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Jesus T. Peña

@penamath

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Husband & Father. Executive Dir. & Founder RGV DADS. Certified Principal/Teacher, Mathematician, Community Activist & Blogger. My Dogs: @pepper_daisy

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During this week’s Zoom Into Dad’s Mental Health, dads took a trip down memory lane as we shared our favorite Halloween memories and family traditions! 🎃👻

From homemade costumes and plastic Batman masks to neighborhood trick-or-treating and haunted houses, we laughed about the experiences that made Halloween special during our childhoods.

We also discussed how Halloween celebrations have changed over the years. Traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating is now joined by trunk-or-treats, fall festivals, and technology like the Nextdoor Treat Map to help families plan their activities.

Dads shared how they’re creating memories with their own children through pumpkin carving, Halloween movies, costumes, and community events. One thing became clear: it’s not about how much money we spend, but the memories we create together.

We even made time for some DADvice, sharing parenting experiences and practical suggestions for navigating the challenges that come with raising young children.

Whether it’s continuing traditions from our childhood or starting new ones, these experiences give our children memories they can carry into adulthood.

If you’re looking for encouragement, laughter, parenting advice, and a supportive brotherhood, join us next time! Our RGV DADS WhatsApp community keeps dads connected and sharing family-friendly activities throughout the week.

#mentalhealth #dadlife #community #fatherhood #rgvdads

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During this week’s Zoom Into Dad’s Mental Health, dads discussed the importance of creating positive cultures at home, in the workplace, and in our children’s schools. 🤝💙

We shared experiences about building healthy family environments through communication, quality time, and positive attitudes. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors with our children, sharing family traditions, or simply being present, the culture we create at home influences how our children grow and interact with others.

We also talked about workplace culture and the importance of managing stress, maintaining a positive attitude, and not allowing workplace frustrations to negatively affect our families. Sometimes taking a few minutes to decompress before engaging with our loved ones can make a meaningful difference.

Another important part of our conversation focused on being involved in our children’s schools. From volunteering at marching band competitions to supporting fundraisers and extracurricular activities, dads shared how showing up makes a difference—not only for our own children but for the entire school community.

One of our biggest takeaways was that positive culture starts with our individual actions. The respect, encouragement, and support we demonstrate can create a ripple effect that reaches our families, coworkers, schools, and communities.

If you’re looking for encouragement, practical ideas, and a brotherhood of fathers committed to making a positive difference, join us next time! Our RGV DADS WhatsApp community keeps us connected and supporting one another throughout the week.

#mentalhealth #dadlife #community #fatherhood #rgvdads

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During this week’s Zoom Into Dad’s Mental Health, dads had an honest conversation about healthy relationships, communication, and co-parenting. 🤝💙

We discussed how to handle disagreements with spouses and co-parents while keeping our children’s well-being at the center of every decision. Dads shared personal experiences about having difficult conversations privately, managing emotions, avoiding the silent treatment, and communicating with patience and respect.

One of the most powerful reminders from the evening was that our children are always watching and learning from us. Even at a young age, they notice how we speak to one another, respond to disagreements, and resolve conflicts.

We also explored practical communication strategies, including the PERTA method, and how listening, empathy, and understanding can strengthen relationships.

Healthy relationships don’t mean we never disagree. They mean we learn how to disagree respectfully, work through challenges, and model the behaviors we want our children to develop.

We welcomed new members and celebrated personal accomplishments, reminding us that RGV DADS is also about brotherhood, encouragement, and supporting one another’s growth.

If you’re looking for a supportive community of fathers who share experiences, exchange advice, and learn together, join us next time! Our RGV DADS WhatsApp community keeps the conversations and encouragement going throughout the week.

#mentalhealth #dadlife #community #fatherhood #rgvdads

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During this week’s Zoom Into Dad’s Mental Health, dads talked about something every father needs—a village. 🤝💙

We reflected on the people we trust for guidance, encouragement, and support. For some dads, that village includes parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family. For others, close friends have become family. And for some, communities like RGV DADS have helped fill a space that was missing.

We also had an honest conversation about why accepting help can be difficult. Pride, our upbringing, past experiences, and fear of judgment can sometimes convince us that we have to handle everything ourselves.

But fatherhood was never meant to be a journey we take alone.

Building a village also means surrounding our children with positive influences—family members, friends, teachers, coaches, mentors, and others who can encourage them as they grow.

If your village feels small right now, it’s never too late to build one. Sometimes it starts with simply showing up, having a conversation, and allowing someone else to walk alongside you.

Our RGV DADS WhatsApp community keeps that support going throughout the week. If you’re looking for brotherhood, encouragement, and a community of dads who understand the journey, we invite you to join us next time!

#mentalhealth #dadlife #community #fatherhood #rgvdads

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During this week’s Zoom Into Dad’s Mental Health, dads talked about something our children will carry with them for years—the memories we create together. 💙

We shared stories about trips to the beach, playing Loteria, watching movies, camping, going to parks, attending concerts, playing sports, and even preparing simple meals together. One thing became clear: creating great memories doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

Sometimes the moments our children remember most are the simplest ones—laughing around a table, making sandwiches for a family outing, letting them choose the music in the car, or just spending uninterrupted time together.

We also discussed how fatherhood changes as our children grow. The activities may be different, but we can continue finding ways to connect by taking an interest in the things they enjoy.

Time together creates connection. Connection creates memories. And those memories become part of our legacy as dads.

If you’re looking for ideas, encouragement, and a community of fathers who understand the journey, join us next time! Our RGV DADS WhatsApp community also keeps dads connected and sharing opportunities for families throughout the week.

