All Pro Dad Podcast
<p>On average, men switch jobs every four years, but one role guys will never outgrow, is dad. It’s a serious responsibility that lasts a lifetime and comes with highs, lows, and a ton of questions. It’s okay not to have all the answers… but the most committed dads are always chasing them. </p><p> </p><p>The All Pro Dad podcast helps men navigate their toughest parenting problems. Experienced dads discuss what has worked for them, tackle scary topics, and learn to love their kids well. We do it all with a combination of humor and humility. If you have more questions than answers, this is the place to be. Today’s the perfect day to become an All Pro Dad.</p>
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We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Colt McCoy: What Is Your Family Values Game Plan?In this heartfelt episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe and co-host BJ Foster are joined by NFL quarterback Colt McCoy to discuss the significance of intentional fatherhood. Reflecting on his legendary football career and his most important role as a father of four, Colt highlights the importance of having a structured family game plan.Colt shares his family motto, L3H3: Love God, Love Family, Love Others, and embody Humility, Honor, and Hard Work. This guiding framework has helped Colt and his family navigate life’s challenges with clarity and consistency. He offers practical advice on how these values strengthen family bonds and create a thriving environment for growth.The conversation also explores balancing the demands of a professional football career with the responsibilities of parenting. Colt opens up about the joys and difficulties of raising young children while encouraging fathers to remain present and intentional in their leadership. The episode wraps up with actionable tips for dads and a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of fatherhood.Key Episode Highlights:Colt McCoy's Family Life: Balancing professional football and parenting (01:31)The Importance of a Family Game Plan: How vision strengthens family bonds (04:38)Creating a Family Motto, L3H3: A framework for intentional parenting (05:53)Challenges and Rewards of Parenting: Managing demands and finding joy (09:03)Encouragement for Dads: Advice for being present and consistent (16:01)APD Pro Move:"Define your family’s game plan today. A clear set of values or a motto—like Colt McCoy's L3H3—provides a powerful framework for intentional parenting."Sponsor:The All Pro Dad Podcast is brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families and enriching relationships. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.Don’t forget to leave us a review on your favorite podcast app!EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!In this insightful and entertaining episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by marriage and family advocates Rodney Bussell and Jeremy Donovan to explore the many facets of making a marriage work. Together, they unpack topics that every couple faces: financial pressures, effective communication, and navigating the complexities of parenting, especially in blended families. They offer their own experiences and humor through a light-hearted game called "Hurricane or Honeymoon," examining how marriage can feel calm and sunny one day and stormy the next. Key lessons include the value of honest communication, understanding each other's needs, and serving one another as foundational principles for a strong relationship. The episode wraps with actionable advice, including a “pro move” for listeners to implement in their marriages.Important Episode Timestamps:(00:00) Welcome to the All Pro Dad Podcast(00:19) Meet the Guests: Rodney Bussell and Jeremy Donovan(00:27) Discussing Marriage: Challenges and Insights(01:12) Game Time: Hurricane or Honeymoon(10:02) Diving Deeper: Personal Stories and Challenges(16:08) Parenting and Marriage: Balancing Act(21:02) Final Thoughts and Advice for Dads(24:33) Conclusion and FarewellAPD Pro Move:“Find an area in your life to better serve your spouse and implement it this week.”Sponsor: The All Pro Dad Podcast is brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources that help strengthen families and enrich relationships. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.Don’t forget to leave us a review on your favorite podcasting app!Links & Resources:Connect with Rodney BussellConnect with Jeremy DonovanConnect with Ted LoweSubscribe now to the All Pro Dad Podcast Watch the Full Episode on YouTubeEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!In this insightful episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Jason Hood to discuss the challenges fathers face in maintaining their health. With research indicating that fathers often experience poorer cardiovascular health than non-fathers, the trio explores common unhealthy habits—like lack of exercise, insufficient sleep, and procrastination—and how these impact overall well-being.Practical Tips for Building Healthy Habits The conversation covers actionable strategies to improve health, including habit stacking, setting achievable goals, and budgeting time for wellness. These practical steps encourage dads to prioritize health, so they can better support their families.Key Topics CoveredCommon unhealthy habits for dadsThe impact of fatherhood on healthTips for time management and goal-settingHow to break the procrastination cycleThe positive ripple effect of healthy lifestyle choicesEpisode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome to the All Pro Dad Podcast00:17 – Meet the Hosts and Guests00:44 – Question of the Week: Is Fatherhood Bad for Your Health?01:34 – Top Unhealthy Habits of Americans03:40 – How Fatherhood Impacts Health05:51 – Real Challenges Dads Face07:13 – Healthy Habits and Why They Matter07:30 – Practical Tips for Healthier Living12:41 – Overcoming Procrastination22:52 – The Domino Effect of Positive Health Choices23:27 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement23:57 – Closing Remarks and ResourcesAPD Pro Move:"Start small with achievable goals, like adding a short walk or setting a weekly exercise day. Habit stacking can help make healthier choices feel more natural."Sponsor:The All Pro Dad Podcast is brought to you by Family First, an organization dedicated to providing resources that strengthen families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.Leave Us a Review!If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!Links:Connect with BJ FosterConnect with Jason HoodConnect with Ted LoweSubscribe to our show All Pro DadSubscribe & Watch the Full Episode on YouTubeLearn more about Family FirstRead the New York Post Article Learn even more on today's topicEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!How Do I Parent in a Social Media World?In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by Bobby Lewis and Jason Hood to explore parenting challenges in the social media age. They discuss the right age for kids to get smartphones, teens' time on platforms like TikTok, and how younger children are on social media.Key Takeaways:Delay smartphone use and promote real-life activities to develop healthier habits.Understand the benefits and risks of social media with learning opportunities on issues like cyberbullying and addiction.Use practical strategies such as monitoring accounts, setting boundaries, and rewarding phone-free family time to build strong in-person connections.Actionable Tips:Participate and engage with your child on social media.Monitor accounts and know their passwords.Set clear ground rules and replace screen time with healthier activities.Stay calm and empathetic—remember, the phone isn’t the enemy.Be the example your kids follow.—Important Episode Timestamps:(00:00) Welcome to the All Pro Dad Podcast(00:23) Introducing Today’s Big Topic(00:53) Quiz: Social Media and Kids(02:39) First Social Media Experiences(03:33) Kids and Social Media Usage(05:46) The Pros and Cons of Social Media(09:54) The Impact of Social Media on Kids(11:00) Balancing the Positives and Negatives(12:39) Parental Concerns and Strategies(15:16) Practical Tips for Parents(20:42) Final Thoughts and Encouragement—APD Pro Move:“Ask your kids what they think are the pros and the cons of social media? Maybe they'll surprise you.”—Sponsor: All Pro Dad Podcast is brought to you by Family First. Family First is an organization on a mission to provide parenting, marriage, and relational truth that helps people love their family well and gives them greater hope for the future. Visit FamilyFirst.Net to learn more.Leave us a review on your favorite podcasting app!—Links & Resources:Connect with Bobby LewisConnect with Jason HoodConnect with Ted LoweSubscribe to our show All Pro DadSubscribe & Watch the Full Episode on YouTubeLearn more about Family FirstLearn more on topics today EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!In this thought-provoking episode of the All Pro Dad podcast, dads and hosts Ted Lowe, BJ Foster, and Mark Merrill tackle the challenging yet crucial topic of teaching children about politics. Navigating Politics with Your ChildrenParents can help their children constructively navigate these conversations by actively listening and modeling respectful political discourse.Personal Stories and ResourcesWe recommend helpful resources, such as The Space Between Us by Sarah Anderson, to further explore the dynamics of respectful dialogue, especially in politically charged times.