As a millennial parent with constant competing priorities, being overwhelmed seems like it is the baseline. With the daily high volume of work inquiries, personal matters, and prioritizing quality time with those who matter most, combined with holiday preparation, certainly will have you feeling like you are five miles to empty. However, by being intentional with your time and strategically planning, you will be able to find some sense of balance and find yourself overwhelmed and thriving in no time!

Prevention is better than cure, so plan ahead of time! Create a roadmap of all your upcoming plans and delegate responsibilities where possible. Calendars are an extremely resourceful tool to detail significant dates for all of your commitments. The Apple Calendar app is amazing; it offers the ability to sync calendars with your spouse or other people essential to your plans to ensure everyone is aware of deadlines. The Apple Calendar prevents scheduling conflicts and eliminates any stress that would accompany it, like trying to be at two places at once or needing to cancel or reschedule. Remember, you and your partner are a team, so tackling holiday prep is a group effort—and if you’re lucky enough to have older kids, put them to work too! Running errands, preparing the house for guests, shopping for gifts, or even preparing meals for the family are a shared responsibility, and by spreading out the workload, it increases everyone’s capacity.

Prevention is better than cure, so plan ahead of time! Create a roadmap of all your upcoming plans and delegate responsibilities where possible. Calendars are an extremely resourceful tool to detail significant dates for all of your commitments. The Apple Calendar app is amazing; it offers the ability to sync calendars with your spouse or other people essential to your plans to ensure everyone is aware of deadlines. The Apple Calendar prevents scheduling conflicts and eliminates any stress that would accompany it, like trying to be at two places at once or needing to cancel or reschedule. Remember, you and your partner are a team, so tackling holiday prep is a group effort—and if you’re lucky enough to have older kids, put them to work too! Running errands, preparing the house for guests, shopping for gifts, or even preparing meals for the family are a shared responsibility, and by spreading out the workload, it increases everyone’s capacity.

Root your expectations in reality! There’s no harm in dreaming or imagining scenarios in a perfect world, but when strategically planning, it is necessary to keep it real with yourself regarding your capacity. With realistic expectations, you reduce the pressure associated with overcommitment within your personal and professional life. Who wants to reminisce on the holiday season that they were extremely irritable and lashing out because they were worn thin? I can tell you for sure that I don’t! The Calm App has been my saving grace in practicing mindfulness via meditation and breathing exercises to reduce anxiety and to have an overall more serene state of mind when managing expectations in relation to reality. Making holidays memorable is what’s most important, and you want them to be memorable in a good way, not a bad one. Prioritize taking care of yourself and asking for assistance when it’s needed—believe me, there is no shame in getting help!

Root your expectations in reality! There’s no harm in dreaming or imagining scenarios in a perfect world, but when strategically planning, it is necessary to keep it real with yourself regarding your capacity. With realistic expectations, you reduce the pressure associated with overcommitment within your personal and professional life. Who wants to reminisce on the holiday season that they were extremely irritable and lashing out because they were worn thin? I can tell you for sure that I don’t! The Calm App has been my saving grace in practicing mindfulness via meditation and breathing exercises to reduce anxiety and to have an overall more serene state of mind when managing expectations in relation to reality. Making holidays memorable is what’s most important, and you want them to be memorable in a good way, not a bad one. Prioritize taking care of yourself and asking for assistance when it’s needed—believe me, there is no shame in getting help!

Despite all your responsibilities, be present and prioritize spending time with your family during the holidays. Though time may be limited, it is necessary that you set aside some uninterrupted time specifically for you and your children. Engage in their interests and even curate activities to do together to bond and create traditions. The TikTok app is perfect for finding holiday activities to do at home or locally. As challenging as it may be, we have to limit screen time for ourselves as parents to ensure our attention is being allocated to our little ones also. Work emails will always be there; social media will always be there—but this precious time with our little ones at their current developmental phase will not be.

Despite all your responsibilities, be present and prioritize spending time with your family during the holidays. Though time may be limited, it is necessary that you set aside some uninterrupted time specifically for you and your children. Engage in their interests and even curate activities to do together to bond and create traditions. The TikTok app is perfect for finding holiday activities to do at home or locally. As challenging as it may be, we have to limit screen time for ourselves as parents to ensure our attention is being allocated to our little ones also. Work emails will always be there; social media will always be there—but this precious time with our little ones at their current developmental phase will not be.

