Last week I went to Disneyland with my wife, two sons and my wifes friends, and their child, who were visiting from Argentina. I am always reluctant to go to the theme parks mostly because I don’t like all of the waiting, walking around and the plain ole hassle that it can be.

But, I must say that I loved being with my family and had a really, really fun time. The best part was seeing the joy on my families face that I was there with them.

My son and I had just come off of exhilirating ride on the Matahorn. We were chatting it up on how “awesome” it was. I think my son must of said the word “awesome” ten times. It was great.

As we walked off I saw a father “dragging” his son out of the line. The father was filled with anger and chiding his son in front of the whole crowd. Tears were streaming down the boys face. It was pretty obvious to me that at the last minute the boy got scared and didn’t want to go on the ride. And, his “macho” father let him have it. It was painful to see this go down.

I am not hear to judge this man but men, let’s take in Alexine’s article and take a moment before we act out of emotion and anger. Our kids will be better for and so shall we.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Gabriel

Welcome to August’s “Counselor’s Corner” article. As I shared in the newsletter, each month I will profile a professional counselor/therapist who will provide some parenting tips/thoughts with us. Enjoy Alexine’s article on “Active Listening.” Alexine Thompson-de Benoit, M.S., MFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Please respond to her article. I would love to hear your thoughts and what you think. You can contact Alexine directlyif you need some one-on-one assistance. Her contact information is after the article. (more…)

I still don’t know what to expect when I have a kid, and I ‘ve had one for 6 months now. As a man, making progress is important and just when I think something is figured out, it changes — HE changes. Well, it sure keeps me on my toes and reminds me that this little guy is a real person, not some sort of sophisticated doll or something.

Isaac is his name. Isaac Jonathan. I thought I was working hard before he was born… Boy I look forward to seeing him when I get home and when he is lying in his crib in the morning, just waiting for his first hug. This boy can change in an instant so I’ve learned a new lesson in enjoying the now, not what now should, could, or might be but what it is.

As this video so clearly shows, sometimes the moment arrives and you almost don’t realize how amazingly special it is until it’s over. Thank God for inexpensive digital cameras and a quick thinking mom! I hope I can grow to appreciate the moment as it is more often and not miss the pleasant surprises that often trail the hard work. Much love to my boy and his irreplaceable mommy. A hat tip to the dads out there.

– Jon C., San Gabriel, CA

Let me introduce you to our Daddy of the Month for August. Damon Domici is a single father to his lovely daughter Angelina. Daddy of the month is a new thing we are doing here at American Daddy! I want to hi-light men that are making a difference in their child/children’s lives by being committed to them.

Please send me a picture of you and your child or children plus a story of what being a dad means to you. Check out Damon’s story below! It rocks and will certainly put a big smile on your face!!!

THE PERFECT DATE

We walked right in the restaurant holding hands.
Everyone stopped and stared at us. Some even came up
to me and said how beautiful she was. She was the
perfect woman through the entire date…no arguing, no
complaining, and she even laughed at my jokes. She
ordered the least expensive meal without hesitation.
She made me smile and she made me laugh. She fed me
some of her food and let me feed her some of mine.
Things couldn’t have been more genuine. At the end of
the night she gave me a kiss & a hug. Better yet she
came home with me. What topped the night off was she
said “thank you, daddy” and fell asleep right by my
side.

I love you so much, Angelina….you are the best thing
that has ever happened to me!

Truly, the best date I’ve ever had with my beautiful
daughter!

Damon…thanks for your contribution to American Daddy!

Hello Friends…I wanted to let everyone know that I have been brought on as the “daddy expert” for a blog community, called The Spotter, based out of New York City. It’s a cool site where they are reaching out to form community in the City. It will be launching in the next couple of weeks. The blogs address is www.thespotter.net. I am very excited to be a part of this community as one of the experts!