---Important Episode Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction and Today's Topic(00:33) Teaching Kids About Politics(02:03) Listening and Asking Questions(02:12) Personal Experiences in Politics(04:45) Respect and True North(06:32) Considering the Source(08:52) Encouraging Open Dialogue(10:57) Reflecting on Personal Example(12:04) The Power of No Labels(14:02) Respecting Different Opinions(16:58) Sharpening Through Opposing Views(18:44) Hope for a Brighter Future(19:28) Teaching Kids to Talk Politics—APD Pro Move: “If you’ve got smaller kids, pay attention to how they're reacting to politics, particularly what they are being exposed to. Then ask questions based on what you’re seeing. Remind older kids to talk about politics in an honorable way. It's time to start those conversations.”—Sponsor: All Pro Dad Podcast is brought to you by Family First. Family First is an organization on a mission to provide parenting, marriage, and relational truth that helps people love their family well and gives them greater hope for the future. Visit FamilyFirst.Net to learn more.Please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting app!---Links:Connect with BJ FosterConnect with Ted LoweConnect with Mark MerrillConnect with Sarah Bauer AndersonSubscribe to our show All Pro DadSubscribe & Watch the Full Episode on YouTubeLearn more about Family FirstEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!This week, both All Pro Dad and iMOM ask, “How is your phone use affecting your kid?” For insight, we consulted Joey Odom, the co-founder of Aro. His company was started by him and a buddy, Heath Wilson. The dads hoped to help families like theirs talk openly about screen time and the tension that exists between us and our smartphones. Odom has done a ton of research focusing on the life that happens once we put down the phones.Screens are part of daily life. From smartphones to tablets, we find ourselves constantly connected. However, this comes with hidden costs, especially for parents. Studies have shown that parents who are frequently on their devices are less engaged with their children, leading to a decrease in meaningful interactions. This can result in children feeling neglected or undervalued and can hinder self-esteem.Reducing screen time is key. Odom says to start small, reducing your screen time by 15 minutes each day, and cutting further from there. The Aro app is a great tool for this, and helps users track and manage screen time. It won’t work if we ask kids to do something we’re not willing to do ourselves. Parents should lead by example with phones, demonstrating healthy digital habits that children can emulate. A small move you can try this week is to not bring your phone to the dinner table.Odom’s three suggestions for parents:1.Spend an hour apart from your phone daily2.Establish sacred times and spaces in your home3.Search for opportunities for connectionBottom line: Your phone is a powerful tool that can overpower everything in your life if you let it. SAVE MONEY!! Aro is giving All Pro Dad and iMOM listeners a discount on its Aro box. Use the code FAMILYFIRST at checkout to save. Other resources: All Pro Dad Episode 39 – Is My Kid Addicted to Screen Time?iMOM Episode 66 – Is Your Family Experiencing Technoference?iMOM Episode 80 – Socializing Through Screens10 Rules For Children and Cell Phones 4 Ways Your Teenager’s Phone is Trying to Replace You3 Warnings to Dads Before Your Give Your Kids a PhoneLearn more about AroEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!There are a lot of concerns and worries over the use of AI, but there are also plenty of reasons to be excited about the technology. Dads have the opportunity to use the tech to have a ton of AI fun with their kids. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Buck Buchanan toss out ideas we can use AI to make lasting memories with our kids. Why should you have some AI fun with your kids? For starters, it’s believed using AI can improve social skills and brain development, and also spark curiosity and exploration. AI can boost creativity and invite kids to think critically. If you’re using it with your kids, you’re also connecting and spending quality time together.What are common ways dads are using AI with their kids? · Use AI to create fun science experiments. · Use AI to turn a trip to the park into a learning experience.· Use AI to create (or continue) a bedtime story for your child.· Use AI to write fun riddles and jokes. All Pro Dad has researched how kids may utilize AI socially. Two popular ways kids are already using AI are as a friend and a therapist.We get it if the idea of spending time creating fake images, songs, and other goofy things with your kids sounds odd. But, if they like it, consider embracing it with enthusiasm. Bottom line: AI isn’t going away, so embrace the fun side of it with your kids. Pro Move: If your kids are asking to use it, do some research on which AI apps or websites would be a good fit for your family. Participate together and make some memories.Other resources: Introduction to AI for Dads (See an entire series of AI content with this link)5 Unique Uses for AI at Home to Make Learning Fun2 Ways Your Child Might Engage Socially with AI – Part 12 Ways Your Child Might Engage Socially with AI – Part 2EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!What is a deepfake? It is defined as a video, photo, or audio recording that seems real but has been manipulated with AI. They have become deeply concerning to parents around the world because of how realistic they look. Technology has advanced so much that it’s becoming hard to tell what reality and what’s fiction, and that has dangerous implications for parents. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Jason Hood break down how people are using AI to create confusing and harmful content. A whopping 73% of parents told the polling service Barna that they’re “concerned” about kids using AI. Maybe that’s because kids across the nation have begun using AI to create deepfakes to bully peers. In multiple states, students have been caught creating fake images of classmates, often involving nudity. It’s a tricky offense to prosecute since many states don’t have laws against AI-generated material yet. The fact that deepfakes are technically not “real” images presents another legal challenge to keeping users in check. What are parents supposed to do? Here are a few tips if you’re worried about AI deepfakes impacting your child:1. Stay informed about AI-generated capabilities.2. Educate your kids about AI with your values in mind.3. Establish clear tech rules before letting your child use a chatbot.4. Try out an AI image-creator together before handing over the tool.5. Take steps to protect your kids from predators who use AI tech. Bottom line: AI isn’t going away, so stay up to date on all the ways it’s being used and expect constant changes.Pro Move of the Week: Ask your kids if they know what a “deepfake” is. Talk about what your family feels are appropriate and inappropriate ways to use AI. Other resources: 5 Ways to Keep Kids Safe With AI Images and Deepfakes3 Insights for Parenting in the Age of AI4 Warning Bells as AI Continues to Influence the WorldAI Quiz 1AI Quiz 2AI Images That Went Viral in 2023Baltimore School Firing Over AI-generated Audio (NPR)EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Whether your child is starting kindergarten this semester or studying in a dorm room somewhere, you’d better believe students everywhere will be seeing and using more AI in the classroom. From science experiments to essay writing, Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Buck Buchanan break down how students and teachers will use AI in creative and helpful ways.Despite being used often, AI is still relatively unknown and scary for a lot of people. You may not have even realized that technologies you use every day like voice assistants (Siri or Alexa), navigation apps, and chatbots rely heavily on AI If they aren’t already, students will soon use AI for things like test prep, study guides, and writing prompts. It will tailor their educational experience, give feedback without judgment, and level the playing field. Teachers will use it to save time lesson planning and get immediate feedback from students. To curb cheating, instructors may begin leaning more on oral exams in class. If all this sounds new and intimidating, consider these three ways dads can embrace AI in the classroom with their kids:1. Don’t run 2. Participate with your kids 3. Understand the long-term benefitBottom line: AI is getting more powerful by the day, but it doesn’t have to scary, and can actually benefit our kids’ education. Pro Move of the Week: Ask your kids how AI is being used in their school and work on an assignment together.Other resources:Introduction to A.I. for Dads (See an entire series of A.I. content with this link)Fears About A.I. and Learning in SchoolsWarning Bells as A.I. Continues to Influence the WorldIs Using A.I. For Schoolwork Cheating?EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Billy Napier was hired as the head football coach of the Florida Gators in 2021 after successful seasons at Alabama and Louisiana. At every stop, the father of three has endured challenges to perform well on the field and be influential at home. Ted Lowe and Mark Merrill chat with Coach Napier about how he strives to live, lead, and coach with purpose.During the football season, Coach Napier sees his players as much, if not more, than his own children. Intentionality has become a big deal for him. So when family time is on his calendar, nothing gets in the way of it. That’s part of knowing your purpose as an employee, husband, and father – prioritizing what and who is most important to you. Have you thought through the question, “What is my purpose as a dad?” If you’ve never considered it, here are three questions to help you find your purpose as a father. 