Dad Without Borders

This is a chance to share some recent "wins" as a long-distance parent and offer some hot tips to anyone that might need some advice in navigating long-distance relationships with their kids. It is not easy to be away from your kids, even for a week. I have to deal with many months separated from my oldest son who lives in the UK, and making him feel like a part of my family here in Canada is not an easy task. But my three young sons are incredibly close and this it the result of thoughtful, creative parenting. I hope this short episode provides some hope for other dads that might be struggling.

This week I share my recent experience with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) - dealing with the trauma of a child custody trial - as an effective way to deal with any residue impact on the mind and body. It was a really interesting and productive experience for me and I want to encourage other Dads to consider seeking therapy in some form if they have not already done so. As part of the parenting journey, we need to own our own shit and confront our demons to become the best parents we can be - in my opinion. Kids are our best teachers, so it's a great opportunity for personal development. This leads to a reflection on parenting from a distance with a child overseas, and actually how it's possible to be as connected as any day-to-day parent, if not more so. I then touch on current challenges with our three-year-old boy that anyone with young kids might be able to relate to - and how we are dealing with it.

A great conversation about how to show up as a parent with the author of Parenting for a Peaceful Home. Drew Tupper is an Author, life coach, husband, and father of two. He has dedicated his life to seeking truth and creating purpose. He practices these intentions by examining and analyzing questions such as: Why are we here? How should we live? What matters? And how can we BE so that our lives are an outward projection of our being? He has overcome struggle and knows what it feels like to feel stuck, angry, and lost. His life is a testament to the adage that growth is not always a straightforward path, but that it is always a worthwhile pursuit. In his words, he “found liberation in loving himself unconditionally,” which “allows him to create his life, rather than react.” Now, this is what he helps his clients do. Do you have to try really hard to be successful? Or do you need to tune into your self and act from a place of calm, so you can co regulate with your kids. Energy is everything when you are parenting. If you want to find a way to calm your child, this is a good episode for you. Do you ever had a bad reaction to your child crying? Like me, have you been obsessed by nap times and do you know how to regulate yourself so you don't freak out? We also talk about acceptance and forgiving yourself. Consider the impact of your tone with your kids. How were we impacted by our upbringing. What happens to adults that were raised with a negative tone? What kind of tone do we need to have? The key takeaway could be that we all need to 'do the work' and seek professional guidance as we navigate parenting. Or maybe just subscribe and listen to all these episodes.

I was in a counselling session yesterday with Catherine Williams, a registered social worker. A friend of the show and someone who has been a great source of inspiration and support over the years. One of the topics that was discussed was the fact that it is important that kids don't feel responsible for their parent's emotions. This had me reflecting on some of the situation I have been in as a parent, when I am being triggered or I voice my frustrations. It was a great reminder for me to watch my language and actions around my three children to make sure I am taking ownership of how I feel and not putting expectations on them to show up in a certain was to appease me. I also share a brief update of how things are going for our family with a new baby, and the relationship of the siblings.

Resources:The article Emily wrote that mentioned a fake Snapchat account: https://emilycherkin.medium.com/im-43-i-made-a-fake-snapchat-account-pretending-to-be-a-15-year-old-3c7e7a7e1786Everyschool.org is where you can find the EdTech TriangleMy YouTube channel with Tech-Intentional Tips videos: YouTubeBrief Bio:Emily Cherkin, MA Ed, is The Screentime Consultant, an internationally recognized consultant who has worked with families and schools over the last fifteen years. A former classroom teacher and current parent, Emily helps families go from tech-overwhelmed to tech-intentional. She's been featured on The Today Show (twice), Good Morning, America, and in The New York Times. She can be found on the major social media platforms and at www.thescreentimeconsultant.com. Social Media handles: www.facebook.com/thescreentimeconsultantwww.facebook.com/groups/techintentionalfamiliesunitedwww.instagram.com/thescreentimeconsultantwww.linkedin.com/in/emily-cherkinYouTube channelTwitter

We have a new baby boy! Dad Without Borders is back after a summer break enjoying family time as we transition into life with a new baby and juggling the needs of three sons aged 0, 3 and 9. I have lots more to say about this, but in this episode I focus on sharing my experience of welcoming our baby boy into the world.

So the baby is now several days over due. We are waiting patiently for labour to start. We are all feeling calm but are we ready? I am sharing some post labour thoughts as we get ready for the big event. Is it time to head to the hospital? Will the mid wife make it on time? Is it time to leave the home and head to the hospital. We are an hour drive from the hospital and the mid wife is even further away. Do we pull the trigger and leave our toddler with family and friends? As we prepare ourselves for a huge family shift, I am looking forward to sharing the adventures of a new born and an international blended family. As if life was not already complicated enough but I am really looking forward to the next phase of our family. Please enjoy! Please enjoy! LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW these pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwithoutborders/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dad-Without-Borders-104442641427419 Website: https://dad-without-borders-e10084dc.simplecast.com/

This episode starts with a brief update as today is the due date of our baby boy (my third son). I then get into conversation with Eric Taylor aka The Breastfeeding Father, an ex military man who is now studying clinical psychology with a focus on children and adolescents. Eric is based in Canada with his wife and baby, but it also has a young daughter living in the USA. Covid has been incredibly challenging for them with a long period of separation between him and his daughter. We talk about international parenting, the role of the father with new borns and babies, supporting Mothers breastfeeding, the importance of understanding and forgiving his father, engaging with a child in a long distance relationship, the need for more information for Dads in their role in the child and parent relationship, and more. This is a great conversation for any Dads (or Moms), wondering about their role as fathers, especially with young children. There were some great reminders for me, as I prepare to welcome our son to the world and get ready to support the Mom in child birth and postpartum. Please enjoy! Please enjoy! LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW these pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwithoutborders/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dad-Without-Borders-104442641427419 Website: https://dad-without-borders-e10084dc.simplecast.com/

This is a great conversation with Curt Storring from Dad.Work. We share the struggles of becoming a father. The episode starts with some personal updates, including the fact that we are about to have a baby (boy number 3!) and gearing up for that reality. In this episode we learn about Curt who lives in an authentic way as a father after a difficult transition to parenting left him feeling "overwhelmed, angry and lonely" ultimately not being the father that he wanted to be. "The first few years of fatherhood were hard for me. I was so overwhelmed, angry, and lonely, that it caused chaos in every other part of my life. My suffering was so great that I finally had to face the problem head-on and do something about it, or risk losing everything. My marriage, my family, my business…" Curt decided to dive deep when he realized that... "To become a better father, I needed to go one step deeper and learn how to truly become a better man." He now runs a platform supporting men and fathers become better versions of themselves and I highly recommend that you check out Dad.Work to find out more. Please enjoy! LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW these pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwithoutborders/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dad-Without-Borders-104442641427419 Website: https://dad-without-borders-e10084dc.simplecast.com/

A conversation with Nathan, founder of Dads Advocate. There are a couple of personal parenting thoughts at the start of this podcast. First, I encourage all parents to take their young children to their local skatepark. This may well be the main theme of a future episode. There are so many reasons to visit your local skatepark with your young children. Second, I receive a heart warming message from my eldest boy (8 years old) who lives overseas (when he isn't visiting for his holidays). This week I am in conversation with is Nathan from Dad Advocates who is juggling a household of 5 young children after winning custody of his 3 biological children. As a result of his experience in court and the ups and downs of dealing with access and child custody issues he has decided to set up Dad Advocates, which is now a registered charity, to support other fathers. He has some good advice for any parent going through a separation with kids and the often inevitable day in court. For further information: https://dadsadvocates.com/ Please enjoy! LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW these pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwithoutborders/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dad-Without-Borders-104442641427419 Website: https://dad-without-borders-e10084dc.simplecast.com/

A great episode with author Andrew Newman, writer of Conscious Stories for children. This is a wonderful conversation about the importance of connecting with our children on a deeper level and becoming more aware as parents of our own triggers. Andrew is an author of 18 conscious story books for children that are a wonderful opportunity to connect with your kids on a deeper level at bedtime. Andrew has spent many years in mens groups around the world and is very aware of the struggles of both men and fathers. He has also been on his own healing journey and understands the importance of connecting with children from a young age. These stories are a gateway to raising more mindful and connected children. "Conscious Stories are a collection of stories with wise and lovable characters who teach core life values to your children. Each of the books invites its readers to engage in mindfulness practices, beginning with Snuggle Breathing, which helps parents and children alike to share an experience of relaxation, presence and connection to each other and to the story. Each story ends with reflective activities and exercises to help children assimilate the lessons the stories have presented. Because the last 20 minutes of each day are precious, these books use this important time to help children and parents grow consciously together in mind, body and spirit." For more information go to https://consciousstories.com/ Please enjoy! LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW these pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwithoutborders/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dad-Without-Borders-104442641427419 Website: https://dad-without-borders-e10084dc.simplecast.com/

