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Family Man Archive
A dedicated dad shares his perspective on parenting today.'A complete archive of Family Man' columns by Gregory Keer.
Counting Sheepish (January 2009)
"More than ever, I want to stop having imaginary dialogues with people who may or may not actually be judging me for my parenting. Realistically, do other parents care that much about how I father? Even if they do, is it any of their business? MORE
Attuned to the Holidays (December 2008)
The Family Man relects on his own love for music and his process of nuturing that love in his somes.
Saving Face (November 2008)
"On a break from jury duty, I get a text message from my wife. It reads: "In ER. J OK but needs stitches on face. Have an appt with plastic surgeon at 1:00." More...
Daddy's Fright Night (October 2008)
The stresses of the day spill over into the night causing our Family Man to have some monstrous dreams.
Sibs at School (September 2008)
The Family Man recalls shared school time with his sister as part of what is now a close bond. For his sons, Jacob and Benjamin, he hopes they too will learn they can depend on each other even when they're not under Mom and Dad's roof.
Losing the Battle with Oscar Madison (August 2008)
Really, what's a better use of my time as a dad? Straightening closets for hours at a time or shutting the door on the mess to go kick a soccer ball with the boys? ... A my life gets busier, I'm trying to give in to my inner Oscar Madison with a clearer conscience.
Grounded (July 2008)
I feed him, clothe him, keep him up to his eyeballs in his beloved art supplies. And it all comes down to a broken pledge to take him to a place most people only dream about.
Jock Itch (June 2008)
I don't know if any of my children will compete in high school sports or anything beyond that. My wish is that they'll play for camaraderie, for fun, maybe a little for dad. I also hope they'll play for their own kids when it's their turn on the sidelines.
Heaven Can Wait (May 2008)
"If I died, which one of my friends would you date?" When my wife asked me this at bedtime one night, I seized up like the engine of my old Datsun B-210 at mile 250,000.
Abracadabra (April 2008)
Called to bail out his 3-year-old for biting, our Family Man reflects on the unique challenges of each of his sons--and the magic that comes with parenting them.
Caveboy Speaks (March 2008)
For years, I lived with a prehistoric boy. He showed signs of modernity in his looks (no excess body hair, unless you count the shaggy haircut) and with his choice of tools (made with circuitry rather than flint), but he spoke in grunts.
For years, I lived with a prehistoric boy. He showed signs of modernity in his looks (no excess body hair, unless you count the shaggy haircut) and with his choice of tools (made with circuitry rather than flint), but he spoke in grunts.
Noteworthy (February 2008)
Valentine's Day is coming up and I'm already sweating over what my middle child will write on the little cards he'll pass out to his kindergarten classmates. Most 6-year-olds stick to filling out the basic TO: and FROM: blanks. Not my little Romeo.
Valentine's Day is coming up and I'm already sweating over what my middle child will write on the little cards he'll pass out to his kindergarten classmates. Most 6-year-olds stick to filling out the basic TO: and FROM: blanks. Not my little Romeo.
On the Loose (January 2008)
I have a bad stomach. Some of it is due to my inability to digest dairy products and Indian food, but most of it stems from stress.
I have a bad stomach. Some of it is due to my inability to digest dairy products and Indian food, but most of it stems from stress.
A Space Odyssey (December 2007)
The convenience of finding my socks next to the fine china and forgetting that the window to the neighborhood is open while slipping on underwear are not my idea of homey comfort.
The convenience of finding my socks next to the fine china and forgetting that the window to the neighborhood is open while slipping on underwear are not my idea of homey comfort.
Sprain Is In the Air (November 2007)
For six months, we had this plan to get away for a breather. One overnight trip - 36 hours to be exact - to leave our work and kids in someone else's care. One brief escape to Las Vegas to throw our money away (though we had carefully budgeted how much)
, hang out with a couple of our good friends, and play like grown-ups.
For six months, we had this plan to get away for a breather. One overnight trip - 36 hours to be exact - to leave our work and kids in someone else's care. One brief escape to Las Vegas to throw our money away (though we had carefully budgeted how much)
, hang out with a couple of our good friends, and play like grown-ups.
Evil Dad (October 2007)
I sometimes fantasize about turning into a Dickens character, pulling my kids by the collar and growling at them in a cockney accent, 'Mind your manners, my urchins. It's not wise to make your father look bad.'
