The Parenting Reel

Contact Us Here! In this episode, I share how my life shifted from living for myself to showing up for a family. From a hard wake-up call at 18 and a brutal transition out of the military, to the moment a long-time friend became my partner and I stepped into the role of dad—this is the story of choosing presence over pride. I talk about claiming my oldest as my daughter, honoring her relationship...

Contact Us Here! In this episode, I open up about how our environment—the people, spaces, and habits surrounding us—can either help us grow or hold us back. I share real stories from my own life, from battling weeds in my yard to navigating relationships and mindsets that weren’t serving me. We’ll talk about how small changes, honest self-reflection, and setting boundaries can transform your home...

Contact Us Here! In this episode, I open up about how my mindset was shaped by negativity growing up—and how that old way of thinking almost held me back as a husband, father, and man. I share the turning points that helped me break free, from discovering the power of affirmations and vision boards, to learning from mentors like Jim Rohn, Napoleon Hill, Rhonda Byrne, and Dr. Wayne Dyer. I talk abo...

Contact Us Here! In this very first episode of Dad’s Daily Discoveries, I’m opening up about my journey from stepdad to father—the heartbreaks, the healing, and the moments that changed me forever. You’ll hear how loss and uncertainty shaped my purpose, what it meant to step into a premade family, and how becoming a biological father brought new meaning to love and responsibility. My hope is that...

Contact Us Here! Ever feel like you're juggling a million things as a new parent? Imagine if you had an entire village to help lighten the load. In this episode of Instructions Not Included, we're breaking down the essential steps to build a robust support network that can transform your parenting experience. From listing everyone who might lend a hand to understanding your specific need...

Contact Us Here! Get ready to laugh out loud, dads! Have you ever wondered why a good dad joke can make even the most serious faces crack a smile? Today on Instructions Not Included, we're trading our usual hard-hitting parenting advice for some comedic relief. We'll share classic dad jokes, from the paper that's "tear-able" to the French fry cooked in Greece, that are sur...

Contact Us Here! How can dads turn formula feeding into a magical bonding experience with their baby? This episode of Instructions Not Included is all about empowering fathers to embrace bottle-feeding as a meaningful and enriching activity. We unpack everything from the nuts and bolts of warming milk to the emotional nuances of noticing when your baby has had enough or needs to burp. Our goal is...

Contact Us Here! Ever wondered if there's a hidden meaning behind your baby's cries? Tune into this episode of Instructions Not Included, where we unlock the secret language of baby cries based on Priscilla Dunstan's theory. We'll guide you through identifying whether your baby is hungry, tired, uncomfortable, or just needs some cuddling. Get ready to become an expert in decodi...

Contact Us Here! Ever wondered how to survive a diaper blowout without losing your sanity? Prepare to master the art of diaper duty with our latest episode of Instructions Not Included! From the basics of setting up a changing station to the nitty-gritty details of handling those epic messes, we'll arm you with the knowledge you need to stay calm, clean, and collected. Say goodbye to panic an...

Contact Us Here! Struggling with sleepless nights and endless diaper changes? Discover proven strategies to conquer the chaos of the early days of newborn parenthood. We'll walk you through the essentials—from the magic of power naps and the importance of teamwork in night shifts to creating a sleep-conducive environment. Plus, get expert tips on how to navigate feeding routines, master the a...

Contact Us Here! Becoming a grandparent is an exciting chapter, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and expectations. In this episode of Instructions Not Included, we discuss the importance of navigating relationships between new parents and their parents, especially during the early days of parenthood. Host Claude offers valuable insights on how to support new parents while maintaini...

Contact Us Here! Ever wondered why parenting doesn't come with a manual? Join us on Instructions Not Included as we unravel the essentials every new dad needs to know. From mastering diaper duty and feeding strategies to the secrets of a perfect swaddle, this episode promises to equip you with practical tips and must-have baby gear that will make those early days a breeze. Learn why stocking...

Contact Us Here! Are you ready to become the ultimate birthing room MVP? Discover everything a dad-to-be needs to know about making the delivery room experience as smooth and supportive as possible in this can't-miss episode of Instructions Not Included. From mastering flexible birth plans with the help of modern apps to packing a foolproof support kit, we guide you through all the essential...

Contact Us Here! Ever wondered how to be the ultimate support system for your partner during pregnancy? Get ready to unlock the secrets of prenatal appointments and discover how dads-to-be can transform these check-ups into powerful bonding experiences. Join me, Claude, on this episode of Instructions Not Included as we break down the essential role fathers play during these appointments. From und...

Contact Us Here! Can you really bond with your baby before they are even born? Discover the incredible secrets of prenatal bonding as we share heartwarming stories and practical tips from fathers who have successfully navigated these early stages of fatherhood. From talking and reading to playing music, you'll learn how these simple yet profound activities can ensure your baby recognizes your...

Contact Us Here! Are you ready to become the ultimate support system for your pregnant partner? Get ready to unlock the secrets of navigating the thrilling journey of parenthood in our latest episode of "Instructions Not Included." From understanding the ups and downs of the first trimester to bonding with your baby during the "honeymoon phase" of the second trimester, we cover...

Contact Us Here! Ever wondered how a simple ultrasound could transform the experience of pregnancy for expectant mothers?  Join us as we sit down with Aisia Bates, owner and experienced sonographer of Sweetface Scans, who has turned her passion for babies into a business dedicated to providing intimate 3D, 4D, and HD live ultrasound services.  Aisia opens up about her fascinating journey from the...