Featured in:
Author Archives: Jeff Allanach
Eating out together yet alone
My family does not eat out often, so it’s a treat when Karen and I leave the kitchen idle and take the kids out to dinner. We use the time to talk with each other in a relaxed atmosphere, and … Continue reading
Posted in Blog
Leave a comment
Look! Up in the sky. It’s a … Oh, it’s you, Dad.
I’m at my best when I do one of two things: play with my children and write. I feel like Superman when I combine the two, so I saw a great opportunity to leap tall buildings in a single bound … Continue reading
I’m not here!
Me, after arriving home from work the other day: Hi! Gavin (5), while hiding under a blanket: Hi, Daddy! I want you to know I’m not here. Me: Then why did you tell me you’re not here? Gavin: I can’t … Continue reading
Posted in Things My Kids Say
Leave a comment
Who’s Fred?
Celeste (9): Who’s Fred? Me: Excuse me? Celeste: Well, it’s FRED-erick, right? So who’s Fred? Me: I don’t know. Celeste: Then why can’t it be Celesterick?
Posted in Things My Kids Say
Leave a comment
The work of becoming a better dad is never done
I don’t often think about what it takes to be a better dad. I just do what comes naturally, and hope that my children can feel the sincerity in my actions and see the honesty in my eyes when I … Continue reading
Hot sauce is a condiment, not punishment
The story and video of a mother in Alaska disciplining her 7-year-old son with hot sauce and a cold shower has gone viral on the Internet, and resulted in child abuse charges placed against her. That she committed the act … Continue reading
What’s it take to be a better dad? Read. Play. Bake.
It would never occur to me to not read to my children. My wife and I started reading bedtime stories to Celeste when she was three months old, and have continued the routine nearly every day of her nine years … Continue reading
Attack of the Mud Wasps
Ever see the cartoon where that goofy guy in a ratty T-shirt was whistling happily while doing yard work when he ran into a bee hive? Yeah, a million angry, buzzing stingers swarmed out of the hive at once, formed the … Continue reading
Posted in Blog
Leave a comment
Jesus must be tired!
Gavin (5), as we’re climbing in the car the other day: Can Obi (our cat) see me when he’s asleep? Me: No, he’s sleeping. His eyes are closed. Gavin: Can Jesus see me? Me: Yes, always. Gavin: Even when he’s … Continue reading
Posted in Things My Kids Say
Leave a comment
Must. Stay. Focused.
I smiled defiantly when I read the first tip offered by the National Fatherhood Initiative for the second week of its month-long program, “30 Days to Be a Better Dad.” “Stay focused,” it read. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. I … Continue reading