I sometimes fantasize about turning into a Dickens character, pulling my kids by the collar and growling at them in a cockney accent, 'Mind your manners, my urchins. It's not wise to make your father look bad.'
Sarah's Garden (September 2007)
We have this 70-year-old wooden chest that houses bundles of our memories. Inside are photos we have yet to press into books and a handful of art projects from our sons' early childhoods.
We have this 70-year-old wooden chest that houses bundles of our memories. Inside are photos we have yet to press into books and a handful of art projects from our sons' early childhoods.
Slim Pickings (August 2007)
In our family, we do not judge other people's shapes and are careful not acto criticize our own forms in front of the kids. We also celebrate food, choosing occasional indulgence over strict dieting. So, while we know kids are curious about bodies and comment with noble, though na've, honesty, we cannot figure out why our son has this fixation.
In our family, we do not judge other people's shapes and are careful not acto criticize our own forms in front of the kids. We also celebrate food, choosing occasional indulgence over strict dieting. So, while we know kids are curious about bodies and comment with noble, though na've, honesty, we cannot figure out why our son has this fixation.
Mini Vacation (July 2007)
Four years ago, I publicly admitted to being in love with my minivan. Especially when it comes to road trips, nothing could replace her. An RV is too scary to maneuver, not to mention a fortune to gas up. A station wagon is a wannabe minivan. A sedan feels like an overstuffed clown car when you pack in a family of five.
Four years ago, I publicly admitted to being in love with my minivan. Especially when it comes to road trips, nothing could replace her. An RV is too scary to maneuver, not to mention a fortune to gas up. A station wagon is a wannabe minivan. A sedan feels like an overstuffed clown car when you pack in a family of five.
Dad: The Video Game (June 2007)
More than his addiction to the immediate gratification these gadgets provide, what really bothers me is that my son has mastered all of them quicker than I can change the clock on my car radio.
More than his addiction to the immediate gratification these gadgets provide, what really bothers me is that my son has mastered all of them quicker than I can change the clock on my car radio.
Motor-Mouth Mom (May 2007)
My love for my wife began with all that talk, and continues largely because of it. Although we've lived together for more than 15 years, we still burn up phone lines and cell towers
My love for my wife began with all that talk, and continues largely because of it. Although we've lived together for more than 15 years, we still burn up phone lines and cell towers
Find the Nap (April 2007)
At parties, I speak in hushed tones with other moms and dads about naps as if they're contraband.
At parties, I speak in hushed tones with other moms and dads about naps as if they're contraband.
Fine Whining (March 2007)
I've spent a lifetime practicing and teaching tolerance. But I can't deny myself this one shred of prejudice. I hate people who don't like to be around children.
I've spent a lifetime practicing and teaching tolerance. But I can't deny myself this one shred of prejudice. I hate people who don't like to be around children.
Let's Hug It Out (February 2007)
When I was 15, one perfectly fine day was ruined by a hug. As I was running out the door to meet my morning carpool, my mom stopped me with, "Did you forget to hug your mother?"
When I was 15, one perfectly fine day was ruined by a hug. As I was running out the door to meet my morning carpool, my mom stopped me with, "Did you forget to hug your mother?"
A Little Inspiration (January 2007)
Weeks into the torment that middle-of-the-night crying causes parents of newborns, my wife and I prayed that our baby, Jacob, would find his thumb to soothe him. Night after night, we lay in bed, deciding if we should feed him, rock him, stick him out on the porch, or let him wail it out. Yet, if he could simply suck a finger or two, as his older brother Benjamin had as an infant, Jacob would cut down scores of painful wake-ups.
Weeks into the torment that middle-of-the-night crying causes parents of newborns, my wife and I prayed that our baby, Jacob, would find his thumb to soothe him. Night after night, we lay in bed, deciding if we should feed him, rock him, stick him out on the porch, or let him wail it out. Yet, if he could simply suck a finger or two, as his older brother Benjamin had as an infant, Jacob would cut down scores of painful wake-ups.
