Hey There, I’m Michael Bennett!
Hi, and welcome to The Parenting Pro! I’m Michael Bennett, a dad in his 40s, a native of the good ol’ USA, and the guy behind this blog.
If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re a parent—or about to become one—looking for a little wisdom, a lot of support, or maybe just a laugh to get you through the day.
I get it, because I’ve been there (and still am). Parenting is a wild, beautiful, exhausting ride, and I’m here to share what I’ve picked up along the way.
So, pull up a chair, pour yourself something strong (coffee or otherwise), and let’s talk about this crazy thing called raising kids.
How I Got Here: The Parenting Path
Picture this: a rowdy house in the Midwest, five kids running around, and me—the oldest—trying to keep the chaos in check. Growing up as the unofficial ringleader of my siblings, I learned early that kids are equal parts puzzle and adventure.
I was the one breaking up fights over the last cookie, playing makeshift referee, and figuring out how to bribe my little brother with comic books to do his chores. Those days sparked something in me—a curiosity about what makes families tick.
Fast forward to college, where I studied child psychology because I wanted to understand the why behind the tantrums (and maybe decode my own childhood).
After graduating, I spent ten years teaching high school—think lesson plans, teenage angst, and a front-row seat to the drama of growing up.
It was a blast, but nothing prepared me for the real deal: becoming a dad. When my first kid arrived, I traded my whiteboard for diapers and realized parenting wasn’t just a job—it was a calling.
Now, with three kids (two boys and a girl) and years of real-world experience under my belt, I’ve turned that calling into The Parenting Pro, a place where I can share the highs, lows, and everything in between.
Why The Parenting Pro Exists
I launched this blog because parenting is hands-down the most challenging, rewarding gig on the planet—and no one should have to tackle it solo.
My mission? To dish out practical tips, honest stories, and a dose of humor to help you feel less like you’re drowning and more like you’ve got this.
I’m here to cut through the noise of endless advice and offer ideas that actually work—whether it’s calming a toddler meltdown, surviving the teenage eye-roll phase, or finding five minutes of peace in a hectic day.
I want this space to be your pit stop for encouragement, aha moments, and the reminder that imperfection is part of the deal. Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to raise decent humans while keeping our sanity intact.
Who I’m Talking To
This blog is for parents like you—folks in the thick of it, no matter where you are on the journey. Maybe you’re:
- Counting down the days until your first little one arrives, excited but secretly terrified.
- Chasing a toddler who’s just discovered the word “no” (and uses it like a weapon).
- Helping a school-aged kid with math homework that’s way harder than you remember.
- Or decoding the grunts and shrugs of a teenager who’s suddenly too cool for hugs.
Wherever you’re at, I’ve been there—or I’m there now—and I’ve got your back.
From the sleepless nights to the proud-parent wins, The Parenting Pro is for anyone who wants to feel supported, understood, and maybe even entertained while navigating the ups and downs of raising kids.
How I Parent: My Take on the Chaos
Here’s my deal: I think parenting works best when you lead with empathy, lean on patience, and don’t take it all too seriously. My philosophy boils down to a few core beliefs:
- See the world through their eyes: Kids aren’t out to get us—they’re just figuring stuff out. A little understanding goes a long way, even when they’ve turned the living room into a LEGO minefield.
- Patience is a work in progress: Some days, I’m a zen master. Others, I’m counting to ten while hiding in the pantry. It’s all about showing up and trying again.
- Laughter is non-negotiable: If you can’t laugh when your kid smears peanut butter on the dog, you’re missing out. Humor’s my lifeline.
I’m not about perfect parenting—because who has time for that? I’m about real, messy, let’s-make-it-work parenting that leaves room for growth, for you and your kids.
A Few Extras About Me
Want to know more? Here’s the scoop:
- Parenting blooper: One time, I tried to impress my daughter with a homemade volcano experiment. Forgot the baking soda measurement, and boom—our kitchen looked like a science fair gone wrong. She still calls me “Volcano Dad,” and I’m okay with that.
- Words I live by: “Parenting’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.” Keeps me grounded when I’m tempted to overthink every move.
- Family stats: I’m dad to three—a rambunctious crew of two boys and a girl—who teach me more about life than I ever learned in a classroom.
- When I’m not blogging: I’m usually coaching my kids’ soccer games (and pretending I’m still athletic), tinkering with DIY projects that never turn out as planned, or sneaking a quiet moment with a book before the house erupts again.
I’m a big believer in learning as I go—both as a parent and a person. That’s why I’m always digging into new parenting research, chatting with other moms and dads, and reflecting on my own fumbles. Parenting’s one big experiment, and I’m here for the trial and error.
Let’s Do This Together
Parenting can feel like a solo mission, but it doesn’t have to. At The Parenting Pro, I’m building a crew of parents who are in it for the long haul—sharing stories, swapping tips, and cheering each other on.
Whether you need a quick fix for a picky eater, a pep talk for a rough day, or just a place to vent about the laundry pile that’s taken over your house, you’re welcome here.
Sign up for updates to get fresh posts, practical advice, and a little humor delivered to your inbox each week. Drop a comment, share your own parenting tales, or hit me up to [email protected] anytime—I’d love to hear what’s on your mind. Let’s tackle this adventure together, one chaotic, beautiful day at a time.
Thanks for swinging by, and here’s to thriving (or at least surviving) as parents!
Michael Bennett
Dad, Blogger, and Resident Chaos Navigator at The Parenting Pro