A Dad's Path: Recent Episodes
Will Braunstein
Every day is filled with opportunities for you to be the best dad you can be. We help you recognize these moments and make them count. Fatherhood is the most challenging and most important job you will ever have. We help you stay confident, in control, and recover quickly when things go wrong. We're real dads solving everyday problems together so you never have to be alone.
Will Braunstein started A Dad's Path to learn what it takes to be a good father, and in this podcast, he shares what he's learning along the way. Subscribe to the show to access breakthroughs and insights from his guests.
In this episode of A Dad’s Path, we’re joined by Dr. Jill Grimes, a nationally recognized medical expert, award-winning author, and proud mom of two collegiate daughters. With over two decades of experience in private practice, Dr. Grimes shares invaluable insights on how dads can navigate everyday health concerns their children might face.
From identifying strep throat and understanding when a cough requires more attention to handling stomach bugs and bee stings, Dr. Grimes offers practical advice that every dad should know.
We also discuss the importance of maintaining a well-stocked home first aid kit, understanding when an injury might need an x-ray and tips for promoting better sleep hygiene for both kids and parents.
Whether your child is dealing with a minor scrape or a persistent cough, this episode equips you with the knowledge to respond confidently.
Plus, Dr. Grimes shares tips on modeling healthy behavior, including handling alcohol consumption in front of your kids and tackling nail-biting habits.
In this episode of A Dad's Path, we speak with JoAnn Schauf, a seasoned parenting coach and expert in family dynamics, about navigating the challenges of parenthood with confidence and clarity.
JoAnn shares her wealth of knowledge on how parents can build strong, supportive relationships with their children and manage common parenting challenges effectively.
Key Takeaways:
- Building Strong Relationships: Learn strategies for creating and maintaining strong, supportive relationships with your children, fostering a positive family dynamic.
- Effective Communication: Learn about the importance of clear and compassionate communication in parenting and how it can help resolve conflicts and strengthen bonds.
- Setting Boundaries: Explore practical techniques for setting healthy boundaries with your children, helping them understand limits while promoting mutual respect.
- Managing Stress: Gain insights into managing parental stress and maintaining your well-being, ensuring you can be the best parent possible for your children.
- Positive Discipline: Understand the principles of positive discipline, focusing on teaching and guiding your children rather than resorting to punitive measures.
This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for parents looking to navigate the complexities of raising children with confidence and grace.
In this episode, we speak with Yshai Boussi, a licensed professional counselor and author of "Staying Connected with Your Teen," about the transformative strategies of polyvagal parenting.
Polyvagal parenting is based on the polyvagal theory, which helps parents understand their children's nervous system states to promote better emotional regulation and connection.
Yshai shares his expertise on how parents can build authentic connections with their kids by understanding their nervous systems and applying practical techniques to reduce reactivity and set healthy boundaries.
Key Takeaways:
- Polyvagal Parenting: Learn about the polyvagal theory and how it can help parents understand their children's nervous system states, promoting better emotional regulation and connection.
- Connection Before Correction: Discover the importance of connecting with your child on an emotional level before addressing behavioral issues, fostering a more compassionate and effective parenting approach.
- Co-Regulation Strategies: Explore various co-regulation techniques, such as slow breathing, nature time, and creative activities, to help both parents and children achieve a calm and regulated state.
- Setting Clear Expectations: Understand the "Five C's" of setting effective expectations—core values, clarity, consistency, capacity, and collaboration—to guide children in meeting behavioral and household standards.
- Accountability vs. Punishment: Gain insights into implementing accountability measures that focus on teaching and learning rather than punitive punishment, helping children grow and self-reflect.
This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for navigating parenting challenges and finding ways to deepen one's connection with one's children.
In this episode, we speak with Vince Shorb, the Founder and CEO of the National Financial Educators Council, about the essential topic of financial literacy for kids. Vince is on a mission to equip today's youth with the practical financial skills they need to navigate life's challenges and lead secure, fulfilling lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Core Financial Skills: Discover the fundamental financial skills every child should learn, from earning money to managing expenses and saving.
- Role of Parents: Learn how parents can play a crucial role in their children's financial education, including the best age to start teaching about money.
- Chore Systems: Explore the benefits of implementing a comprehensive chore system that instills a strong work ethic and financial understanding from a young age.
- Financial Challenges: Understand the external influences that impact children's financial behaviors and how parents can counteract consumerism.
- Fun Financial Education: Get tips on making financial education engaging and fun, with ideas for monthly family finance meetings and interactive learning activities.
Whether you want to start early with your kids' financial education or refine your approach, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in and empower your children with the knowledge they need for a financially secure future!