Presents of Mind (December 2006)
For the holidays, shopping for my kids is easy. Daring us to furnish him with another reason to ignore us, Benjamin, age 8, requests a Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy program for his Game Boy. Breaking away from his brother's long shadow, Jacob, 5, has his eyes on a "super fast" new bike. Ari, 2, hankers for a ball. Judging by the way he grabs everything round off the store shelves before we can catch him, he'd rather have his own sporting goods shop.
For the holidays, shopping for my kids is easy. Daring us to furnish him with another reason to ignore us, Benjamin, age 8, requests a Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy program for his Game Boy. Breaking away from his brother's long shadow, Jacob, 5, has his eyes on a "super fast" new bike. Ari, 2, hankers for a ball. Judging by the way he grabs everything round off the store shelves before we can catch him, he'd rather have his own sporting goods shop.
Odd Man In (November 2006)
One of my worries for my third child was that he would get left in the dust of the older kids. For much of his early life, Ari was schlepped to the other boys' activities and restrained by a high chair or stroller as his siblings caromed around freely.
One of my worries for my third child was that he would get left in the dust of the older kids. For much of his early life, Ari was schlepped to the other boys' activities and restrained by a high chair or stroller as his siblings caromed around freely.
Halloween Haywire (October 2006)
I tried to ignore him, thinking, what could be better than going house-to-house with your family, collecting treats Charlie Brown only dreamed about?
I tried to ignore him, thinking, what could be better than going house-to-house with your family, collecting treats Charlie Brown only dreamed about?
School of Thought (September 2006)
Benjamin loved his school. He loved his teachers, friends, math challenges, science lab and reading groups. He loved soccer at PE and student council with the older kids... So, we ripped him from everything he loved to put him elsewhere for third grade.
Benjamin loved his school. He loved his teachers, friends, math challenges, science lab and reading groups. He loved soccer at PE and student council with the older kids... So, we ripped him from everything he loved to put him elsewhere for third grade.
Lost! (August 2006)
"Where's Jacob?" Then there are the moments when the answers take longer to arrive, like when he's vanished at a playground or scooted out of sight at an amusement park. Until I find him, these occasions induce the equivalent feeling of drowning on dry land.
"Where's Jacob?" Then there are the moments when the answers take longer to arrive, like when he's vanished at a playground or scooted out of sight at an amusement park. Until I find him, these occasions induce the equivalent feeling of drowning on dry land.
With or Without You (July 2006)
When our plane finally took off, I understood that adult vacationing had been forever altered.
When our plane finally took off, I understood that adult vacationing had been forever altered.
Frozen Peas (June 2006)
It's one thing to decide to have children. It's another to close the chapter on creating kids and concentrate on raising them.
It's one thing to decide to have children. It's another to close the chapter on creating kids and concentrate on raising them.
Mom Overdrive (May 2006)
I live with this woman but can't figure out how she does it. There's no Ritalin or other foreign stimulants to sustain her relentless multitasking. Just God-given fuel that keeps her on "mom overdrive."
I live with this woman but can't figure out how she does it. There's no Ritalin or other foreign stimulants to sustain her relentless multitasking. Just God-given fuel that keeps her on "mom overdrive."
Lovers and Fighters (April 2006)
Both my boys love more than they fight, but Benjamin's extremely patient. Perhaps it's because he studies Tong Soo Do martial arts and maybe it's his in-born temperament, but this kid has the tolerance of Gandhi.
Both my boys love more than they fight, but Benjamin's extremely patient. Perhaps it's because he studies Tong Soo Do martial arts and maybe it's his in-born temperament, but this kid has the tolerance of Gandhi.
Stranger Anxiety (March 2006)
When we moved to our house two years ago, the creepy man next door introduced himself. Wearing soiled clothes, he explained that he was 51, out of work, and living with his sick mother. From then on, we never caught a glimpse of her. When we did see him, he was lugging a 12-pack of beer, followed by a snarling canine that showed signs of being in a ring with a pit bull named Lockjaw.
When we moved to our house two years ago, the creepy man next door introduced himself. Wearing soiled clothes, he explained that he was 51, out of work, and living with his sick mother. From then on, we never caught a glimpse of her. When we did see him, he was lugging a 12-pack of beer, followed by a snarling canine that showed signs of being in a ring with a pit bull named Lockjaw.
When the Fun Starts (February 2006)
When my wife Wendy and I were still new to each other, I picked her up from the airport. This was our fourth "date," so when she said she bought me something while visiting San Francisco, I felt validated. Clearly, any woman who would give a guy a present at this juncture of the courtship must be thinking long-term.
