I have been mentoring N*avy parents since 2013 but have focused on Moms – they usually seem to ask the questions and search for information. Dads are involved too, but differently from Moms. From my personal experience, we Moms tend to wear our hearts on our sleeve, where Dads may tend to be more reserved. As I mourned the absence of my Plebes, my husband took on different roles as an encourager, supporter, and comforter especially during our Plebe Summers and during deployments. As our Mids spread their wings, he was many times a mediator.
During my most recent book signing, a new Dad came up to me, and after chatting about my book, A USNA Mom’s Journal, he asked me what advice I had for Dads. To be honest, I had to think about it! Advice specific for Dads? I was at a loss but not for long!
Join me for my podcast episode with two N*avy Dads – Karl Smith (USNA ’20 and USAFA ’25) and my husband Jeff, (USNA ’17, ’20, and Notre Dame NROTC ’22), who help us see things through the Dad lens and shed some light on Dad-specific advice. You can listen here: Finally! Advice for the N*avy Dad Journey or listen below:

Easel on Stribling – The USNA Journey in Brushstrokes | Episode 40 – USNA MidMoms and More Podcast
- Easel on Stribling – The USNA Journey in Brushstrokes | Episode 40
- There is More Than One Path to USNA | Episode 40
- The Navy Parent Life – Deployment Survival Bootcamp with Elaine Brye | Episode 38
- From Mid to Officer to Civilian with Academy Insider’s Grant Vermeer PART 2 | Episode 37
- From Mid, to Officer to Civilian with Academy Insider’s Grant Vermeer – Part 1 | Episode 36
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