Gary Karton

Content Advisor

Gary started his career as a reporter for The Washington Post and has spent the last 18 years working in the world of nonprofits to help children and families. He brings that same passion to Safe Kids, creating messages for a variety of audiences to ensure that more kids can explore, have fun and still stay safe. He is also the author of The Last Akaway, the first book in an award-winning fantasy adventure series for kids.

Blogs by Gary Karton

Kids Talk about the Gifts and Challenges of Growing up with Dyslexia on Parent Pep Talk Podcast

By Gary Karton
May 14, 2019
Growing up with Dyslexia

Growing up with dyslexia can be hard but it can also be a gift.

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Dad Shares ‘Humiliating’ Story of Sideline Rage on Youth Sports Episode of The Parent Pep Talk Podcast

By Gary Karton
February 14, 2019
New episode on Youth Sports

One dad Takes one for the Team on Parent Pep Talk Podcast by sharing ‘humiliating’ outburst at son’s hockey practice.

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New Parenting Podcast Offers Advice and Understanding from Experts, Parents and Teens

By Gary Karton
February 1, 2019
The Parent Pep Talk

The Parent Pep Talk, Safe Kids Worldwide’s new parenting podcast, provides perspective, tips, and support.

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The Doubtful Dad: Making the Right Call When Faced With a Bad One

By Gary Karton
January 9, 2015
The Doubtful Dad: Sportsmanship Blog

If you're one of those parents who insists on yelling at the officials during your kid’s sporting event, let me start by saying, you’re right. OK? The kid probably did travel. That was a total strike. It was definitely icing. Obvious pass interference. But that doesn’t make up for all the ways we’re wrong.

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Tags: sports safety, winter safety, winter sports, Parenting, the doubtful dad

The Doubtful Dad: Tales from the Dog Park

By Gary Karton
November 7, 2014
Doubtful Dad Dog Park

I love the dog park.

I love it because Halea, my dog (a very rare breed of mutt), loves it. She runs and plays and sniffs, and for 30 minutes every day, I feel like I'm actually giving her the attention she deserves.

I love it because of what I see when I'm there. All different kinds, shapes, and sizes of dogs playing together. They don't worry or judge or take things too seriously.

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Tags: the doubtful dad, new dads, Parenting