1. Why am I here?2. What can you give?3. Who will you help?Bottom line: Knowing my purpose makes me a better dad. Pro Move of the Week: Look at your calendar and find all the things that are family-related. Pledged to protect those events, not bumping them for anything unless it’s an emergency.Reference 4 Ways to Find Your Purpose3 Questions to Stay Focused on Your PurposeEp. 31 Is Work-Life Balance Even Possible?The Pressure at Work is OverwhelmingTony Dungy: Working Under PressureTony Dungy: How to Manage Family and a Demanding JobHow to Cope With Losing Your JobEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Smartphones. Tablets. TVs. Most kids in the United States have access to some kind of device with a screen, and it’s almost certain they are using it daily. Ted Lowe, Buck Buchanan, and Reggie Lewis discuss the gravitational pull of technology and how screens are taking over our homes. Even if you’ve successfully limited screen time with your kids, the stats on tech use are incredible. In his book The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt shares this eye-opening data about kids’ growing technology addiction:· American kids ages 8-12 view a screen for nearly 5 hours per day on average. · Teens’ screen time exceeds 7 hours per day on average.· Over 70% of teens don’t get the recommended amount of sleep due to screen usage. · Attention spans have decreased in children by nearly 50% during the last 15 years due in part to screens. · 72% of parents expressed concern about their children’s screen time but many feel ill-equipped to manage it.Technology has the same effect on the portion of the brain that impacts function and impulse control as cocaine. Screen time is highly addictive. How do we handle this growing technology addiction as parents? Here are a few tips from The Anxious Generation.1. Open Communication2. Set Clear Screen Time Limits3. Create Tech-Free Zones and Times4. Model Healthy Tech Use5. Educate About Digital Citizenship6. Monitor Online Activity7. Support Mental HealthToday’s Pro Move:Choose one of Dr. Haidt’s tips and have a conversation with your kid. Other resources: Breaking the Video Game Addicted KidAre You Making Your Kids Addicts Without Even Knowing It?19 Alternatives to Screen Time Your Kids Will Actually LikeAll Pro Dad Child Safety Series"The Anxious Generation" by Dr. Jonathan Haidt10 Ways Your Child Can Use the Cell Phone for Good 5 Ways to MonitEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!When dads get involved in their kids’ education great things typically happen. Grades tend to improve. Behavior problems usually fade. The rates of teen pregnancy, incarceration, and drug use all drop. Dads play an enormous role in their kids’ education experience – if they get involved. Ted Lowe, Buck Buchanan, and Jason Hood, Director of All Pro Dad Chapters, talk about how easy it is for dads to get plugged in at school.The All Pro Dad Chapter program started as a way to get dads to connect with their kids at school. Chapters offer monthly meeting opportunities for dads to spend quality time with their children before school to strengthen their relationship. One day a month, other dads and their kids meet together and walk through different topics that invoke meaningful conversations. There are active chapters in nearly all 50 states and internationally, including in countries like Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, and Greece. Over 250,000 people attended All Pro Dad Chapter meetings during the 2023 school year. To hear from participants, check out our testimonials page.Bottom line: Be intentional about your kids’ education.Today’s Pro Move: Ask an administrator if there is an All Pro Dad Chapter at your child’s school.Other resources:Nate Bargatze comedy clipNateBargatze.comFind an All Pro Dad Chapter in your stateStart an All Pro Dad Chapter at your kids’ schoolFAQ For Parents8 Tips For Fathers to Help Their Kids Succeed in School11 Ways to Make Your Kids’ School Year Special5 Things to Tell Your Child Every DayEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!This is the All Pro Dad podcast, where in each episode dads of all ages dive into just one question. Today, we ask, “Have I Taken the Time to Get to Know My Children for Who They Are?”You spend more time with your kids than pretty much anyone. But, how well do you know them? The real them? What things make them happy, anxious, and afraid? What are their hopes, dreams, and fears? Veteran dads Ted Lowe, Jason Hood, and All Pro Dad Founder Mark Merrill share strategies they’ve used to dig down deep and get to know their children better than ever.When kids know dad wants to know the real them, they tend to open up more. That’s a win for us as dads but we can get in our own way sometimes. Our personalities may differ from our kids’. Our likes and dislikes don’t always align. It can be tough to find the right balance, but committing to do what it takes to truly connect with your kids will pay off. Here are a few steps you can take:1. Be amazed. 2. Be curious. 3. Be affirming. 4. Be flexible. 5. Be there. Bottom line: When your kid knows you get them, they know you love them. Today’s Pro Move: For one week, ask your kid their high and low of the day. Other resources: The Best Conversation Starters For TeenagersHow to be Amazed by Your KidsBooks by Mark Merrill: From Me to You Journal: SonsFrom Me to You Journal: Daughters“I Said This, You Heard That” by Kathleen EdelmanEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!If he wasn’t an expert in how to handle success and failure before 2023, Florida State Head Football Coach Mike Norvell knows now. His FSU team finished the regular season a perfect 13-0, was passed over for a College Football Playoff appearance, and lost big in its bowl game, playing without its injured Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback. The disappointing end to a special season led Norvell to give one of the most inspired locker room speeches of the season. “I told you since the very first day that I came here: hard work does not guarantee success,” he told his Seminoles players after losing 63-3 to Georgia. “It doesn’t and it never will. But it absolutely will put you in the best position to achieve it.”Mike sat down with Ted Lowe and Family First President Mark Merrill to talk about how the highs and lows of coaching a nationally prominent college football program mirrors the challenges of parenting his 10-year-old daughter. The conversation will lead dads to think through navigating both good and bad moments with their kids in a way that helps them keep their eyes fixed on the process, not the problems. Things to keep in mind when parenting through success:1. Tell kids to stay humble.2. Encourage them to keep working at being their best.3. Encourage sharing success with others.4. Teach kids where our real value comes from.5. Remind your kids to be thankful.Things to keep in mind when parenting through failure:1. Not everyone gets a trophy.2. Everyone has different talents.3. It’s important to have class.4. Learn from your mistakes.5. Lessons come from perseverance.Bottom line: Your kid needs to know you’ll be there during the highs and lows.Today’s Pro Move: Think about what you will say to your children the next time they succeed or fail.Other resources: 4 Dos and Don’ts When Your Kid Feels Like a Failure 4 Things Boys Can Learn from Failure The 4 Most Important Lessons Only Failure Can Teach You4 Things Your Kids Need to Achieve SuccessHow to Raise Successful KidsRyan Succop: 3 Reasons Setbacks Are Good for UsEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Grocery store tantrums. Refusing to follow directions. The list of ways kids act out goes on and on. Acting out is how kids test their limits, learn their voice, and, in a way, mature. But it can be incredibly frustrating for parents to see their child acting out. Ted Lowe, Jason Hood, and Buck Buchanan talk about what they’ve done to try and keep their kids from becoming disruptive or disrespectful.One thing that helps when you have a child acting out is to run their behavior through this series of questions:1. Is this a first-time behavior? 2. Is this childish behavior or willful disobedience? 3. Did I clearly communicate what our family values in this situation? 4. Am I making it easy for my kid to talk to me about tough things? 5. What, if any, consequence should there be? 6. Is there an underlying issue that contributed to my child’s behavior? 7. What can I do to help my kid learn from this experience? Understanding why your child is behaving a certain way will help you address it appropriately. Today’s Pro Move: Choose one situation with your kid that you are unsure how to handle and run it through the seven questions above. Other resources: The Secret to Stopping Bad Behavior5 Decisions You Can Make to End DisrespectTeaching Boys How to Handle Their Emotions (iMOM)EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Dads love to hold the TV remote. When that little device is in our hands, we can flip on any channel we want. We hold the power! But kids don’t come with a remote. They are actually really tough to control, as much as we try. Does parenting sometimes leave you feeling out of control as a dad? Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Buck Buchanan try to figure out how to stop being so controlling as dads. Having a sense of control helps us feel competent, relieve uncertainty, and boost our self-worth. But, so much in life is out of our control, especially as dads. This drives many men to pursue control even more. It’s not a great quality, because when we tighten our grip, our kids tend to resist our attempt to grab control. How do we manage the urge to be a controlling parent and still show love to our children? Try these tips. 1. Know Your Triggers What does your kid do that bothers you more than it should? When does your reaction not match the situation?2. Be RealisticControl is necessary in some situations, but not all. Just because you think something should happen doesn’t mean it will or even that it should. The more realistic we are, the less controlling we are.3. Communicate Choices Kids respond to choices. If you struggle with being a controlling parent, offering kids the chance to choose between options you’ve predetermined.4. Model Healthy BehaviorThis is crucial. If you aren’t trying to control your kids, they will learn not to be controlling, too. 5. Slow Down When your child does something you want to control quickly, give yourself space to let the logical part of your brain return online. That’s the part of your brain that knows you can’t make your child do anything. 6. Choose your battles. The less you try to control, the less controlling you will be.Bottom line: You can’t control your kid, but you can help them choose. Today’s Pro Move: Ask yourself, what is one area where you need to be less controlling with your kid? Other resources: 4 Things You Can Control As A Dad 5 Things You Cannot Control As A Dad 4 Ways Fatherhood Teaches You To Let Go Of Control 4 Kinds of Parental Control Dads Should UseEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Think back to when you were a kid. Did you stuff your emotions down? Did you let them all hang out? Parenting can be a wild ride, especially if your kids’ emotions are constantly changing. Dads need to prepare for the highs, lows, twists, and turns. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Jason Hood think through the safest way to ride the emotional roller coaster with your kids. One mistake dad make when helping kids navigate their feelings is expressing too many themselves. If your kids are getting mad, do you react with more anger? If they’re anxious, do you get stressed out? One of the best things we can do as dads is to stay emotionally calm, empathetic, and strong. Often kids don’t know what they are feeling. When we say strong, calm, and empathetic, they only have to deal with their own confusing emotions, not ours. Here are a few tips for the next time your child is on that emotional roller coaster: 1. Be calm. If your kid is expressing his or her frustration in a negative way, it’s tough not to do the same. Research shows the more you practice being calm the better you get at it.2. Be empathetic. While you want to be calm, you don’t want to be cold. Just validating their emotions goes a long way in soothing their emotions.3. Be strong. While we want to be empathetic, it doesn’t always mean we need to intervene. Being strong means letting them know what is OK and what is not. More Podcasts on this Topic:Episode 2: How Can I Help My Anxious Kid?Episode 17: What Is The Key to Raising A Happy Kid?Full All Pro Dad YouTube playlistToday’s Pro Move: This week, watch how your kid’s emotions impact your emotions.Other resources: The 1 Type of Ball You Don’t Want to Play With Your Kid Do You Have Resilient Children? Think Again.EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!NFL veteran and ESPN football analyst Dan Orlovsky has triplet boys and one daughter. He asked one of his sons what he could do better as a sports parent. The answer? “Get out of the way.” Too often we get so involved in our kids’ activities that it hurts their growth. Dan sat down with Ted Lowe and Bobby Lewis to discuss how to blend sports and parents, properly motivate kids, and the joy of seeing them succeed.A little about Dan. He played professional football for over a decade in the NFL. He can be seen on multiple ESPN shows sharing his football knowledge. Dan has been married to his wife, Tiffany, for 15 years and spends much of his time trying to teach his four kids some life lessons he learned as a pro athlete. Youth activities, particularly sports, are great teaching tools for kids. It stresses the importance of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. One thing Dan stressed in our conversation is the importance of keeping those activities in perspective, warning that for him growing up, sports became “the god” in his house. We shared some sobering stats in Episode 12, How Do We Help Our Kids Realistically Believe in Themselves? Fewer than 2% of kids will wind up like Dan, drawing a paycheck from a pro sports team. But, as many as 40% of dads in the stands think their kid will “make it,” according to a Harris Poll. To guard against over-parenting, over-coaching, or making activities stressful for his kids, Dan tries to say one simple phrase after games: “I don’t care how you did. I care how you did it.”Today’s Pro Move: Encourage your kids. Cheer for your kids. Help them be their best. But keep things in perspective during their activities. Other resources:7 Teachable Moments on the Sports Field5 Ways Recreational Sports is Running Our Family LifeThe Value of Sports for Our Children5 Ideas for How to Handle a Bad Coach as a Parent (iMOM)More From Dan:3 Things I Learned From Losing5 Things That Don’t Require Talent3 Inspiring Ways to Motivate Your KidsDan’s article archiveFor Mom: The ladies of the iMOM podcast tackle the topic of how to deal with harsh youth sports coaches EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!This is a huge topic. Pop the question into Google and the search yields about 1.6 BILLION results. Clearly, men want to know how to balance their work and home lives. What’s the secret? Ted Lowe, Family First founder Mark Merrill, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Dungy tackle that topic on today’s episode. Tony spent years on NFL sidelines and long hours in his office drawing up game plans, but Fridays were always dedicated to family. He shares stories on the podcast about spending designated time with his children – even during the Super Bowl! Mark raised five kids and made a point to schedule intentional time to spend with them. He tells stories about doing whatever they wanted on their birthdays and even making them each “President For The Day” on occasion at All Pro Dad. Work-life balance will rarely be evenly split 50/50. There will be seasons of busyness at the office. There will be times when we can plug in more at home. Regardless of how the ratio breaks down for you in this season, commit to giving your kids your full attention when you are around, even if it’s not as many hours as you wish.Bottom line:Be aware.Be united. Be prepare. Be present. Be creative. Today’s Pro Move: Look at how much time you have available for your kids and maximize that time. Remember to be creative with your time. Other resources:Stop Trying to Achieve Work-Life Balance!3 Ways to Balance Work and FamilyEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Think about aiming for but barely missing a target far in the distance. You don’t need to drastically shift your focus. Slight adjustments will get you back on the mark. The same approach can work in marriage. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Buck Buchanan have been married for nearly 60 years collectively. On today’s episode, the trio shares a few “micro moves” to help improve your marriage. Now, we’re not saying these are the only things that will improve your marriage, but we think it’s a good list to get your started. Check out these 12 “micro moves.” 1. Be nice.2. Don’t say everything you think.3. Pick up after yourself.4. Don’t mention your wife’s messiness.5. Hug your wife without the goal of initiating sex.6. Don’t get frustrated with your wife’s mistakes.7. Ask your wife how she is doing and listen to the answer.8. Don’t be on your phone during mealtime.9. Pay attention when your wife is talking.10. Enjoy your wife’s humor whether it’s funny or not.11. Leave your wife a Post-It note of gratitude.12. Do a chore your wife dislikes.Bottomline: The sum total of your micro moves equals the condition of your marriage.Today’s Pro Move: Choose just one of the 12 “micro moves” and focus on doing it this week.Other resources: 12 Micro Moves For Your Marriage5 Choices That Will Instantly Improve Your Marriage5 Ideas That Will Transform Your MarriageThe 7 Disciplines of a Healthy MarriageTed’s Books:Us In MindMarried PeopleYour Best Us Book Ted to speak at:Your EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!If your son or daughter walks into the room with a bloody nose, we should spring into action! Our kids clearly need us when they are injured. But there are plenty of not-so-obvious times when our kids need us to drop everything for them, too. