DADsquared℠

Henry Amador-Batten is proud to announce that he will be co-authoring an exciting new book that will shine a light on gay dads like never before. Award winning author Hogan Hilling, who to date has published six books on fathers and parenthood invited Henry Amador-Batten to join him on the third "Dads Behaving Dadly" book. " Dads Behaving Dadly: Truths Tears and Triumphs Of Gay Dads " will feature gays dads, worldwide, as they share their beautiful and unique stories of fatherhood. "With more and more gay men joining the ranks of fatherhood, there has never been a better time to share these dads, these families and these stories with the world. It has become my honor and my obligation to become a storyteller for these dads, It is my sincere wish that this book will build bridges, touch hearts and help to solidify our place within the global parenting community."  Henry Amador-Batten Amador-Batten and Hillings invite all gay dads to share the...

I just had the pleasure of reading  The Christmas Truck  to my three year old son, He sat enthralled and excited through each and every page. "That little boy has a Daddy and Papa just like me!' he exclaimed and there is no greater joy for me than when my boy sees his family represented, especially in such a loving and special way. The story takes us along with a cool same-gender family as they embrace the true spirit of Christmas, The spirit of giving. We tag along as they prepare their home and their hearts for the holidays. They teach their son about giving to others less fortunate than he and about overcoming obstacles. With the love of his family and the quick thinking of his awesome grandma nothing gets in the way of making a special Christmas wish come true. The Christmas Truck , lovingly written by J.B. Blankenship and beautifully illustrated by Cassandre Bolan  has already become one of our holiday traditions and I hope ...

Working as a Holistic Parenting Coach and especially working with LGBTQ families, I have learned that while many parenting issues are universal and effect all parents, there are indeed issues that arise that are unique to gay parents, and deeper still to gay dads. The following list was compiled from some of that work. It is not meant to be a definitive “how-to” list. There are some lovely treasures here. Take what resonates with your heart and remember to love one another fully, passionately and knowledgeably. Read the full article  HERE Photo “ Love Is What Really Matters ” by  Purple Sherbet Photography  is licensed under  CC BY 2.0

This time of year always finds me giving thanks. I give thanks for the life I have, the family and friends I have and for the moments that define me. I wanted to reach out to just a few of the dads in my life, a few heroes that have pursued their dreams to become fathers. They have pursued those dreams against great odds and are opening doors, minds and hearts so that others will follow. All around this world, the number of gay men choosing to become fathers is increasing, rapidly. They are setting goals, taking out loans, loosing friends, family and sometimes faith in order to have the honor and the privilege to raise a child. This journey is aw inspiring and at times emotional beyond comprehension. The journey, the destination called parenthood comes at a great cost for many of us and yet gives birth to moments of both sheer beauty and devastating pain. Moments that at their finest and at their saddest, take our breaths away. Read the full article...

I am happy to say that as I write this articles my husband and I have completed the required classes in the MAPP program, Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting for North Carolina. We received a lovely certificate as our class mates cheered as each of our family names were called. I am also happy to say that ALL three of the same-gender families that started the program were among the recipients of the coveted certificate. So what does that mean? Do we now get down to the business of meeting children and growing our families? Well....... not exactly. read the full article  here

Once a year, here in Durham NC, we have an amazing event called the  Noth Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival . It is held at the beautiful  Carolina Theatre of Durham , a theatre that was built in 1926 and that has seen so much, not just in the name of art and history but in the way of civil right's movements and the blur of faces, causes,  triumpths and injustices, all that have played out not just on it's screen or stage but on its sidewalks and walkways. What should have been a lovely morning took a turn. Another moment in history was about to be played out. Read full article here  The Next Family Henry Amador is a husband, father, writer and  life coach . Henry founded  DADsquared  where he continues to provide love, support and resources to gay fathers and those on the road to fatherhood. He lives in North Carolina with his happy tribe and hopes to grow old on the family ...

By Henry Amador for  DADsquared This morning we awoke like we do most Saturday morning, at the crack of dawn. Our nearly three year old son pops out of bed on drive and ready to go. My husband and I have learned that we need to get up earlier than the crows in order to get at least one cup of coffee down before he shoots out of the gate. This morning was incredibly mild and beautiful out side and we decided that a stroll through the Durham's Farmer's Market  was in order. I never really considered myself a city boy, although I was born in New York. My Family moved to Florida in the early 70's when I was still a small child. Growing up in that version of the South was soft and mellow and truly peaceful. In retrospect, my childhood was blissful and safe. My Mom had divorced before we moved to Florida As a single parent she was fearful that my growing up in the city would be difficult, she was however hopeful that moving me somewhere greener ...