Organization is essential to smooth holiday preparation and reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed, so it’s best to plan ahead. Set realistic expectations to alleviate the burden of overextending yourself. Make family time a priority and be present with your kids. There will always be something that has to be done—and whatever it is, can wait until later.

Organization is essential to smooth holiday preparation and reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed, so it’s best to plan ahead. Set realistic expectations to alleviate the burden of overextending yourself. Make family time a priority and be present with your kids. There will always be something that has to be done—and whatever it is, can wait until later.

The birth of each of my children shifted so many aspects both internally and externally for me. It provoked a realignment of my identity, specifically a decline in self-centeredness associated with my goals. My perspective on success was redefined as my priorities were restructured with becoming a father. Almost immediately, there was a heightened urge to provide, protect, nurture, cultivate, and foster an environment of love for my children. There is a hyperfocus on making sure that the best decisions are made due to the implications for my children. I constantly remind myself that as I navigate the world, how I do so dictates how my children will.

The birth of my daughter encouraged me to be more patient, communicate with more tenderness, and to improve my awareness. Admittedly, it also incited a bit of fear. I am raising a Black girl that will one day be a Black woman in the world, and I will not always be there to protect her. By protecting her, I am not speaking exclusively about physical wellbeing but emotionally and equitably. Since having my daughter in my life, I am extremely cognizant of how I react and respond to her, cautious of how my actions or responses during our encounters may shape her life. My daughter calls for me to be a man with the ability to embrace and exude presentness, softness, playfulness, and gentleness. My daughter is my mirror and muse; she highlights my gifts and assures me of my resilience to overcome my shortfalls.

The birth of my daughter encouraged me to be more patient, communicate with more tenderness, and to improve my awareness. Admittedly, it also incited a bit of fear. I am raising a Black girl that will one day be a Black woman in the world, and I will not always be there to protect her. By protecting her, I am not speaking exclusively about physical wellbeing but emotionally and equitably. Since having my daughter in my life, I am extremely cognizant of how I react and respond to her, cautious of how my actions or responses during our encounters may shape her life. My daughter calls for me to be a man with the ability to embrace and exude presentness, softness, playfulness, and gentleness. My daughter is my mirror and muse; she highlights my gifts and assures me of my resilience to overcome my shortfalls.

The birth of my son invoked feelings of pride, legacy, and self-reflection. My first thought was this is my son, and it is my responsibility to teach him to be the right kind of man. I am to share knowledge with him and teach him the skills that I believe will benefit him in life. I need to make it a point to emphasize the significance of emotional intelligence, self-control, and respect as a man. As my son’s roadmap to manhood, it is my responsibility to guide him healthily, balanced, and by example. The stakes are so much higher now, whether it be regarding my engagement with my wife, my daughter, the people around me in general, or even how I navigate conflict, being that my son has a front-row seat, watching and learning based on my actions. My son is my student and shadow, observing the things that I say but more importantly the things that I do. My son prompts me to always reflect: am I being the type of man that I want him to become?

The birth of my son invoked feelings of pride, legacy, and self-reflection. My first thought was this is my son, and it is my responsibility to teach him to be the right kind of man. I am to share knowledge with him and teach him the skills that I believe will benefit him in life. I need to make it a point to emphasize the significance of emotional intelligence, self-control, and respect as a man. As my son’s roadmap to manhood, it is my responsibility to guide him healthily, balanced, and by example. The stakes are so much higher now, whether it be regarding my engagement with my wife, my daughter, the people around me in general, or even how I navigate conflict, being that my son has a front-row seat, watching and learning based on my actions. My son is my student and shadow, observing the things that I say but more importantly the things that I do. My son prompts me to always reflect: am I being the type of man that I want him to become?

The fullness of fatherhood is found in my children’s ability to endorse growth within and beyond myself and to call for me to live with a greater sense of being intentional. The birth of a child, boy or girl, is an experience engrained with love, accountability, and heritage. While my daughter softens aspects of my identity, my son sharpens aspects of my identity, and collectively my children are the perfect complement to the man I am.