Join us for an insightful episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, where host Will Braunstein interviews Michelle Icard, a renowned educator and author.
Michelle's practical insights and compassionate approach provide invaluable guidance for dads striving to support their children through various stages of growth, from young kids to adolescents.
Michelle shares her extensive experience working with parents, children, and teachers and discusses her books "8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success," "14 Talks by Age 14," and "Middle School Makeover."
Highlights include:
- Turning Failures into Success: Exploring how common setbacks can be transformed into character-building opportunities for children, applicable to young kids and those approaching adolescence.
- Essential Conversations: Key topics parents need to discuss with their kids before they enter high school, fostering open communication and strong relationships from a young age.
- Exiting Toxic Friendships and Media Influence: Teaching kids to recognize and exit unhealthy friendships and critically analyze media influence in today's digital age, starting from an early age.
- Redefining Leadership: Encouraging children to think independently and lead their own lives confidently, with tips for instilling these values in young children and teenagers.
Take advantage of this engaging conversation filled with actionable tips and heartfelt stories. Learn more about Michelle Icard and her work at michelleicard.com.
Tune in and empower your parenting journey with expert advice from Michelle Icard on A Dad's Path Podcast.
Host Will Braunstein sits down with Margaret Bensfield Sullivan, who, along with her husband Teddy and their two young children, embarked on an extraordinary year-long journey across 29 countries and six continents.
Discover how this transformative experience reshaped their family dynamics, imparted invaluable life lessons, and provided Margaret with the material for her book, Following the Sun: Tales (and Fails) From a Year Around the World With Our Kids.
In this episode, Margaret offers practical travel hacks, insights on balancing career and family life, and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone.
Key Takeaways:
- Tips for traveling with young children, including how to keep them engaged and happy.
- How new experiences and breaking routines can strengthen family bonds.
- Balancing the roles and responsibilities between partners while traveling.
- The importance of flexibility and embracing the unexpected during travel.
Learn More: Visit Margaret Bensfield Sullivan’s website to learn more about her journey and her book, Following the Sun: Tales (and Fails) From a Year Around the World With Our Kids.
Tune in to this episode for an engaging and enlightening conversation that will inspire you to seize the moment and explore the world with your family. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a year-long adventure, Margaret's insights are sure to provide valuable guidance and motivation.
In this fascinating episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, host Will Braunstein speaks with John Ply, author of "You Can Be the Best: Life Lessons from the Butcher and the Businessman."
John’s memoir dives into his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to building two industry-leading companies. He shares the profound life lessons imparted by his father, a hardworking butcher, and how these lessons shaped his approach to business and fatherhood.
John opens up about the challenges of balancing work, personal life, and the pursuit of dreams while raising his children in a vastly different economic landscape. He discusses the importance of treating all children equally, encouraging them to follow their passions, and the significance of kindness and doing good in all aspects of life.
Key Takeaways:
- Balancing Family and Professional Life: Discover how John managed to juggle his successful business ventures with raising a family, ensuring he remained present and supportive.
- The Power of Focus: Insights into the importance of knowing what you want to achieve and staying focused on your goals, as illustrated by John's journey to success.
- Encouraging Passions: Practical advice for parents on supporting their children's interests and fostering a sense of purpose.
- The Importance of Kindness and Generosity: John emphasizes the profound impact of kindness and doing good, both personally and professionally.
- John's Success Story: Learn about John’s achievements in building two top-tier companies and how the lessons he learned along the way can be applied to everyday life.
Join us for an inspiring discussion that highlights the resilience required to rebuild one’s life and the powerful stories that emerge from unexpected places. Whether you’re a dad, a parent, or someone looking for a tale of perseverance, this episode offers valuable lessons and heartfelt moments.
In this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, host Will Braunstein sits down with Jon Rigsby, the author of 'Drive: Scraping By in Uber's America One Ride at a Time.'
Jon's memoir is a unique narrative of life post-divorce, his dual role as a crime intelligence analyst by day and an Uber driver by night, and his experiences raising an autistic son.
Jon shares his struggles and triumphs as he navigates financial and emotional challenges, often finding solace and purpose in the unexpected connections made with passengers.
Key Takeaways:
- Personal Transformation: Jon opens up about the emotional journey of recovering his self-worth after a difficult divorce, emphasizing the importance of self-care and resilience. His story resonates with any dad facing similar challenges.
- Parenting Insights: Jon's experiences provide practical solutions to the challenges of balancing gig work and parenting. His story is a reminder that being emotionally present for our children is as important as providing for them financially, empowering dads to strive for a healthier work/life balance.
