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Block out the impolite Clamor!

Writer's picture: Whiskin'DadWhiskin'Dad

The moment has arisen, the first time you are alone with the children since birth. Your thoughts immediately go to your favorite monumental sports moment. The lights are beaming, you place your pointer finger and thumb on the bridge of your nose looking down. The voice inside keeps asking, “How big is this moment?”.


You look up and notice a pair of doubtful eyes are being cast in your direction. Discouraging words are being lobbed at you as if you were a foam archery target.



I encourage you to push the noise reduction button, I personally had a fictitious one installed over my earlobe that would even make Dennis Rodman jealous. Block out the impolite clamor because you have this, As dads, we’re consistently questioned if we're ready to handle certain moments when it comes to caring for our children.

These questions can come in a variety of ways; unhelpful strangers or onlookers chiming in during less than optimal moments, well-intentioned family and friends that truly are concerned for you and the children, and your own self-doubt often stemming from comparing yourself to Super-Mom.

Mothers will often shock you with how seemingly natural it is for them to care for the children, sense their needs, and foresee their next actions with a calm and undaunted presence. All the while mothers remain seemingly unfazed by big moments, bright lights, and discouragement flying in as fast as arrows.

Dads, we are also capable of dimming the bright lights, eradicating doubtful onlookers, and catching discouraging arrows one-handed!

In our youth most of us may have heard:

  • You can be anything you want to be.

  • A great man provides for his family and works hard.

  • Be strong and make the best of any situation.

These are also key ingredients to being an amazing dad.

Overwhelming moments will occur and often. Slow the moment down and come up with a “Dad Plan”.

I am a father of 3 children, currently under 5 years of age. Each day either one, two, or all three of my children will have a meltdown and when I’m truly experiencing a luckless moment all 3 of my babies will channel their inner Tom Cruise jumping on and off couches in a well-synchronized meltdown. During these moments, I like to close my eyes and use any and all the foul language needed in my head, take a deep breathe, then execute my “Dad Plan”


This is where I:


  • Inform myself that they aren’t doing it just to spite me.

  • Ensure I have the calmest voice in the room.

  • Calm down the most defiant one and show empathy to all of them.

  • Listen and allow them to tell me why they’re sad or upset.

  • Give them a couple of dad approved options, all which I feel would be good resolutions.

  • Allow them to pick the resolution that they feel works for them.

  • Remind them that they all set the example for one another.

  • Lastly, we conclude with a bit of fun. All hands in “yay family {last name}” chant. The kids absolutely love it. They get to yell at the top of their lungs and dad is in on the fun.


This is my “Dad plan” and it works for me. Each dad will have a different plan with their own unique techniques and steps, some with more or fewer steps.


I strongly feel that dads are extremely capable of being exceptional fathers! So, block out that impolite clamor and excel in fatherhood! You have this!


Interesting info on negative noise:



107 views2 comments

2 Comments


esl4me
Dec 31, 2021

You the man!!!

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Roger Maggio
Roger Maggio
Apr 03, 2021

Well said

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