The fullness of fatherhood is found in my children’s ability to endorse growth within and beyond myself and to call for me to live with a greater sense of being intentional. The birth of a child, boy or girl, is an experience engrained with love, accountability, and heritage. While my daughter softens aspects of my identity, my son sharpens aspects of my identity, and collectively my children are the perfect complement to the man I am.

There’s a stigma that fatherhood is a thankless job. Fortunately, this is not my experience. However, many fathers feel that the role of fatherhood is a responsibility—one not rewarded or praised in the same regard as motherhood, and often overlooked.

Fathers are essential to the fabric of the family and play a fundamental role in family and community development. In the background, fathers provide with tenacity and intention for their families—physically, financially, and emotionally. To guarantee familial security and opportunities, fathers sacrifice their own time, energy, and personal goals.

Fathers are essential to the fabric of the family and play a fundamental role in family and community development. In the background, fathers provide with tenacity and intention for their families—physically, financially, and emotionally. To guarantee familial security and opportunities, fathers sacrifice their own time, energy, and personal goals.

Fathers provide guidance and mentorship, instilling core values and morals in their children. Through encouragement, fathers cultivate self-esteem and inspire independence and perseverance in their children. Through their presence, commitment, and love, fathers shape the next generation of successful and emotionally healthy contributors to society.

Fathers provide guidance and mentorship, instilling core values and morals in their children. Through encouragement, fathers cultivate self-esteem and inspire independence and perseverance in their children. Through their presence, commitment, and love, fathers shape the next generation of successful and emotionally healthy contributors to society.

I say all of this to say that fathers, in fact, do matter. Appreciation and acknowledgment highlight their impact, dedication, and love for their families. I’ve put together a list of a few “just-because” gift ideas that can help make a father feel appreciated.

I say all of this to say that fathers, in fact, do matter. Appreciation and acknowledgment highlight their impact, dedication, and love for their families. I’ve put together a list of a few “just-because” gift ideas that can help make a father feel appreciated.

1. Comfytemp Cordless Heating Pad with Massager for Back Pain Relief, Portable Lower Back Massager Wearable

1. Comfytemp Cordless Heating Pad with Massager for Back Pain Relief, Portable Lower Back Massager Wearable

Experience soothing relief anywhere with this cordless heating pad and massager, designed to target stubborn back pain with ease. Combining gentle heat therapy with customizable massage settings, it helps relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and melt away discomfort.

Experience soothing relief anywhere with this cordless heating pad and massager, designed to target stubborn back pain with ease. Combining gentle heat therapy with customizable massage settings, it helps relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and melt away discomfort.

2. Deadwood by Drew Estate Sweet Jane Tin

2. Deadwood by Drew Estate Sweet Jane Tin

This cognac-dipped cigar is the perfect marriage of luxury and indulgence. The natural sweetness of the cognac enhances the tobacco’s earthy notes, leaving behind a subtle warmth and lingering aroma. For moments of relaxation, the Sweet Jane is a warm complement. It is a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate craftsmanship and flavor in every draw.

This cognac-dipped cigar is the perfect marriage of luxury and indulgence. The natural sweetness of the cognac enhances the tobacco’s earthy notes, leaving behind a subtle warmth and lingering aroma. For moments of relaxation, the Sweet Jane is a warm complement. It is a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate craftsmanship and flavor in every draw.

3. ABK6 VSOP Cognac

3. ABK6 VSOP Cognac

French, award-winning, and family-owned ABK6 VSOP Cognac offers the perfect balance of maturity and finesse. Refined yet approachable, ABK6 VSOP Cognac is ideal for savoring neat, over ice, or as the foundation of an elevated cocktail—making it a timeless choice for both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts.

French, award-winning, and family-owned ABK6 VSOP Cognac offers the perfect balance of maturity and finesse. Refined yet approachable, ABK6 VSOP Cognac is ideal for savoring neat, over ice, or as the foundation of an elevated cocktail—making it a timeless choice for both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts.

