The Good the Bad and the Ugly
Hello, I’m James Radford—a father for 23 rewarding years. My journey has led me through various roles: from being a work-from-home dad and a full-time caregiver to managing a small business, to now dedicating myself fully as a foster dad. Through it all, I’ve learned that fatherhood isn’t just a title—it’s a profound responsibility and privilege. I’m here to inspire and uplift fellow fathers on their own journeys. It’s my passion to encourage you to embrace the challenges and joys of fatherhood with determination and grace. So, why not start your day with a cup of coffee, take a moment before the hustle begins, and join me as I share stories and insights that will empower you to be the dad you aspire to be.
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Emotions are Illogical
Finding a balance in emotional expression is crucial. Proverbs 17:27-28 says, “A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.”
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Choosing Love: When Letting Go Becomes the Ultimate Act of Love
In life, we’re often faced with the toughest decisions, especially when it comes to love. Sometimes, loving someone means letting go, even when every fiber of our being wants to hold on tight. In those moments, we’re reminded that love isn’t just about holding someone close; it’s also about giving them the space to grow,…
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A New Chapter
The holiday season has ended, and I’ve resumed my role as a foster parent, which presents constant changes and challenges. Recently, I began therapy to address anxiety and childhood trauma. Confronting my personal issues is essential for better supporting the foster children in our care. I believe in the importance of seeking help to be…
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Embracing Change: Lessons from the Past, Vision for the Future
2024 marks a pivotal moment in my journey—one that prompts reflection on the lessons learned and a renewed focus on the path ahead. Over the past several years, I’ve sought divine guidance, questioning my purpose, and contemplating the end game. In the last 24 months, the collapse of a thriving business challenged my aspirations of…
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When Apologies Matter: Navigating Challenges in Foster Parenting
I had a challenging evening with one of our foster kids, whom I’ll refer to as Mr. A. He was really struggling, and a seemingly simple request to clean his room while waiting for a shower turned into a heated argument. The situation escalated, and I lost my cool. Mr. A, an inquisitive 8-year-old boy,…
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Daddy Daughter Dates
Creating memorable daddy-daughter dates is a wonderful way to bond and strengthen your relationship. Here are 10 fun ideas for daddy-daughter dates:
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Navigating 21 Years of Fatherhood
My name is James Radford Embarking on the journey of being a full-time stay-at-home dad is an adventure filled with ups, downs, and countless precious moments. With over 21 years of experience as a stay-at-home dad, I’m here to share my personal experiences, insights, and wisdom with you. Whether you’re a seasoned at-home dad or…
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A Community That Gives: Celebrating the Generosity That Keeps Us Going
Over the last few months, we have been so blessed by our community—through donations, volunteer work, and the incredible generosity of so many people. I never imagined we would come this far, and I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the amazing sacrifices made by those you may or may not know.…
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A Beacon on a Hill
Finding light in the dark times From October 2022 to July 2023, I found myself on a unique journey, diving into the world of hotshot trucking. The idea seemed promising: using a pickup with a flatbed trailer to deliver goods directly from point A to point B without the delays of consolidation. It promised efficiency…
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Learning to Parent Through My Own Struggles
One of the hardest things I’ve had to work through as a parent is understanding why I am the way I am. I can be short-tempered. I struggle with self-loathing and self-destructive tendencies. There have been times when I’ve felt like the lowest man on the totem pole. And as a dad, a lot of…
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Navigating Life with One Tween in the House
After years of fostering full-time, we’ve gone from a house full of kids to just one—our 11-year-old daughter, Abi. Now, we’re navigating the transition from parenting a big family to focusing on one child. How do we make our time with her meaningful without making her feel like a third wheel? Join the conversation and…
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Embracing Our Calling: A New Perspective on Fundraising and Outreach
We are all in on Kids Cove. My wife is working full-time to help fund the vision, which leaves me to focus on writing blogs, sharing on social media, and so on. Oh yea and care for kids as a full time at home dad. The biggest task I have right now is fundraising, which…
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Truth Be Told
We have a song in our home that has become a staple in our daily music listening. Matthew West – Truth Be Told I say, “I’m fine, yeah, I’m fine, oh, I’m fine, hey, I’m fine”, but I’m notI’m brokenAnd when it’s out of control I say, “It’s under control”, but it’s notAnd you know…
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Fun on a Budget: How to Beat Inflation Woes This Summer
Remember when a family night out at McDonald’s cost under $20? Now, a trip to the clown’s place can set you back $45, which is about the same as a sit-down Mexican restaurant. And a day at the water park that used to cost around $15 now runs $35 just for admission.
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Teen Drama: Was It This Intense When We Were Kids?
Growing up in the 80s and 90s, we didn’t have cell phones or social media. Drama was face-to-face or happened at the mall.
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Reflections on ‘Unsung Hero’: Embracing Failure and Finding Strength in Family
Kate and I had the pleasure of attending Unsung Hero last week, and it’s definitely a must-see. However, I must warn you, especially as a father and husband, that it will bring out emotions you’ll need to process.
Got any book recommendations?
Chronicles of a at Home Dad 