#mentalhealth #dadlife #community #fatherhood #rgvdads

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During this week’s Zoom Into Dad’s Mental Health, dads reflected on September 11, 2001, sharing where they were, what they remember, and how that day affected their lives. 🇺🇸

For some, the memories came from classrooms. Others experienced that day while working, serving in the military, or beginning adulthood. More than two decades later, those memories remain powerful.

We also discussed an important responsibility we have as fathers: teaching children who were born after 9/11 about what happened while also passing along lessons of courage, service, unity, and compassion.

Our conversation was a reminder that history isn’t only something our children read about in a textbook. We can share our experiences, answer their questions, and help them understand how difficult moments can bring out courage and service in others.

We ended the evening the way we often do—with DADvice. Sometimes another dad doesn’t need us to solve his problem. He simply needs someone willing to listen.

If you’re looking for brotherhood, conversation, and a supportive community of fathers, join us next time. Our RGV DADS WhatsApp community also keeps dads connected throughout the week. 💙

We remember. We honor. We teach the next generation.

#mentalhealth #dadlife #community #fatherhood #rgvdads

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🏈🔥 WE ARE SO BACK! 😤🔥

RGV DADS is ready for GAME 1 and the return of UTRGV Football! 🤠🏈 There’s nothing like football, tailgating, good food, and spending time with fellow dads, family, and friends.

Tonight’s the night! 🧡🤍

⏰ 7 PM
🆚 UT Permian Basin
📍 Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium

Dads, who’s heading to the game tonight? 🙋🏽‍♂️ Are you tailgating? Drop a ✌🏽 in the comments if you’ll be there!

OUR VALLEY. OUR TEAM. OUR TIME. ✌🏽🏈

@utrgv @goutrgv @utrgvfootball
#UTRGV #CollegeFootball #football #texas #rgvdads

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During this week’s Zoom Into Dad’s Mental Health, dads talked about an important responsibility for every family: being prepared. ⛈️🔦

From severe weather and power outages to unexpected emergencies, we discussed what we already have at home—generators, flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, water, and food—and what we still need to improve.

We also talked about preparing our children without making them afraid. Involving kids in making emergency kits, teaching them to be weather-aware, and explaining that preparation is a family team effort can help build confidence instead of fear.

Another important reminder: Do your children know who to call in an emergency? We discussed 911 for emergencies, 211 for community resources, and 988 for mental health crisis support, along with making sure children know important family contact information.

Being prepared doesn’t mean expecting something bad to happen. It means doing what we can today to better protect and support our families tomorrow. 💙

If you’re looking for practical advice, encouragement, and a brotherhood of dads willing to learn from one another, join us next time! Our RGV DADS WhatsApp community also keeps dads connected and sharing resources throughout the week.

#mentalhealth #dadlife #community #fatherhood #rgvdads

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🏈🔥 UTRGV FOOTBALL IS BACK IN ONE WEEK! 🔥🏈

RGV DADS… are you ready?! ✌🏽🤠🏈 The countdown is ON, and the Vaqueros are getting ready to hit the field!

Dads, let’s hear from you! 👇🏽
🏟️ Will you be at the game?
🔥 Tailgating before kickoff?
🏈 What’s your Game 1 prediction?
👨‍👧‍👦 Bringing the kids and making it a family night?

Drop your predictions and plans in the comments! ✌🏽

OUR VALLEY. OUR TEAM. OUR TIME. 🧡🤍

@utrgv @goutrgv @utrgvfootball
#UTRGV #CollegeFootball #football #texas #rgvdads

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During this week’s Zoom Into Dad’s Mental Health, dads talked about getting our families—and ourselves—back into a routine for the new school year. 🎒📚

We discussed re-establishing bedtimes, homework priorities, screen-time limits, morning schedules, and healthier meals. Several dads agreed that bedtime can be one of the toughest routines to bring back after summer!

But we also talked about the importance of flexibility. Kids may come home tired, overstimulated, or exhausted from practices and activities. Structure matters, but so does listening to our children and recognizing when they need time to decompress.

The conversation also challenged us as fathers to look at our own routines. Are we leaving work stress at work? Are we giving ourselves a few minutes to decompress? Are we truly present when our children want to talk? Are we taking care of our own nutrition and health?

Sometimes helping our children develop better habits starts with improving our own. 💙

If you’re looking for encouragement, practical ideas, and a community of fathers who understand the everyday challenges of parenting, join us next time! You can also stay connected throughout the week through our RGV DADS WhatsApp community.

#mentalhealth #dadlife #community #fatherhood #rgvdads

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What a great day of fatherhood, fellowship, and connection! 👨‍👧‍👦💪

RGV DADS was honored to be part of today’s Fatherhood Summit presented by Buckner Children and Family Services – FAYS Program in Brownsville. From powerful presentations and personal testimonies to BBQ, networking, and some great raffle prizes, today reminded us that we are stronger together. 🤝

We’re especially thankful for the new fathers we met today and look forward to staying connected!

⏰ Time Today. Legacy Tomorrow.
💪 Strong Fathers. Strong Families. Stronger Communities.

@buckner_intl
#RGVDADS #legacy #fatherhood #family #rgv

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What a great day at the 2026 Fatherhood Summit! 👨‍👧‍👦💙

RGV DADS was proud to join Buckner Children and Family Services – FAYS for a day filled with fatherhood, fellowship, food, and fun! I was honored to share our “Stronger Together” message and, even better, connect with new dads who are already joining the RGV DADS community. 💪

Thank you to Buckner FAYS for investing in fathers and recognizing the impact we have on our families.

Time today. Legacy tomorrow. Stronger Together. 🙌

@buckner_intl
#legacy #fatherhood #family #rgv #rgvdads

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