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Jason Hood list a few of the times when we need make our kids our top priority.Here are a few of those moments to look out for as a dad:1. When They FailYour kids are more than the sum of their failures. Encourage perseverance and ooze forgiveness. Remind them that sometimes they will come up just short, but you love them anyway.2. When They Are SickThis is different from getting hurt. When our kids are sick, they need to know that their well-being is our top priority. Don’t leave it all for Mom to handle.3. When They Get in With the Wrong CrowdThe younger the child, the more easily he or she is influenced. According to Choosing Therapy, about 85% of high school students have felt peer pressure at some point. Get involved, even if it’s awkward, to try to steer your kids away from trouble and toward positive influences.4. After a BreakupEven if your kids are too young to be in a romantic relationship, they’ll still feel the pain of broken friendships. It could leave your child feeling lonely or abandoned. Those feelings only intensify if a dating relationship is the one that dissolves. Your kids’ relationships are serious to them, even if they don’t feel serious to you. Don’t risk pushing them away by minimizing their emotions.Bottom line: Your children need to know that they matter enough to you for you to stop and tend to their needs. Pro Move: Look for opportunities to stop and tend to your kids’ needs, because not prioritizing them properly can be harmful.EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Ever step on a LEGO? It feels like a sniper got you from the rooftop. It hurts even more if you asked your kids to put them away 50 times and they didn’t. So, what happens? Usually, we get angry, even if we don’t want to. On today’s episode, Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Reggie Lewis talk about how to deal with father anger issues. Would you react calmly or angrily to the LEGO situation? Why is your tendency? Our reactions matter. When we are triggered by our children, we can react in ways that push them away in ways we later regret. The research is clear on this. When you are triggered, your brain releases chemicals that send you into a fight-or-flight response while significantly limiting the logical part of your brain. While we should love our lightning-fast reaction times, the amygdala is often so efficient that our reaction times hurt our relationships. But we are not victims of our amygdala; there are some really practical, clear ways to respond. When we get angry, our kids focus more on our reaction than their behavior. So, control your reaction as best you can. How? Pausing to breathe and listen. Fight the urge to immediately react. This approach gives you the space to be the dad you want to be and the one your kid needs you to be. Today’s Pro Move: Pause the next time your child triggers your anger. It will help you be more of who you want to be and more of who your kid needs you to be. Other resources:4 Things You Must Do After Yelling at Your Kids 5 Ways Dads Cause Family Tensions 5 Things Your Kids Want You To Know When You YellEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!There is a difference between loving your kids and liking them. Both are important! Most kids believe they are loved by their parents. But, do they think they’re liked? Sometimes they test our patience. Dads manage meltdowns, muddy sneakers, and more. We may not like some of the things they do, but they need to know we like them as people. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Buck Buchanan discuss how to love your kids, but how to show them you like them, too. Try these three ways with your kids:1. Tell them with your words. Frequently tell your kid, “I like you.” Nobody wants to feel like an obligation. Saying “I like you” to your kid communicates that you accept them, they are enough, and they are not alone. Don’t shy away from telling them you like them in front of others2. Tell them with your face. Experts agree that 70–90 percent of communication is nonverbal. What are you communicating with your face and your body language when your kid walks into the room? Do you smile at them when you first see them in the morning, when you reconnect at the end of the day, and before going to bed? When they speak, do you put down your phone and listen? Your presence and attention scream, “I really like you.”3. Tell them with your time. As Buck put it, “How do you spell love? T-I-M-E.” Yes, it’s a cliché. But, it’s also true. Spending time with your kid taps into what we all know: People like to spend time with people they like.Bottom line: Kids never feel more loved than when they feel liked. Today’s Pro Move: Smile at your kids and tell them you like them.Other resources3 Ways to Make Sure Your Kids Know You Love and Like Them5 Ways To Love Your Tees When You Don’t Like Them4 Things About Your Child That You Need To Know EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Empathy seems to be lacking in our world. In his song, The News, popular performer Jack Johnson sings, “Why don't the newscasters cry when they read about people who die? At least they could be decent enough to put just a tear in their eyes.” In today’s episode, Bobby Lewis and Ted Lowe discuss why “empathy is the way” in our relationships, especially with our kids. Ted has written multiple books on family and marriage and speaks frequently around the country. The topic of empathy comes up often in his talks. It’s a key attitude to master as a parent, and spouse, because it shows the people around you that you care. You may not be as good at showing empathy as you want to be. That’s OK. Work on it! Start by trying to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. That’s the essence of empathy, and something Ted unpacks during this episode. His three-phrase “cheat sheet” to help dads increase their level of empathy is, “I see you. I get you. I got you.” Here’s how you can put this into practice:“I see you.”Look the other person in the face. Eye contact makes a huge neurological difference and connects people. “I get you.”This is acknowledging the emotions in the topic. A great way to actively express this is to tell others, “That’s understandable.”“I got you.”Commit to always having your family’s back. We change things to make sure they know we support them.Today’s Pro Move: Show empathy this week by choosing to look people in the eyes when you’re interacting. Other resources: 3 Steps to Having Empathy in MarriageTeaching Your Kids Empathy5 Reasons Tween Boys Need Your EmpathyFor Us MarriageDate Night with Ted LoweEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!We make mistakes all the time as parents. It never feels good, especially when feels have been hurt! We can beat ourselves up as dads worrying if we are messing up our kids, even if our intentions are pure. Sometimes, we mess up without even realizing it. How does that impact our children? Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Jason Hood share some of their failings as dads and ways to avoid them in this episode. We want men to avoid becoming someone who, through his words and actions, continually stunts his child’s potential to grow and thrive. We hope you’re doing a great job, but even the most well-meaning dads can have blind spots. Are you any of these kinds of dads? 1. Absent Dad2. Abusive Dad3. Demanding Dad4. Disneyland Dad5. Distracted Dad6. Hypocritical Dad7. Macho Dad8. Passive Dad Maybe one of those stung. Maybe more than one really resonated with you. While it may hurt, consider it a powerful revelation. Knowing the type of dad you don’t want to be, helps you to be the type of dad you do. To be our best, we have to examine our behavior and make any necessary changes. If you’re not sure if you are any of these types of dads, ask your kids what they think. Today’s Pro Move: Do one small thing this week to redirect yourself away from whichever “dad” you are becoming from this list. Other resources: 8 Kinds of Dads Who are Damaging Their KidsDo You Have Resilient Children? Think Again 8 Warning Signs Your Child is Headed For Trouble 7 Things That Lead Kids Down the Wrong Road5 Activities Good Fathers Should Stop Doing 5 Things Dads Say That Crush Their Sons5 Things Dads Say That Crush Their DaughtersDo You Have Resilient Children? Think AgainEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Can you ride a unicycle? For how long? Sure, some guys can but most of us need a little extra support to keep from crashing. The same goes for parenting. You can try to ride it out solo, hoping for the best, but having supportive people in your life to lift you up when things get shaky is a great idea as a dad. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Reggie Lewis talk about how to be a great dad and why all fathers shouldn’t try to handle the task of raising kids on their own. Society tells men to be strong and self-sufficient, the hero who solves every family problem. But asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that you care enough about your kids to do whatever is best for them and leads to their flourishing. It takes courage to build a support team to help you weather meltdowns and share the journey. Why is important to ask other people to help you be a great dad? Consider this:1. You may be missing something. 2. You may be giving your kid bad advice.3. You sometimes need to bring a pro. 4. You feel less pressure as a dad. The research is clear. We need other people in our lives to help us be the dads we want to be. Who do we choose to help us? Is it a coach? Pastor? Neighbor? Who can you trust to speak into your child’s life to create a strong support system for them and for you? Answer this question and the weight of parenting will become a little lighter. Today’s Pro Move: Take one small step to dial another person into your kid's life. Other resources:I’m Worried About My Teen’s Mental Health10 Different Types of MenHow To Be a Good Dad When You Had a Bad DadEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Deciding between addressing kids’ mistakes in the moment or waiting for a better time in the future is a delicate balance. Figuring out when to discipline a child is crucial and can impact the father–child relationship tremendously. How do we find the sweet spot? Veteran dads Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Buck Buchanan weigh the options in today’s episode. We want them to develop problem-solving skills and resilience but watching them struggle can be tough! This may be a confusing question for dads. Here are a few questions to consider before you jump to current your child:1. Should I say this? This one question can be a game-changer. Kids are constantly doing and saying illogical things. Weigh the pros and cons of speaking in the moment. Pausing before sharing begins the process of choosing the best response.2. Should I say this now? If you do decide to speak, considering when to get vocal is the next key step. Is your child operating in his or her emotional or logical side of their brain? You want them to hear you, so think about how your words will be received in the moment. 