I have successfully introduced both my boys (now 3 and 8) to skiing at a young age. So how did I do it? I want to share some tips and tricks and some thoughts about the bigger lessons of parenting that are a byproduct of the experience we both share as father and son(s) (but of course it relates to any parent/child relationship). Skiing with young kids is a lesson in patience and trust. Building my boys confidence and testing their boundaries are skills that can be transferred to everyday life. And the bond that builds between parent and child is the ultimate reward. I also share a random thought about dreaming. Please enjoy! LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW these pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwithoutborders/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dad-Without-Borders-104442641427419 Website: https://dad-without-borders-e10084dc.simplecast.com/

A conversation with Dylan from @betterwithadventure Dylan was faced with tragic loss when his wife was pregnant with their son. He shares the experience of grieving while having to show up every day as a parent to his new born child. It's a heartbreaking story but it's also inspiring how Dylan was able to process the grief and successfully manage his life as a new father. The key to his success was taking care of his mental health and ultimately it's a happy ending with a blended family and a new wife. It was a real pleasure connecting to Dylan who is a great positive role model to any father, any parent, that might be struggling with any challenges. I hope you enjoy listening to his incredible story, which is sure to offer hope to anyone going through a hard time. And be sure to follow Dylan on Instagram @betterwithadventure Please enjoy! LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW these pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwithoutborders/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dad-Without-Borders-104442641427419 Website: https://dad-without-borders-e10084dc.simplecast.com/

Stu is a father, husband, entrepreneur, author, angle investor, board member and volunteer. He worked on the International Equity Trading Desk at Morgan Stanley in NYC, co-founded TIX China, a Shanghai-based trading company and served as Orange County’s President of Tech Coast Angels, the largest angels investment group. He now has a book:

Check out DJohns podcast!Website: https://thedearsonpodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast/ 

Jamie shares a fascinating story about traveling to the Peruvian jungle to take part in an Ayahuasca Ceremony to help him heal from his childhood trauma. The experience helps him to get sober and be the Dad that he wants to be and he's now the father of two 3 year old twin boys. It's an incredible story about death of ego and meeting the higher power of love which leads Jamie to purge addiction and substance abuse. A wild ride! Inspired by his Mother and Grandmother, Jamie has been cooking from an early age. As a Dad he has high standards when it comes to the family diet with 'low gluten' and no processed sugar. We both reflect on related behaviour of children after eating sugary foods...and a couple of ideas on how to deal with Halloween. Jamie is also very positive about embracing the process that his family is currently going through with assessments to see if his boys are on the autism spectrum.

This week is a solocast with my reflections on the challenges of being a long distance parent and the importance of teaching your kid(s) how to show and express love in a healthy relationship by leading by example. I am also talking about the positive aspects of a kid(s) experiencing different lifestyles and as a parent being able to share with them, the life you want for them. The other topic that comes up this week is giving boys (in particular) permission to cry and express emotion. We have become resilient as a father and son with a long distance relationship, while learning to feel and express our emotions. Please enjoy! Please enjoy! LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW these pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwithoutborders/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dad-Without-Borders-104442641427419 Website: https://dad-without-borders-e10084dc.simplecast.com/

Following on from our recent episode when Sean talks about his PhD dissertation "Becoming a Father and Being a Man", Sean talks about his Masters thesis exploring the experience of Military Dads which including the challenges of long distance relationships and the Mother as the gate keeper of the home. Our conversation meanders through some interesting topics which includes: -the transition between military service and family time; -shutting off emotions to cope; -attachment years and how this changes over time; -dealing with teenagers and their decision making process with risk vs reward; -parenting a 12 year old daughter, which is much like diffusing a bomb; -does the "go to your room!" tactic that works? Please enjoy! LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW these pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwithoutborders/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dad-Without-Borders-104442641427419 Website: https://dad-without-borders-e10084dc.simplecast.com/

Tabitha's Blog Supporting Teenage Boys:https://theboysarealright.substack.com/p/the-boys-are-alrightwith-me-writing?r=pnvee&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=twitter

Dealing with my kid getting Covid and not being able to catch his scheduled flight to Canada for Christmas, this is a reflection about how our thoughts can have impacts on our feelings which in turn in the process our kids. We choose how we show up in the world, and how we react to unexpected events and challenges. So can we use our thoughts to parent in a more effective way with better outcomes? Please enjoy! LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW these pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadwithoutborders/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dad-Without-Borders-104442641427419 Website: https://dad-without-borders-e10084dc.simplecast.com/