4. Whiskey Smoker Kit with Torch

4. Whiskey Smoker Kit with Torch

Elevate your drinking experience with a whiskey smoker kit, designed to infuse your favorite spirits with rich, aromatic layers of natural smoke. Crafted for whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike, this kit transforms an ordinary pour into a smooth, smoky masterpiece.

Elevate your drinking experience with a whiskey smoker kit, designed to infuse your favorite spirits with rich, aromatic layers of natural smoke. Crafted for whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike, this kit transforms an ordinary pour into a smooth, smoky masterpiece.

5. Personalized Whiskey Glasses Gifts

5. Personalized Whiskey Glasses Gifts

A customized whiskey glass is more than just drinkware—it’s a personal statement. Crafted with elegance and durability in mind, each glass can be engraved with a name, monogram, or special message, making it truly one of a kind.

A customized whiskey glass is more than just drinkware—it’s a personal statement. Crafted with elegance and durability in mind, each glass can be engraved with a name, monogram, or special message, making it truly one of a kind.

6. Air Compression Massager with Heat for Foot, Leg, Calf, Thigh, Knee,

6. Air Compression Massager with Heat for Foot, Leg, Calf, Thigh, Knee,

Unwind from the ground up with this all-in-one air compression massager, designed to target your feet, calves, thighs, and knees. Combining rhythmic compression with soothing heat therapy, it improves circulation, relieves muscle tension, and reduces fatigue after a long day.

Unwind from the ground up with this all-in-one air compression massager, designed to target your feet, calves, thighs, and knees. Combining rhythmic compression with soothing heat therapy, it improves circulation, relieves muscle tension, and reduces fatigue after a long day.

7. Shower Steamers Aromatherapy

7. Shower Steamers Aromatherapy

Transform your daily shower into a spa-like escape with aromatherapy shower steamers. Infused with essential oils, each steamer releases soothing fragrance as it dissolves in the steam—helping to relax your mind, ease stress, and uplift your mood.

Transform your daily shower into a spa-like escape with aromatherapy shower steamers. Infused with essential oils, each steamer releases soothing fragrance as it dissolves in the steam—helping to relax your mind, ease stress, and uplift your mood.

It’s that season—the kids are going back to school! As time passes, I notice I’m becoming more and more like my parents. I’ve implemented earlier bedtimes to “prepare” the kids for the upcoming school year—or just to give me and Mom a little break at the end of the day. I mean, who’s going to tell them, right? Speaking of preparation, what better way to get the ball rolling than stretching those bills with some amazing back-to-school deals! Check out my Amazon top ten must-haves for the upcoming academic year, for your little ones.

1. First Day of  School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers
This is a staple if you want to do it for the ’Gram when the littles are just starting school. My kids took the mandatory first day of school photos with this double-sided school sign board with colorful liquid chalk markers! You can include your child’s name, grade level, age, interests, and more! What separates this school sign board from the others—and makes it my favorite—is the two-sided feature that allows you to recap the end of the school year as well!

1. First Day of  School Sign Board with Liquid Chalk Markers
This is a staple if you want to do it for the ’Gram when the littles are just starting school. My kids took the mandatory first day of school photos with this double-sided school sign board with colorful liquid chalk markers! You can include your child’s name, grade level, age, interests, and more! What separates this school sign board from the others—and makes it my favorite—is the two-sided feature that allows you to recap the end of the school year as well!

2. Crayola Toddler Safety Scissors (3pk), Blunt Tip Training Scissors for Preschool Learning Activities, Right & Left Handed, Toddler Back to School Essentials

2. Crayola Toddler Safety Scissors (3pk), Blunt Tip Training Scissors for Preschool Learning Activities, Right & Left Handed, Toddler Back to School Essentials

Coordination and safety go hand and hand just like these blunt tip training scissors from Crayola. My littles are in this phase of being fascinated with cutting paper into tiny pieces and these scissors give me peace of mind to let them just have at it! The kids are having safe fun and I don’t have to hover while they create confetti. 

Coordination and safety go hand and hand just like these blunt tip training scissors from Crayola. My littles are in this phase of being fascinated with cutting paper into tiny pieces and these scissors give me peace of mind to let them just have at it! The kids are having safe fun and I don’t have to hover while they create confetti. 

