Parenting

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Christmas Regressions, New Years Resolutions, and I Don’t Want to Do Anything

I’m tired. I know that everyone is tired right now. Christmas and New Year are in our rearview, and kids are mostly going back to school. My oldest went back to school today, kicking and screaming, and my youngest is currently taking a nap, but I just don’t want to do anything. But I’m forcing […]

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a collage of a man holding his son, the same man pushing a kid on a swing, and a man dressed as a teacher holding a book

The Ghost of Past, Present, and Future at JS Wordsmith

What a crazy year 2023 turned out to be. This time last year, I had an idea my year would be different, but I didn’t know how different. Here’s a reflection on the 2023 year, the changes, and the future in 2024. The Past When 2023 started, I had been a tennis coach and English

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Managing Quality Time with Two Kids

Managing life as a family with one kid can prove difficult at the best of times. Throw in another younger child, and you have a recipe for demanding days and stressful nights. Managing quality time with two kids and ensuring everyone gets equal attention can be elusive. The other day, while preparing for our tumultuous

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Bingo, Bandit, Chili, and Bluey Heeler in front of their house

How an Episode of Bluey About Thumb Sucking Changed My Parenting Style

I know I’m still pretty new to this parenting thing. I’ve only been at it for three years, and I’m still learning. I’ve learned so much as a stay-at-home dad, but it’s wild that I changed my parenting views based on the advice of a cartoon dog designed for kids. Look, I know kids shouldn’t

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A dad and son playing on a seesaw

5 Things I’ve Learned as a Stay-at-Home Parent So Far

Growing up, many people thought being a stay-at-home parent was a dream job. You get to sit around do nothing, but deal with the kids. It seemed like a great situation. But that’s not the case. I never thought it would be easy to be a stay-at-home parent. After becoming a stay-at-home dad for the

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Dealing With a Toddler With a Stomach Bug for More Than Two Weeks

My two-year-old has been fighting a stomach bug for the past two weeks. These two weeks have dealt me some of the most challenging times I’ve experienced as a stay-at-home parent. Watching your children suffer is never easy, but you know you’ll get through it. Dealing with a toddler with a stomach bug provides it’s

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a stay-at-home dad and his son with trees in the background

I Never Meant to be a Stay-At-Home Dad

Life is strange. I always imagined being a dad. That’s just what happens to you when you get old, right? Okay, maybe not for everyone. I didn’t think about kids during my 20s and early 30s. But now, I’m an accidental stay-at-home dad. How Did I Get Here As I’ve chronicled, for the past 13

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