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Explore heartfelt stories and practical advice on Dadjogger.com’s Family category, where fatherhood takes center stage. Join us as we delve into the joys and challenges of raising a family through a dad’s eyes. Whether you’re a new dad or a seasoned parent, find inspiration and support in our community of family-focused joggers.

Fatherhood is much more than a title. It’s a commitment that plays a critical role in shaping a child’s future. A bunch of what I know today came directly from my father, or he was where the spark started. So, the importance of fathers in child development is essential. Research shows that children with engaged fathers are more likely to...
The journey to fatherhood, the first time around, is a whirlwind of emotions, from surreal joy to bone-chilling fear. Picture this: you're sitting in the doctor's office, gazing at the screen as the ultrasound reveals the tiny, fluttering heartbeat of your unborn child. You can see every valve of the tiny heart, the fingers and toes, and even a...
You’ve read the books, scoured the blogs, and watched countless videos. Now you're thinking you’re ready for this wild ride called parenting. But the truth is, no book can fully prepare you for what’s ahead. It’s like looking at a picture of a spectacular view versus standing on the mountain yourself—completely different experiences.  Lately, I’ve been reflecting on this more...
For my family that thrives on the “go, go, go,” a trip to Disney is like the ultimate endurance test, think marathon, but with more popcorn and Dole Whips. This recent Disney trip gave me a fresh perspective on endurance, both in terms of patience and physical stamina, and even provided some lessons that could benefit a distance runner.  The...
Father mowing the lawn while holding hands with two children, teaching them responsibility through outdoor chores.
My wife and I are always looking for ways to teach our children about responsibility, character-building, and the value of hard work. We both grew up working at early ages: Kelly in a movie theater, and myself in sport training (soccer and swimming). One effective way to instill these qualities is by assigning chores to your kids. Not only...
Picture this: it’s early morning, and you’re lacing up your running shoes for a quick jog before the day fully kicks off (maybe your coffee is brewing, but not mine). The house is quiet with sleeping children. Alarms are minutes away from sending the house into the get-ready-for-school panic. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! The peaceful start you were hoping for?...
Childhood Anxiety
Childhood Anxiety is something many parents worry about, and rightfully so. It wasn’t a common topic of discussion for past generations, but today’s parents are more attuned to the emotional well-being of their children. While it's normal for kids to exhibit occasional anxiety (think public speaking at school, sports tryouts, etc.), persistent signs of childhood anxiety may indicate a...
I’m the kind of person who strives to be on time, or even early. I can’t stand being late unless there’s a clear expectation that lateness is acceptable (looking at you, casual backyard BBQs). For everything else, being punctual matters, at least to me. But as any dad knows, getting kids out the door on time can feel like trying...
Becoming a father has been an extraordinary journey. It is filled with moments of immense joy, profound challenges, and endless love. While it still feels like my journey is just beginning with 3 boys under 10, I've come to realize that the success of my family and the development of my children hinge significantly on the presence and influence...
As a dad and an avid runner (learn more about me here), I've pounded the pavement and navigated the wild terrain of parenting, often finding the two experiences are more alike than they seem. Both are marathons, not sprints, filled with highs, lows, and the unexpected. Here's how hitting the track has shaped my approach to fatherhood, one mile...