3. Skillmatics Scissor Skills Activity Book – Snip Snip, 25 Fun Cutting & Creative Activities for Preschoolers, 2 Child-Safe Scissors, Fine Motor Skills Craft Kit, Gifts for Kids Ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

3. Skillmatics Scissor Skills Activity Book – Snip Snip, 25 Fun Cutting & Creative Activities for Preschoolers, 2 Child-Safe Scissors, Fine Motor Skills Craft Kit, Gifts for Kids Ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Straight lines, curved lines, shapes… You name it and the Skillmatics Scissor Skills activity book has it! Children can have fun while cutting, pasting, and folding while enhancing their motor skills. I’m all for fun but I’m more for fun while learning something! Development and entertainment is my type of carrying on. 

Straight lines, curved lines, shapes… You name it and the Skillmatics Scissor Skills activity book has it! Children can have fun while cutting, pasting, and folding while enhancing their motor skills. I’m all for fun but I’m more for fun while learning something! Development and entertainment is my type of carrying on. 

4. JoyCat 78 Pieces Magnetic Letters Numbers Alphabet Fridge Magnets ABC 123 Preschool Educational Learning Plastic Colorful Toy Set Uppercase Lowercase Math Symbols for Toddlers Kids

4. JoyCat 78 Pieces Magnetic Letters Numbers Alphabet Fridge Magnets ABC 123 Preschool Educational Learning Plastic Colorful Toy Set Uppercase Lowercase Math Symbols for Toddlers Kids

ABC… easy as one, two, three! The JoyCat 78-piece magnetic letter and number set is the perfect tool to practice letter and number recognition and color identification. The magnetic letters allow you to create all types of games on magnetic surfaces to enhance your child’s literacy skills.

ABC… easy as one, two, three! The JoyCat 78-piece magnetic letter and number set is the perfect tool to practice letter and number recognition and color identification. The magnetic letters allow you to create all types of games on magnetic surfaces to enhance your child’s literacy skills.

5. 67 Pcs Back to School Supplies with Backpack Kids Kindergarten Preschool Elementary Supply Bundle Kit Middle High School Pen Notebook for K-12 Student Girl Boy Classroom Teacher(Blue)

5. 67 Pcs Back to School Supplies with Backpack Kids Kindergarten Preschool Elementary Supply Bundle Kit Middle High School Pen Notebook for K-12 Student Girl Boy Classroom Teacher(Blue)

The 67-piece back-to-school supply backpack is a must-have. My children are overprepared with this bundle package—notebooks, markers, pencils, glue sticks, even a pencil sharpener, and so much more. I’m sure this bundle covers everything requested on your child’s back-to-school supply list. I can guarantee this deal is selling fast, so get to Amazon while the getting is good.

The 67-piece back-to-school supply backpack is a must-have. My children are overprepared with this bundle package—notebooks, markers, pencils, glue sticks, even a pencil sharpener, and so much more. I’m sure this bundle covers everything requested on your child’s back-to-school supply list. I can guarantee this deal is selling fast, so get to Amazon while the getting is good.

6. Educational Posters 6pcs – Back to School Supplies – Preschool Kindergarten Classroom Must Haves – Reading & Learning Resources – Homeschool & Preschool Supplies – Classroom Decor (11″x16″)

6. Educational Posters 6pcs – Back to School Supplies – Preschool Kindergarten Classroom Must Haves – Reading & Learning Resources – Homeschool & Preschool Supplies – Classroom Decor (11″x16″)

This is for the teachers—strictly for the teachers—the real teachers. These preschool educational posters are a must for the kindergarten and preschool classroom; they are also essential for the home to continually sharpen your child’s skills. You can review letters, days of the week, months of the year, colors, animals, shapes, and numbers. I think all bases are covered with this one.

This is for the teachers—strictly for the teachers—the real teachers. These preschool educational posters are a must for the kindergarten and preschool classroom; they are also essential for the home to continually sharpen your child’s skills. You can review letters, days of the week, months of the year, colors, animals, shapes, and numbers. I think all bases are covered with this one.

