The holidays are here, and so is that energy—frantic, magical, and a tad overwhelming. But for children’s book author and illustrator Matt Tavares, it’s also the season of book signings and creative endeavors. Matt is an award-winning author and illustrator of nearly 30 books, including the beloved Dasher series, including its newest title: Dasher and the Polar Bear. Matt joins us fresh off his book tour and right in the midst of holiday hustle to chat about raising two young adult daughters, and how storytelling and art keep the spirit of the season alive year after year. Don't miss Adam's Instant Regret which found him in an uncomfortable predicament!

Topics Include:
• The journey to becoming a children's author and illustrator, even before having kids
• The creative process behind beloved holiday books like Dasher, including the origins and expansion of the series
• Navigating the collaboration and feedback loop with publishers, editors, and even family
• Exploring new genres such as graphic novels, and the role of children's reading habits in creative evolution
• The upcoming Dasher animated Christmas special for Disney+
• And more!

Links:
Matt Tavares (homepage)
Matt Tavares (Facebook)
Matt Tavares (Instagram)
Matt's Illustrated Prints
Dasher
Hoops
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Feel like working from home with kids is a constant juggling act, and you’re dropping balls left and right? More dads than ever are navigating the chaos of Zoom calls interrupted by tiny voices, endless snack requests, and the struggle to be present both at work AND at home at all times. Thankfully, in this episode we're joined by social media strategist Thom Gibson, founder of Work From Home Dads, and proud father of two young kids. After a decade spent teaching middle school math and robotics, Thom made the leap—leaving the classroom to build new businesses (and memories) from his home office. His story is packed with insights on boosting productivity, improving daily and weekly routines, and mastering the real work-life blend for dads. Stick around to the end for a gut-busting installment of Did I Just Say That Out Loud? and a rock and roll blast from the past from Marc's kid-music-side-project, Stuffed Animal.

Topics include:

• Tips and Advice for Work-from-Home Parents
• Combating Isolation as a Remote Working Parent
• Tom's 6-hr Workday Playbook
• Realistic Approaches to Remote Work Productivity
• And more!

LINKS
Work From Home Dads
6-hr Workday Playbook (free)
Work From Home Dads (Instagram)
Work From Home Dads (X)
Thom Gibson (homepage)
Thom Gibson (LinkedIn)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Ever find yourself losing your cool when your kid melts down, or scratching your head as they refuse to clean up their room (again)? Turns out, there’s a surprising science behind keeping calm amid the chaos of parenthood. We're joined by Kirk Martin, founder of Celebrate Calm and host of the immensely popular Calm Parenting podcast. Kirk is the proud dad of one grown son, Casey, and “America’s Calm Coach” to thousands of families around the world. Kirk shares his journey from career military upbringings to a unique problem-solving approach that’s helped countless parents reframe their reactions and connect deeply with their kids. Whether you’re raising a strong-willed, high energy kid, or just want to inspire more harmony at home, Kirk’s insights offer practical, uplifting wisdom for every dad (and mom!)

Topics Include:

• Navigating meltdowns and emotional outbursts in kids and understanding what's really going on beneath the surface.
• Shifting parenting habits from authoritarian styles to problem-solving and connection-based approaches.
• The importance of parents regulating their own emotions to positively impact children's behavior.
• Recognizing and working with individual differences in children, even among siblings and twins.
• Practical strategies for tackling persistent challenges like messy rooms, homework battles, and resistance.
• The significance of affirming and bonding with children, especially in moments of weakness or conflict.
• Normalizing triggers for both parents and kids, and using tools like a “trigger board” to foster open communication.
• And more!

LINKS
Celebrate Calm (website)
Calm Parenting Podcast
Calm Parenting (Instagram)
Calm Parenting (Facebook)
Caspar Babypants
Spencer Albee
Modern Dadhood (website)
AdamFlaherty.tv
Stuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)
MD (Instagram)
MD (Facebook)
MD (YouTube)
MD (TikTok)

#moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast