Welcome to Paternal Progress
Parenting isn't about perfection—it's about progress. Paternal Progress is a space for parents, especially fathers, who want to show up for their kids with curiosity, humor, and humility. Through honest stories, practical insights, and reflections on modern fatherhood, we explore what it means to raise good humans while growing ourselves in the process.
What You Can Expect
New posts three times a week, blending personal storytelling with practical takeaways.
Honest reflections on the joys and challenges of fatherhood—no sugarcoating, no rigid rules.
Community-focused conversations that encourage discussion, not just passive reading.
Check out this free content for examples:
Why Subscribe?
Get Paternal Progress delivered straight to your inbox—no algorithms deciding what you see.
Join a growing community of parents embracing growth, not perfection.
Paid subscribers get access to exclusive posts, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
Who I Am
I’m Derek Moeller-Smith—writer, father of two, and lifelong work-in-progress. Paternal Progress started because I needed a place to process the absurd, beautiful chaos of parenting. If you’ve ever looked at your kid and thought, "I need to be better for them," this space is for you.
Who This Is (and Isn't) For
If you're looking for perfect parenting hacks, viral dad jokes, or rigid "rules" about fatherhood, you won't find them here. But if you want honest, thoughtful, and sometimes funny takes on what it really means to raise kids while figuring yourself out in the process, you’re in the right place.
Subscription Options
Free Subscribers: Get access to weekly posts and community discussions.
Paid Subscribers: Receive full-length newsletters, exclusive content, and more ways to engage with Paternal Progress.
Join Us
Ready to embrace the imperfect, evolving journey of parenting? Subscribe today and become part of the conversation.