When my wife Wendy and I were still new to each other, I picked her up from the airport. This was our fourth "date," so when she said she bought me something while visiting San Francisco, I felt validated. Clearly, any woman who would give a guy a present at this juncture of the courtship must be thinking long-term.
Run, Daddy, Run : (January 2006)
Problem is, I hate regular exercise. Bigger problem is, my kids hate regular exercise. So I began "Operation Daddy Run." After a procrastination period of researching the proper running shoes, working out an exercise schedule, and proudly announcing to my family and friends that I was about to give the Kenyans a run for their money in the marathon, I finally started jogging...
Problem is, I hate regular exercise. Bigger problem is, my kids hate regular exercise. So I began "Operation Daddy Run." After a procrastination period of researching the proper running shoes, working out an exercise schedule, and proudly announcing to my family and friends that I was about to give the Kenyans a run for their money in the marathon, I finally started jogging...
Sight and Sound : (December 2005)
As much as we expect bad stuff to happen to our kids, we just can't prepare for the distress that occurs when it does. We spend so much of our day saying "Don't stand on this" or "Stop running around the pool" that there seems to be little else to parenting other than the attempt to prevent disasters.
As much as we expect bad stuff to happen to our kids, we just can't prepare for the distress that occurs when it does. We spend so much of our day saying "Don't stand on this" or "Stop running around the pool" that there seems to be little else to parenting other than the attempt to prevent disasters.
Night of the Shrinking Bed (November 2005)
Sleep ended when a High-pitched moaning pierced my eardrums and my eyes snapped open. There was'a dark shape holding what looked like an ax!...
Sleep ended when a High-pitched moaning pierced my eardrums and my eyes snapped open. There was'a dark shape holding what looked like an ax!...
Holding Back the Years (October 2005)
In this new school year, the Family Man plans to appreciate'his children's individual progress, one step at a time.
In this new school year, the Family Man plans to appreciate'his children's individual progress, one step at a time.
Grosser Than Gross (September 2005)
Fatherhood has given grossness'new meaning for the Family Man.
Fatherhood has given grossness'new meaning for the Family Man.
My Small World (August 2005)
An avowed Disney cynic, the Family Man rediscovers the magic of the theme park through they eyes of his sons.
An avowed Disney cynic, the Family Man rediscovers the magic of the theme park through they eyes of his sons.
Sweet Rewards (July 2005)
How sweet it is to be loved by candy-loving kids.
How sweet it is to be loved by candy-loving kids.
She Blinded Me With Science (June 2005)
How did a guy who loves Lichtenstein fall in love with a maternal Marie Curie?
How did a guy who loves Lichtenstein fall in love with a maternal Marie Curie?
Breathing Lessons (May 2005)
When his youngest son falls ill, the Family Man takes time to reflect on the ties that bind.
When his youngest son falls ill, the Family Man takes time to reflect on the ties that bind.
My Three Sons (April 2005
In a family that's four-fifths male, the Family Man reflects on gender differences.
In a family that's four-fifths male, the Family Man reflects on gender differences.
The Lion Sleeps Tonight (March 2005)
The Family Man waxes philosophical as his newest son sleeps in his arms.
The Family Man waxes philosophical as his newest son sleeps in his arms.
The Laugh Track (February 2005)
Remembering Fat Albert, the Family Man resolves to make his kids laugh every single day.
Remembering Fat Albert, the Family Man resolves to make his kids laugh every single day.
A Not-So-Boring Holiday (December 2004)
Kids need less stuff, more imagination -- that's the formula for a special holiday.
Kids need less stuff, more imagination -- that's the formula for a special holiday.
A Moving Experience (November 2004)
The Family Man learns what it takes to turn a new house into a new home.
The Family Man learns what it takes to turn a new house into a new home.
Advanced Paternal Age (October 2004)
With a third baby on the way, the Family Man reflects on being an "old dad."
With a third baby on the way, the Family Man reflects on being an "old dad."
Real Geniuses? (September 2004)
When our kids love learning, should we whisper about it, or shout it to the world?
When our kids love learning, should we whisper about it, or shout it to the world?
