms & Edify Sons
I was born May 13, 1982, a mere four days after Mother’s Day. I like to think I was a gift to my mother that year. I’m nearly certain she’d say the same. This year my birthday and Mother’s Day coincide. I won’t get to celebrate in person with my mother since she lives in…
American Traffic
My First Trip to Thailand “Girls?! Girls?!” That was the first thing the Thai street vendor said to me when I stepped off the brow of the USS George Washington. It was the summer of 2011, and we has just pulled into port in Pattaya Beach, Thailand. I was more than excited to finally touch…
Reno Dads Podcast Episode 6: Situational Awareness
Situational Awareness: Play the Game In this episode, the Reno Dads sit down and talk about a great article by one of our own Reno Dads, David about Teaching Situational Awareness. It’s an important skill that dads can have a large role in helping our kids develop. What is situational awareness, exactly? David provides a great…
Shaving Cream Easter Eggs
Coloring and decorating eggs for Easter is a long-standing tradition for families. For many years, my family used the typical method of pouring vinegar into those store-bought color cups. You put the egg in the cup, and you sit and wait. If you want a really brilliant color, you go do something else for a…
Reno Dads Podcast Episode 5: Baby Names!
Baby Names: Don’t Screw this Up! In this episode, the Reno Dads sit down and talk baby names. Yeah, we’re manly enough to talk about how important it is to get this ONE thing right, on the first day of fatherhood! Stories about how each of the hosts (and their partners) arrived at their kids’…
Review: Kerak Shrine Circus
With all the options of family entertainment coming through Reno, I have forgotten the old fashioned fun of the Kerak Shrine Circus. Admittedly, it has been years since I have personally been to any kind of circus. The whole prospect of taking my young kids to a place full of clowns just seemed daunting in…
Reno Dads Podcast Episode 4: Kylee’s Wish with Kehl LeSourd
Kylee’s Wish: A Story of Hope and Resilience In this episode, the Reno Dads sit down with Kehl LeSourd, a dad who inspires us with his and his family’s story of resilience in the face of some very challenging circumstances. Kehl is the father of Kylee LeSourd (who, at age 7, was diagnosed with brain cancer)….
Talking To Your Kids About School Shootings
School Shootings Talking to your kids about a school shooting. This shouldn’t be a concept, but the news of another school shooting is again taking America by storm. This time in Parkland, Florida. Next time somewhere else, hopefully not close to home. I cannot imagine the incredible pain the parents are going through losing a…