7. Skillmatics Thick Flash Cards for Toddlers – Letters, Numbers, Shapes & Colors, Montessori Toys, Preschool Learning Activities, Learning Aids, Gifts for Kids Ages 1, 2, 3, 4 Years

7. Skillmatics Thick Flash Cards for Toddlers – Letters, Numbers, Shapes & Colors, Montessori Toys, Preschool Learning Activities, Learning Aids, Gifts for Kids Ages 1, 2, 3, 4 Years

For learning and reviewing anywhere, these Skillmatics flashcards are my go-to. There are colorful pictures which cover letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. I love the multifaceted capabilities of the cards, which permit multiple categories to be reviewed in one sitting! I got mine—do you have yours?

For learning and reviewing anywhere, these Skillmatics flashcards are my go-to. There are colorful pictures which cover letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. I love the multifaceted capabilities of the cards, which permit multiple categories to be reviewed in one sitting! I got mine—do you have yours?

8. Play-Doh Ultimate Color Collection 65-Pack of 1-oz Cans, Includes Sparkle, Confetti & Color Burst, Back to School Classroom Supplies, Preschool Toys, Ages 2+ (Amazon Exclusive)

8. Play-Doh Ultimate Color Collection 65-Pack of 1-oz Cans, Includes Sparkle, Confetti & Color Burst, Back to School Classroom Supplies, Preschool Toys, Ages 2+ (Amazon Exclusive)

In the great words of Luther Vandross, “Never too much, never too much, never too much.” Just kidding—when it comes to Play-Doh, there can be too much. However, this 65-pack of 1-ounce containers allows for better monitoring of its use. They come in multiple colors and can be shared with up to 65 kids. Practice colors and enhance sensory skills with this bundle at home, at school, or on the go.

In the great words of Luther Vandross, “Never too much, never too much, never too much.” Just kidding—when it comes to Play-Doh, there can be too much. However, this 65-pack of 1-ounce containers allows for better monitoring of its use. They come in multiple colors and can be shared with up to 65 kids. Practice colors and enhance sensory skills with this bundle at home, at school, or on the go.

9. JoyCat Magnetic Letter Tracing Board, 2-in-1 Double-Sided ABC Magnets for Kids Ages 3-5, Uppercase & Lowercase Letter Writing Practice – Preschool Learning Toys, Road Trip Car Activities for Toddlers

9. JoyCat Magnetic Letter Tracing Board, 2-in-1 Double-Sided ABC Magnets for Kids Ages 3-5, Uppercase & Lowercase Letter Writing Practice – Preschool Learning Toys, Road Trip Car Activities for Toddlers

The JoyCat Magnetic Letter Tracing Board is hands down my favorite back-to-school pickup. The magnetic beads and stylus combo keep the kids locked in and learning. There are uppercase letters on the front and lowercase letters on the back. I feel like penmanship is a lost art, and I’m trying my best to bring it back with my toddlers—and with JoyCat, you can too!

The JoyCat Magnetic Letter Tracing Board is hands down my favorite back-to-school pickup. The magnetic beads and stylus combo keep the kids locked in and learning. There are uppercase letters on the front and lowercase letters on the back. I feel like penmanship is a lost art, and I’m trying my best to bring it back with my toddlers—and with JoyCat, you can too!

10.  Busy Book for Toddlers, Preschool Learning Activities, Montessori Learning Educational Toys, Tracing Activity Coloring Books for Kids Ages 3-8, Travel Toys Back to School Gifts, Summer Activities

10.  Busy Book for Toddlers, Preschool Learning Activities, Montessori Learning Educational Toys, Tracing Activity Coloring Books for Kids Ages 3-8, Travel Toys Back to School Gifts, Summer Activities

The Busy Book is the BEST BUY—36 themes. Reading, writing, tracing, recognition, and the list goes on. The age range is 2–8 for the most beneficial learning, so this is a purchase that can stand the test of time. The craftsmanship of the book promotes durability, which is very important—especially when toddlers are involved. It can be wiped and reused, which was a major selling point for me.

The Busy Book is the BEST BUY—36 themes. Reading, writing, tracing, recognition, and the list goes on. The age range is 2–8 for the most beneficial learning, so this is a purchase that can stand the test of time. The craftsmanship of the book promotes durability, which is very important—especially when toddlers are involved. It can be wiped and reused, which was a major selling point for me.