My Children Are Aliens (August 2004)
Could our kids be alien invaders? The Family Man presents the evidence ' you be the judge!
Could our kids be alien invaders? The Family Man presents the evidence ' you be the judge!
Camp Togetherness (July 2004)
"It's a picture of mommy jumping off a cliff at family camp!" Intrigued?' Find out more about the Family Man's experience at camp.
"It's a picture of mommy jumping off a cliff at family camp!" Intrigued?' Find out more about the Family Man's experience at camp.
One-Armed Coaching (June 2004)
When dad's the coach, guess who ends up learning all the lessons?
When dad's the coach, guess who ends up learning all the lessons?
Girl Crazy (May 2004)
Our Family Man has a very special Mother's Day wish for his sons.
Our Family Man has a very special Mother's Day wish for his sons.
Here Be Monsters (April 2004)
The Family Man confronts his own fears about his kids having to understand too much about the world too soon -- and concludes that the more they know, the more they will be able to recognize the real monsters.
The Family Man confronts his own fears about his kids having to understand too much about the world too soon -- and concludes that the more they know, the more they will be able to recognize the real monsters.
You Gotta Have Art (March 2004)
Our kids' art: For keeps? Or just for now?'''The Family Man' takes us through the painful process of deciding what's for stays, and what has to go.
Our kids' art: For keeps? Or just for now?'''The Family Man' takes us through the painful process of deciding what's for stays, and what has to go.
Reality Bites (February 2004)
Our Family Man faces the biting truth of life with a 2-year-old.
Our Family Man faces the biting truth of life with a 2-year-old.
Taming the Hulk Within (January 2004)
The Family Man' outlines a'New Year's resolution that we can all use: more patience, less perfection.
The Family Man' outlines a'New Year's resolution that we can all use: more patience, less perfection.
Extended Holidays (December 2003)
A'holiday'reflection on having enough cousins to fill the "children's table" -- and the amazing privilege'of having an extended family.
A'holiday'reflection on having enough cousins to fill the "children's table" -- and the amazing privilege'of having an extended family.
Piloting the 'Father Ship' (November 2003)
Captaining the fathership, our Family Man explores the frontier of parenthood in a ' minivan!
Captaining the fathership, our Family Man explores the frontier of parenthood in a ' minivan!
Second to None (October 2003)
The Family Man struggles with the challenges of two kids -- when each comes first.
The Family Man struggles with the challenges of two kids -- when each comes first.
The Kindergarten Blues (September 2003)
Bring on the tears! The Family Man reflects on the thrill -- and heartache -- of sending his first little one off to kindergarten.
Bring on the tears! The Family Man reflects on the thrill -- and heartache -- of sending his first little one off to kindergarten.
Bathroom Humor (August 2003)
Think about it -- besides the kitchen, where do you spend the most undistracted face-time with your kids?
Think about it -- besides the kitchen, where do you spend the most undistracted face-time with your kids?
Chevy Chase Did Not Prepare Us for This (July 2003)
A Caribbean vacation saga -- 2 parents, 2 kids, 2 in-laws.
A Caribbean vacation saga -- 2 parents, 2 kids, 2 in-laws.
Just Like Me? (June 2003)
A Father's Day reflection.
A Father's Day reflection.
Something About Mommy (May 2003)
Why do we need a special day to celebrate mothers?
Why do we need a special day to celebrate mothers?
Fear and Parenting (April 2003)
A call to the paramedics reminds us that parenthood is full of surprises, both joyous and terrifying
A call to the paramedics reminds us that parenthood is full of surprises, both joyous and terrifying
A Beautiful Mess (March 2003)
Thoughts on choosing the Daddy Track.
Thoughts on choosing the Daddy Track.
"To Three, Or Not to Three" (February 2003)
Is this the perfect time to throw a wrench into the works? Read the highlights of a seesaw battle over having a third child.
Is this the perfect time to throw a wrench into the works? Read the highlights of a seesaw battle over having a third child.
Loving Mud and Monkey Bars (January 2003)
A New Year's Resolution to be a good parent and allow kids to live exuberantly. In a family that's four-fifths male, the Family Man reflects on gender differences.
A New Year's Resolution to be a good parent and allow kids to live exuberantly. In a family that's four-fifths male, the Family Man reflects on gender differences.
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