Dadcrossing

  The holidays are here again, and let’s be real—sometimes we’re all aboard the holiday cheer train, maybe even the conductor, waving like we’re in a parade. Other times, the year’s been so-so, and we’re barely hanging on to that end car. And then there are the years when life feels like it’s kicking us in the teeth, and all we want to do is flip the train off as it rolls by. I’ve been in all those places, for all kinds of reasons. As dads, it’s tough. We want our kids to have that holiday magic, even if we feel like Ron Weasley with a busted wand, where every spell just blows up in our face. But here’s the thing—it’s okay not to feel the holiday magic sometimes. Check in with your kids, especially if things are hard at home. Maybe they’re not feeling it either. The goal isn’t a Hallmark movie holiday; it’s connection. That might look like an extra board game night with hot cocoa or just hanging out in the quiet. It doesn’t have to be Whoville-level craziness. Even if thankfulness ...

  Hey, let’s talk about navigating the holiday madness with kids in the mix. You know how those family gatherings can get—everyone’s buzzing around, tons of noise, people hugging kids who may or may not be into it. It’s chaos, right? Well, here’s the thing: kids need some breathing room. It’s totally cool for them to have their own space, even if it’s just a quiet corner to chill. And if you notice someone smothering them—maybe Aunt Carol’s on her fifth hug in five minutes—it’s okay to step in and say, "Hey, let’s give them a little break." We’ve got to have their backs. Another thing: give them the playbook before the madness begins. Like, "Okay, here’s what’s happening today, here’s what I expect, and here’s where you can find me if you need a timeout." Knowing the plan helps them feel grounded. Now here’s the part I sometimes mess up: remembering that just because the house is full of people, that doesn’t mean my dad duties hit pause. If anything, it’s weird how...