- Support Systems: The conversation underscores the value of unseen support networks and the significance of reaching out for help, reinforcing that no one is truly alone in their struggles. This is a powerful reminder for all parents about the importance of community and support.
- Gig Economy Realities: Jon's firsthand account of the gig economy, including the ups and downs of rideshare driving, provides a relevant perspective for any parent juggling multiple roles. His insights into the broader implications for workers in this space are particularly enlightening.
Join us for an inspiring discussion that not only illuminates the resilience required to rebuild one's life but also provides actionable insights for those facing similar challenges. Jon's story is a testament to the powerful stories that emerge from unexpected places.
Whether you're a dad, a divorced dad, or simply someone looking for a tale of perseverance, this episode offers valuable lessons and heartfelt moments that you can apply to your own life.
Don't miss out on this captivating episode where you'll hear Jon's story and be reminded of the human connections that bind us all. It's a journey of resilience, unexpected twists, and heartwarming moments that you won't want to miss.
Join us on as host Will Braunstein sits down with Rachel Macy Stafford, bestselling author and founder of HandsFreeMama.com. In this heartfelt episode, Rachel shares insights from her latest book, Soul Shift: The Weary Human's Guide to Getting Unstuck and Reclaiming Your Path to Joy.
Learn how small, intentional changes can help you become a more present and compassionate parent, and hear Rachel's practical advice on setting boundaries with technology, managing self-critical thoughts, and fostering open communication with your children.
This episode is packed with wisdom for parents seeking to deepen their connection with their families and themselves. Whether you're navigating the challenges of parenting or looking to reclaim joy in your daily life, Rachel's insights will inspire and guide you.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the importance of being emotionally present for your family.
- Practical steps to create hands-free moments and set healthy boundaries with technology.
- Techniques for cultivating self-compassion and positive self-talk.
- How to foster open, honest communication with your children about their feelings and experiences.
- The significance of modeling healthy behavior and self-care for your kids.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will encourage you to embrace presence, compassion, and joy in your parenting journey. Don't miss this episode of "A Dad's Path Podcast" with the incredible Rachel Macy Stafford!
In this episode of "A Dad's Path," we are joined by Yael Schonbrun, a clinical psychologist, assistant professor at Brown University, and author of "Work Parent Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection."
Yael's expertise in balancing work, parenting, and marriage using evidence-based science provides a roadmap for parents striving to navigate these roles more effectively.
Key Takeaways:
- Integrating Work and Family Life: Yael introduces the concept of work-family enrichment, illustrating how professional and parenting roles can mutually enhance each other, reducing guilt and increasing fulfillment.
- The Power of Psychological Flexibility: Discover how acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can be applied to parenting, helping individuals adapt to changing circumstances with resilience.
- Strategies for Subtraction: Yael explains the importance of subtracting non-essential tasks to focus on what truly matters, promoting a less stressful and more meaningful family life.
- Navigating Parental Guilt and Overwhelm: Insights into managing common feelings of guilt and overwhelm that accompany the parenting journey, with practical advice for shifting perspectives.
- Harnessing Everyday Moments for Deep Connection: Learn about the small, everyday actions that can strengthen family bonds, even amid busy schedules.
Visit YaelSchonbrun.com to learn more about her work and to subscribe to her insightful newsletter. Her book, "Work Parent Thrive," is available wherever books are sold, offering further guidance on thriving in the intersection of career and family life.
In this episode of "A Dad's Path Podcast," we talk with Chris Balme, author of "Finding the Magic in Middle School." Chris shares expert advice to help parents understand what to expect and how to prepare for their child's journey through the middle school years.
Listeners will learn:
- How the adolescent brain changes and how to navigate the behavioral shifts that come with it.
- Tips for guiding children through the evolving social dynamics of middle school.
- Strategies to maintain academic motivation while encouraging independence.
- Guidance on managing technology and navigating the digital world safely.
Whether you're approaching the middle school years or already navigating them, this episode is packed with actionable insights to transform this time into a period of growth and discovery for parents and kids. Tune in to gain strategies that will help your child thrive during these transformative years!
Join us as host Will Braunstein sits down with Dr. Jeff Karp, a Harvard Medical School professor, MIT biomedical engineer, and author of the inspiring new book "LIT: Life Ignition Tools: Use Nature's Playbook to Energize Your Brain, Spark Ideas, and Ignite Action"
Dr. Karp explores how parents can harness the power of nature to boost productivity for themselves and their children. Dr. Karp shares practical tools that tap into the natural world to rejuvenate our mental landscapes and foster focus and creativity.