3. What should I say? Our automatic words to our kids are not always the best ones. When we take time to consider what we should say, it increases the odds of saying what we need to say versus what our frustrations want to say. Thinking through your words also gives us time to seek wisdom from others. Often, using fewer words is better.4. How should I follow up? If your initial conversation went well, great. If it didn’t, waiting until they have calmed down to follow up is usually best. Today’s Pro Move: Choose one of the following and apply it this week: 1. Should I say this? 2. Should I say it now? 3. What should I say? 4. How should I follow-up? Other resources:4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Instructing Your TeenagerEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Humorist Richard Armour is credited with being the first person to use the phrase, “hindsight is 20/20.” He used it in a California newspaper article in 1949. It felt true then and still does today. As a dad, how many times have you wished someone had pulled you aside and whispered some fatherly advice in your ear? Don’t blame yourself for what you didn’t know when your kids were younger. We learn and grow as we gain experience. Consider the wisdom you’ve gained and apply it in the future so you can become the parent you want to be. Here are 5 things you may not know that you can apply to your parenting:1. Kids need calm correction. Is your correction accompanied by too much energy? When we are calm, kids have a better chance of focusing on their behavior and not our mannerisms. Consider your breathing, facial expression, body language, and tone when you correct them.2. Kids need times of correction AND connection. Focus on connecting with your kids. Why? More connection often leads to a lesser need for correction. It builds trust and respect. 3. Kids have different communication styles. Kids have different, often evolving, communication styles. Discovering whether your child communicates best eye-to-eye or shoulder-to-shoulder is a good first step to speaking their language. 4. Daily Routines or rituals are good for everyone in the family. Daily routines and rituals can make kids feel safe. If you add in a little fun to those routines and rituals it typically makes them more appealing. 5. Enjoy the ride. Being a dad is one of the biggest jobs on the planet. We are supposed to be kind yet firm, providing yet present, sensitive yet strong, accepting yet shaping – all the things! Don’t get overwhelmed. You are equipped for the job. You’re on the roller coaster ride of being a dad; sometimes you just have to throw your hands up in the air, throw your head back, laugh, and simply enjoy the ride. Today’s Pro Move: Find your “down the road dad” and ask him a question about how to parent well.Other resources: The Biggest Thing I Wish I Could Go Back and Tell Myself as a DadWhat Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?New Father Advice5 Things I Wish I Knew in My 30s and 40sGo back and listen to episode 14: What Are Some Things My Kids Secretly Wish I Knew?EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!We all know the frustration of holding onto a grudge. Getting out from underneath it requires choosing forgiveness. It’s a powerful tool that allows us to work through conflict, free from the burden of anger and resentment. It’s a skill we must master and teach to our kids. Why do we want kids to be good at this? It’s a vital skill that leads to healthy conflict management and better friendships. How do we teach our kids to forgive? Try these three steps: 1. Define it.We like to say that forgiveness is deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay. 2. Acknowledge feelings.It’s totally normal to be hurt and angry when someone has wronged you, but holding onto that pain can impact you and your relationship. 3. Lead by Example.Dad, you have to show them the way on this one. Don’t assume they’ll just figure it out. Model it! Today’s Pro Move: Model forgiveness. Helping your kid define forgiveness helps them to give forgiveness. Talk to your child about the definition of forgiveness. Remind them that God forgave us. Other resources: 10 Ways to Teach Your Children How to Forgive Forgiveness is Not What You Think5 Reasons People Don’t Forgive EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!As guys, we tend to be critical of ourselves from time to time. Introspection is a good thing, but getting too down on yourself can cause issues for you as a dad. Ted Lowe, Jason Hood, Buck Buchanan, and BJ Foster teach dads how to fight back against their inner critic by showing men how to “name your Fred.”Pick a name for the voice inside your head. You know the voice. The one that tells you you’re not good enough. The one who says that you’re a failure. The voice can be loud and aggressive, but you can overcome it. Dads have to talk back to that critical voice of negativity. Thinking better about yourself helps you be a better dad. Here are 4 steps to help you put Fred in his place. Step 1: Name your Fred. Step 2: Write Fred’s messages to you. Step 3: Categorize Fred’s messages to you. Step 4: Talk back to yourself? Today’s Pro Move: Name your Fred. By giving him a name, it separates him from you so you can see things more clearly. Other Resources:4 Steps to Keep Your Inner Critic From Sabotaging Your MarriageHow To Deal With Criticism3 Lies Men BelieveEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! If stung by a jellyfish, you can neutralize the pain by urinating on it. Not true.Humans lose most of their body heat through their heads. Not true. There are plenty of lies out there that we believe. Which ones plague us as dads?Ted Lowe, BJ Foster, Jason Hood, and Buck Buchanan tell the truth about how often we fall captive to lies. You are well-made, no matter what people say. You are loved unconditionally by God, who created you. These truths can become clouded by the lies of the world. So often, men get lost in lies in an attempt to succeed, conquer, and impress others. The three biggest lies men believe are: 1. I am what I do. 2. I am what people say about me. 3. I am what I have. Today’s Pro Move: Ask yourself, what am I tying my identity to and is it solid? Related resources: 3 Lies Men Believe5 Lies Men Believe About Their Wives4 Lies Men Believe About Being Successful EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!When we were little, monsters and aliens were terrifying. Now that we are parents, real-world troubles keep us up at night much more than Godzilla. Fear can be crippling or a motivator. Ted Lowe, BJ Foster, and Buck Buchanan dive into what scares us the most as dads. (Also, they hate clowns) Our fears as dads are a big deal because they impact how we feel about ourselves, how present we can be with our kids, how we respond to them, and even what we teach them about their fears. The 5 fears we break down in this episode are: 1. Failing2. Being Incompetent3. Being Weak (or Being Perceived as Weak)4. Being Irrelevant5. Looking Foolish Today’s Pro Move: Choose one of the 5 fears we talked about in this episode and ask yourself: How does this fear impact me as a dad?Related resources:The 5 Biggest Fears of MenQuotes That Inspire CourageWhat Does Tony Dungy Fear? EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! Kickball in the park. Ice cream on the porch. Having an epic snowball fight on Christmas morning. One of the best parts of being a dad is having fun with your kids, but not every day is a great one. Ted Lowe, Maddow Womble, BJ Foster, and Buck Buchanan share their thoughts on helping kids handle their low moments and provide happy ones. Could the key to happiness be unhappiness? Dr. Tovah Klein, a leading child psychologist, says, “Kids know how to be happy, it’s the other emotions where they need us the most. There’s nothing wrong with doing nice things for your kids when they’re unhappy, but it doesn’t always address the source of what’s upsetting the child.” The key to raising happy children is to lovingly allow them to be unhappy. Today’s Pro Move: This week watch how you respond when your child is unhappy. Related resources: 5 Subtle Lies When Teaching Kids About Happiness5 Ways You Make Your Kid Feel Unsafe10 Ways For Kids to Feel Loved By Their FathersCheck out All Pro Dad Podcast Episode 7: How Do I Have FREE Fun With My Kids? Subscribe on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllProDad/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allprodad/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/allprodad Join nearly 200,000 other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration sent straight to your inbox: https://www.allprodad.com/subscribe/ Get great content for moms at iMOM: https://www.imom.com EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Dads mess up. Yours did. His did. You will, too. We can dwell on those missteps or consider all the things our dads got right. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and BJ Foster talk about how our upbringings shape us. We are not going to pretend everyone had a perfect relationship with their dad. Many people can recall hurtful moments from childhood. Those negative memories are powerful. But it is good for our souls to also remember times when our dads loved and rescued us. Remembering what your dad did right helps you to get it right as a dad. Typically, the more gratitude we have, the more contentment we find. Today’s Pro Move: If possible, tell your dad what he did right. If you can’t tell your dad in person, tell him in a text or letter. If he has passed away, then tell your kids what your dad did right. Related resources:Lessons From Dad: Why We Should Remember5 Granddad Traits Dads Should Rip Off10 Ways to Tell Your Father "Thank You" EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Woodworking. Golf. Tinkering around under the hood of your old pickup truck. Whatever it is, dads enjoy “me time” just as much as moms. But, have you ever felt guilty about taking a few minutes to just get away by yourself? Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, Reggie Lewis, and Buck Buchanan talk about how they recharge their dad batteries in today’s episode.Speaker and author Jon Acuff says he has the goal of being an active, fun grandfather. We can’t be active granddads and dads in the future if we don’t take care of ourselves now. What do you do for yourself physically, mentally, and socially that makes you healthier and happier? Consistent “me time” leaves us feeling less grouchy, stressed, or worried and more refreshed, rested, and energetic. Today’s Pro Move: What’s one step you can take either physically, mentally, or socially to take better care of yourself?Related resources:5 Simple Ways to Take Care of Yourself8 Ways You Need to Take Care of Yourself5 Ways to Gut-Check Your PrioritiesEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Do you have secret desires? Things you wish people knew about you but you’re too nervous to verbalize? There’s a good chance your kids have those feelings, too. Ted Lowe, Jonathan Manke, Buck Buchanan, and BJ Foster uncover some of the deeply important things kids wish their parents knew.Knowing what your kids want and need from you can strengthen your relationship, build trust, and even help them become healthier and happier adults. Here is why it’s so important to know what your kids are thinking:Kids want you to say no. Kids are desperate for your approval. Kids want your guidance rather than your expectations.Kids have no idea who they are yet and are scared to death. Kids are consistently treated with contempt.Remember, your kids love you, even if they don't always show it. Today’s Pro Move: Based on what you have learned from this episode, leave your kid or teenager a note to encourage them. It could be as simple as a Post-it note saying things like,· “One day, I hope you see how (brave, smart, kind,) you are.”· “I know things have been tough at school, but I’m proud of the way youare handling yourself.”· “Always know you are not alone, I’m right here whenever you need me.”MORE from All Pro Dad:5 Things Teenagers Secretly Want You to Know But Won’t Tell You 5 Things I Wish I Knew When My Kids Were Young 5 Things Your Teen Needs You to Know EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!The days of “cooties” and ignoring the opposite sex don’t last forever. Your son or daughter will eventually get their first crush, maybe write some love notes, and fall head over heels for someone they think is cute. They may even want to go on a date soon. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, BJ Foster, and All Pro Dad founder Mark Merrill break down ways to have important conversations with your kids about dating. Are you ready for this season of life? Dating will likely mean introducing the topic of sex with your kids. If you got “the talk” with your parents, how did that go? Was it one conversation or multiple? The guys discuss how key it is to have ongoing dialogue with our kids about the nature of young romantic relationships, especially when it comes to sexual temptations. Today’s Pro Move: Put a date on the calendar when you want to have a talk with your kids about dating. Even if life gets busy, stick to the plan and have that important conversation with your son or daughter. Related resources:Talking To Your Children About Dating Relationships5 Distorted Messages You’re Sending Your Teens About DatingHow to Give Your Teenager Dating Advice When You DisapproveEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! When you were a kid, what did you want to do when you grew up? Play shortstop for the Yankees? Become an astronaut? A firefighter? Kids dream big dreams. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, Buck Buchanan, and BJ Foster examine how to encourage our kids to chase their dreams without losing sight of reality.Per NCAA (2020 stats), the “estimated probability of competing in professional athletics" by sport:Baseball: 9.9%Ice hockey: 7.4%Football: 1.6% Men’s basketball 1.2%A 2019 survey conducted by The Harris Poll found more than 40 percent of dads reported that they expect their child to become a professional athlete. On average, parents say a third of their income goes towards covering their children’s expenses, including sports, and 27 percent spend $500 or more per month on youth sports. The sacrifices parents are making to pay for their kids’ sports are well documented. To pay for their kids’ sports expenses:36% of parents are taking fewer vacations19% are working a second job21% are delaying retirement(Stats via sportsdestinations.comBottomline: Encourage your kid’s character, not their performance. Today’s Pro Move: In the next 24 hours, encourage your child by telling him or her one thing you love and respect about their character. Related resources:Jim Valvano and the Power of Believing in Your Kids6 Ways Your Kids Know You Believe In ThemEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!If you’re like us, you watch videos too loudly, give long-winded directions, and totally forget the names of your kids’ friends. While those examples may feel like no big deal, there are plenty of other habits that hinder us as dads. Ted Lowe, BJ Foster, Reggie Lewis, and Buck Buchanan dive into a couple of these destructive dad habits. What are 5 bad habits dads need to stop? Have you struggled with any of these?1. Yelling2. Overreacting 3. Disengaging 4. Getting drunk5. Watching porn Bottomline: Breaking bad habits leads to raising stronger kids. Today’s Pro Move: Choose one bad habit and stop it for one week. MORE from All Pro Dad:The Secret to Stopping Bad Behavior 5 Good Habits Dads Need to Start 5 Bad Habits Dads Need to Stop 5 Good Habits For Kids How To Quit Porn EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!We believe establishing better habits lead to being better dads. So, what habits will make us better? Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and Jonathan Manke run through a short list to encourage fellow fathers to be at their best for their kids. 1. Reading2. Playing3. Exercising4. Praying5. Engaging Today’s Pro Move: Pick one of the five things we discussed during the show and establish a new good habit this week. Related resources:Today’s podcast was based on this article: 5 Good Habits Dads Need to Start Today9 Ways Dads Can Get Fit and Stay Fit5 Habits Your Should Instill in Your Kids by All Pro Dad spokesmand and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky Are you married? If so, share this iMOM article with your wife: 5 Healthy Habits To Teach KidsiMOM Episode 74 – We Did a “Yes Day” – And Survived!EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Last episode we talked about the 7 things a son needs from his dad. Today, we focus on daughters. They have very different needs from boys. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, Buck Buchanan, and Jason Hood talk about their relationships with their daughters. The types of needs we are talking about on today’s episode are not your daughter’s basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. We are talking about the 7 things a daughter needs relationally from her dad. What are the 7 things?1. She needs you to be involved.2. She needs you to demonstrate a healthy marriage.3. She needs you to support her.4. She needs to trust you as a confidant.5. She needs your unconditional love.6. She needs a strong spiritual leader.7. She needs a positive role model. Bottomline: Your daughter needs you. Today’s Pro Move: Pick one of the seven things on the list and focus on that this week. Put it into practice to start becoming more connected with your daughter. Related resources:7 Things A Daughter Needs From Her Father 4 Things A Daughter Needs From Her Dad First The Shelters Your Daughter Needs Last week: 7 Things A Son Needs From His Dad EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!This question was inspired by one of the top-3 All Pro Dad blog posts of all time. Dads really want to know how to connect with their boys. Ted Lowe, Mark Merrill, Bobby Lewis, and BJ Foster talk about their relationship with their sons. The types of needs we are talking about on today’s episode are not basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. We are talking about the 7 things a son needs relationally from his dad. What are the 7 things?1. He needs you to love his mother.2. He needs to see you fail, not just succeed.3. He needs your servant leadership.4. He needs you to be present.5. He needs you to discipline him in love.6. He needs your love regardless of his choices.7. He needs you to affirm him. Bottomline: Your son needs you. Today’s Pro Move: Pick one of the seven things on the list and focus on that this week. Put it into practice to start becoming more connected with your son. Related resources:7 Things A Son Needs From His Father Teaching Your Son How to Become a Man 10 Things Your Son Needs From You Crafting a Rite of Passage for Your SonEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Disney World is great, but most families can’t afford going there every week. It doesn’t require big bucks to have big fun with your kids. You can make lasting memories with your children just by looking around your house and thinking outside the box. