Let’s call this one, On Parenthood and Perspective I was scrolling through Instagram soaking in a few moments of me time when something hit me like a ton of bricks: why are so many parents out there using the platform to just dunk on their kids? It’s all rants about the messes, the tantrums, the… Continue reading Random Musings #13
Tag: kids
Twenty-Eight: Summer’s Exit Stage Left: A Teacher’s Bittersweet Farewell
Summer 2025, you’ve pulled a fast one. One day I’m lounging with my six kids, basking in the glory of no lesson plans, and now it’s practically gone. As an English teacher, I get two precious months off to soak up family time, but this first summer as a family of eight? It’s slipped through… Continue reading Twenty-Eight: Summer’s Exit Stage Left: A Teacher’s Bittersweet Farewell
Twenty-Seven: A Day of Faith, Family, and Fun: Our Catholic Retreat Experience
Last Saturday, our family embarked on a soul-nourishing journey at an all-day Catholic outdoor retreat, the first one we’ve ever attended as a family. It was certainly a day to remember! From praying together in the presence of Our Lord to a serene rosary walk with a stunning replica of the Our Lady of Guadalupe… Continue reading Twenty-Seven: A Day of Faith, Family, and Fun: Our Catholic Retreat Experience
Twenty-Six: Reflections on a Restaurant Compliment
Last week, my family and I visited a historic local restaurant, an amazing old-fashioned delicatessen with lots of natural light and the comforting aroma of fresh bread and pasta wrapped in a century old building. The kids, as usual, were their lively selves, chatting and giggling, but mindful of their manners. We’ve worked hard to… Continue reading Twenty-Six: Reflections on a Restaurant Compliment
Random Musings #11
“I’m a boy mom!” “I’m a girl dad!” Gag me already. You’re a mom. You’re a dad. You’re a parent. Stop with this garbage. Being a parent isn’t about trendy labels like “boy mom” or “girl dad.” It’s about the real, messy, incredible work of raising a human. Those terms are just social media fluff,… Continue reading Random Musings #11
Random Musings #10
This morning, amidst the hum of a busy household and endless questions about what we would be doing today, I took a few quiet moments to reflect on the value of freedom. Today, July 4th, 2025, everything, from X posts to the afternoon MLB game between the Red Sox and National on TV right now… Continue reading Random Musings #10
Twenty-Five: Six Months (or so) of Bring Back Big Families
It’s been a full and fast-paced six months here at Bring Back Big Families. Between swimming pool clean-ups, late-night reflections, and a deep dive into what it really means to be a strong dad, I’ve covered a lot of ground lately. The Dad Strong series unpacked the four pillars of strength—physical, mental, spiritual, and intellectual—and how they play… Continue reading Twenty-Five: Six Months (or so) of Bring Back Big Families
Twenty-Four: The Backyard Swimming Pool
Our backyard swimming pool is the heart of our summer chaos, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a modest ten-foot pool, nothing fancy, but it’s ours, and it (somehow) fits our whole big family, kids, parents, and toys. The kids go wild for it, splashing and shrieking with joy the moment they… Continue reading Twenty-Four: The Backyard Swimming Pool
Twenty-Three: Dad Strong, Part Four – Sharpening Your Intellectual Strength
A dad’s mind is a tool that needs constant sharpening. In a big family, where questions fly from “Why is the sky blue?” to “Daddy, in what situations would I need a gas mask?” (you might laugh, but that’s a real question from my eight-year-old/survivalist son), intellectual strength means staying curious and informed. By always… Continue reading Twenty-Three: Dad Strong, Part Four – Sharpening Your Intellectual Strength
Twenty-Three: Dad Strong, Part Three – Leading with Spiritual Strength
As a Christian dad, you’re called to be the spiritual leader of your family. In a big family, where challenges like financial strain or societal pressures can test your faith, your spiritual strength is a beacon. Speaking from my Catholic perspective and expanding on Catholic ideals (though these apply to all Christian brethren), spiritual strength… Continue reading Twenty-Three: Dad Strong, Part Three – Leading with Spiritual Strength