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…
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.
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…
Letter to My Younger Self: 7 Lessons Learned From My First Child
My buddy just had his first child, a beautiful girl. I’m rarely one to give actual advice on parenting as it is hard enough not completely screwing up my own kids let alone thinking I can suggest how others can avoid doing so themselves. So, I’ll give advice to my younger self – a cocky…
A Former CIA Officer’s Guide To Teaching Your Kid Situational Awareness
Like any dad, I love sharing my experiences and passions with my boys. One skill is situational awareness. While I can’t share with my boys the specifics of my work at the CIA, I can share with them some of the skills I learned. We can bond over these skills like a father teaching his…
Reno Dads Podcast Episode 2: Dave Mulligan, author of Mulligan’s Wake
Dave Mulligan Interview – Mulligan’s Wake In this episode of the Reno Dads Podcast we had a ton of fun as we interviewed Reno local, Dave Mulligan, about his first book, “Mulligan’s Wake.” Dave unknowingly started writing this book in the form of a travel journal during the period immediately following his father’s death. Beginning…
The Change From Man and Wife to Mom and Dad
Three weeks. Ish. That’s all that stands between this moment and the moment I officially gain the moniker of “Dad.” When I gain lifetime membership to the fatherhood club. Whoa. Ch-ch-ch-ch Changes My wife, Stephanie, and I could not be more excited to take on the next phase of our relationship and our lives. We’ve…