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, Buck Buchanan, and BJ Foster share some creative ideas for having a good time with their families. Why is it important to prioritize having fun with your kids? Research tells us spending quality time together significantly strengthens the father-child relationship. It also:· Aids in social and mental development· Reduces overall stress· Improves social skills· Boost self-esteem in kids· Creates a safe and loving environment for kids to explore, learn, and growThere are major benefits to spending quality time with your children. Having fun with your kids is not extra. It’s essential. Today’s Pro Move: Pick an activity to do with your kids for no other reason than just having fun. Be goofy. Get creative. Whatever you do, just make it fun. You can choose one from today’s episode or come up with your own. Just do it! MORE from All Pro Dad:How to Get Cheap Laughs With Your KidsNo Rules Night3 Fun Activities I Like To Do With My KidsEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Labels can have a profound impact on our children, influencing how we view them, treat them, discipline them, and ultimately, how they view and treat themselves. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, BJ Foster, and Reggie Lewis discuss how often dads label their kids, sometimes without even realizing it. Labels can come from anywhere, but they're especially impactful when they come from parents.There are three things we can do to avoid labeling our kids:1. Be careful with introductions.2. Be careful with what your kids overhear.3. Be careful not to label them when you discipline them.Dads, take a moment to reflect on the labels you use with your kids. Are you saying the things they need to hear? Avoid labeling your kids because labels are sticky and hard to remove. Today’s Pro Move:For this week, keep track of every time you are tempted to label your kid.Related resources:3 Ways to Stay Away From Labeling Your Child4 Things Never to Tell ChildrenThe 5 Golden Rules For Criticizing KidsEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Have your kids ever belittled someone, or said something judgmental? How do you handle those moments as a dad? How do you steer your children away from a judgmental attitude? Ted Lowe, Buck Buchanan, Reggie Lewis, and Jason Hood break it down.Questions to consider from this episode: 1. What can we do as dads to model non-judgmental behavior for our own kids? 2. What can we do to address our own biases and prejudices to ensure we are not unintentionally passing them on to our child? 3. How do we make our homes a non-judgmental zone? 4. How can we help our child navigate situations when they are judged or discriminated against? 5. How can we empower our child to stand up against discrimination?6. How can we ensure that our child understands the importance of treating others with respect instead of being judgmental? Today’s Pro Move: Preach the importance of treating others the way you want to be treated. MORE from All Pro Dad:Related resources:10 Ways to Teach Children Compassion5 Things We Want For Our Kids That Have Unintended Consequences5 Harmful Narratives We Are Teaching Our Kids EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Most people want to be liked. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, unless your desire to get along with others comes at the expense of your child’s well-being. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, BJ Foster, and Jason Hood tackle the common problem of parenting to please others in today’s episode. Putting others’ ahead of our kids can lead to feelings of inadequacy and impact your decision-making as a dad. Doing what’s right for your kids can be hard sometimes, but your choices as a parent must mirror your values, even if it causes friction with the people around you. Today’s Pro Move: Take a moment to stop and ask, “Am I doing what’s best for my kids or doing what makes others feel best?” MORE from All Pro Dad:10 Things Loving Fathers Do For Their ChildrenEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!We're all striving to be the best fathers we can be, and sometimes it can be tough to know what to say. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, Maddox Womble, and Reggie Lewis list multiple affirmations kids crave from their dads and examine why those words are so important. Dads need to understand the power of our words. It's important to be intentional and make sure your kids know that you care. Take a moment to reflect on the words you use with your kids. Are you saying the things they need to hear? It’s okay if you don’t know what to say? Start with this list if you need help getting going: 1. I love you. 2. I like you. 3. You are safe. 4. You are good enough. 5. I’m giving you a second chance. 6. I’m sorry.7. It’s OK. “Mistakes happen.”8. I trust you. 9. It’s okay not to be okay. 10. Pause11. I trust you. 12. You’re really good at that.13. I’m proud of you.14. You are beautiful. 15. I love spending time with you. 16. You are not alone in this. 17. I’m here for you. 18. You’re doing a great job. 19. I wish you could see you the way I see you. 20. Thank you. 21. I love watching you play. 22. I love spending time with you. 23. I’m so lucky to be your dad.24. You are feeling________, and that’s understandable. 25. What’s on your mind? Let’s talk. 26. Let’s spend time together. 27. It’s okay to be sad.28. It’s okay not to be perfect. 29. Good job. Today’s Pro Move:Choose one phrase you heard on today’s podcast that you have never said to your child and say it this week. If you have trouble doing this in person, you can start with a note or a text. MORE from All Pro Dad:All Pro Dad Child Development video series7 Things Your Teen Needs to Hear From YouEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Millions of people around the world struggle with anxiety. That includes our children. How do we help them handle those feelings? Ted Lowe, Mark Merrill, Buck Buchanan, and BJ Foster break it down into digestible steps. Raising an anxious child can be challenging. As parents, it’s our job to love them well while helping them deal with their feelings. Let them know that it's okay to feel anxious, and that you are there to support them. Empathize and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. Your son or daughter needs to know that you are a safe place for them. If your child's anxiety is severe or if it is interfering with his or her daily life, it may require seeking professional help. A therapist can help your child develop a personalized treatment plan that will address their specific needs. Today’s Pro Move: List what makes them anxious and how you’d like to respond to them. Related resources: 3 Powerful Questions Every Leader Should AskAll Pro Dad articles on AnxietySeen: Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teenagers and the Power of ConnectionEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!We are talking about activities that don’t break the bank. There are plenty of fun and engaging activities you can enjoy with your kids without spending too much cash. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, Buck Buchanan, and Jason Hood pick their favorites.Making time for fun activities with your kids during the holidays is essential for strengthening your bond and creating lasting memories. It's also an opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle of the season and truly connect with your children. Decorate the Christmas tree together. Bake Christmas cookies. Build a snowman or have a snowball fight. Go on a Christmas lights scavenger hunt. Just be intentional about spending time together with your children during the season.Suggestions for FUN with your kids:For The Kids:• Decorate each of their rooms uniquely For Others: • Write and mail cards to people needing a boost. Do this for 12 days in a row• Make three pancakes per plate and decorate them to look like one snowman • Offer to hang outdoor lights for an elderly neighbor• Craft some creative handmade gifts • Participate in Operation: Christmas Child• Do “Secret Santa” For Giggles:• Bake the craziest cookies possible• Go outside and make a snowman that looks like each member of your family • Grab a video projector and watch outdoor movies with hot cocoa• Make dinner using only red, green, & white ingredients• Make homemade Christmas wreaths Today’s Pro Move: Choose one activity to do with your kids this Christmas season and put it on the calendar. Worry more about the memories than the gifts. Enjoy spending time with loved ones. By focusing on simple, budget-friendly activities, you can create a Christmas season that is filled with joy, laughter, and love.MORE from All Pro Dad:The Story of Christmas4 Ideas for Making Christmas Meaningful5 Simple Ways to Save Money This ChristmasOther All Pro Dad Christmas articlesEXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Welcome to the All Pro Dad Podcast, where in each episode dads of all ages dive into just one question. We examine the highs and lows of parenting and tackle tough topics, all with the goal of helping men engage with their kids and become better dads. All Pro Dad is the fatherhood program of the non-profit Family First. We exist to help you love your family well. EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's show notes can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
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