Whether it's overcoming distractions or aligning daily tasks with our deepest values, this episode provides actionable insights for parents eager to cultivate a focused, energized, and purpose-driven family life.
Tune in to discover how you can light up your life and guide your children in kindling their own sparks of productivity and fulfillment.
You can learn more about Dr. Karp's work at https://www.karplab.net
In this episode of "A Dad's Path," we are joined by Shaan Patel, a Shark Tank Alum, CEO of PrepExpert.com, and author of "Prep Expert Digital SAT Playbook: Winning Strategies to Achieve Your Dream Score."
Shaan's transformation from average to perfect SAT scores is just the beginning of his remarkable story. His journey through entrepreneurship, featured on Shark Tank and his medical career offers a blueprint for parents aiming to guide their children through the complexities of modern education.
Key Takeaways:
- Embracing Educational Challenges: Shaan shares how overcoming significant educational obstacles and parental involvement were pivotal in his journey and how parents can support their children’s academic growth.
- The Influence of Parental Role Models Understanding the impact of parental example on children's work ethic and attitudes toward success is crucial for parents in nurturing the next generation.
- Developing Self-Motivation: Insights into fostering self-motivation in young learners, emphasizing the importance of setting personal goals that ignite internal drive and ambition.
- Balancing Professional and Personal Life: Shaan discusses balancing demanding professional endeavors and a fulfilling personal life, providing valuable advice for busy parents.
- Entrepreneurial Lessons from Shark Tank: Reflections on his entrepreneurial journey, including key lessons from his experiences on Shark Tank and the value of strategic partnerships.
Visit PrepExpert.com for more insights into Shaan’s educational strategies and to explore the resources available there. You can also check out his new book, Prep Expert Digital SAT Playbook: Winning Strategies to Achieve Your Dream Score.
Join us as Shaan Patel shares essential parenting insights, particularly valuable for those with younger children, on building resilience, strategic learning, and the transformative power of a supportive family environment.
In this episode, we speak with Celia Landman, author of "When the Whole World Tips: Navigating Parenting Through Crisis with Mindfulness and Balance." Celia is a seasoned mindfulness educator with a deep background in supporting others through meditation, visualizations, and training.
Celia shares strategies for finding balance in the tumultuous journey of parenting. Her teachings are further enriched by her experiences within the Plum Village community of engaged Buddhism, founded by the revered Thich Nhat Hanh.
Key Takeaways:
•Understanding Mindful Equanimity: Learn the profound concept of loving and allowing, which is crucial for parents to navigate the inherent struggle of wanting to shield their children from pain while recognizing the growth that comes from facing life's challenges.
•Feeling Your Feelings: Discover how equanimity is not about being unaffected by emotions but about fully embracing all feelings and maintaining an open heart through life's ups and downs.
•Empathy Before Education: Gain insights into the power of empathy in parenting, emphasizing the importance of understanding and validating children's emotions before moving to problem-solving strategies.
•Navigating Children's Anxiety: Explore the modern epidemic of anxiety among children and teens, and learn how a mindful approach to parenting can offer stability and reassurance in an uncertain world.
•Nonviolent Communication (NVC): Understand the principles of NVC and how it fosters connection, understanding, and mutual respect within the family, moving away from blame and toward a culture of empathy.
What You Will Learn:
•Strategies for Self-Compassion: Celia shares simple yet powerful practices for parents to cultivate self-compassion and self-care. She recognizes that the foundation of effective parenting lies in being grounded and present for oneself.
•Empathy Techniques: Learn practical techniques for offering empathy to your children, helping them navigate their emotions, and building a stronger, more connected relationship.
•Managing Your Own Anxiety: Discover methods to address and manage your anxiety, ensuring that you can offer your best self to your parenting role.
•Customized Meditation and Visualization: Access Celia's wealth of experience in creating tailored meditation and visualization practices to reconnect with your inner peace and strength.
You can find out more about Celia at https://celialandman.com or order her book here.
In this episode, renowned psychotherapist and author Nancy Dreyfus shares profound insights on helping children develop a strong sense of self. Nancy explains the critical importance of "entering your child's reality" and validating their feelings and experiences, even difficult ones. Nancy urges parents, especially fathers, to create spaces where kids feel safe to be vulnerable, set boundaries, and prioritize their internal worlds—not parents' embarrassment, expectations, or desire to "recontextualize" a child's emotions.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of empowering children to express their feelings and boundaries confidently.
- Techniques for parents to enhance empathy and validate their child's emotions, promoting a secure sense of self.
- Insights into the delicate balance of guiding children through societal expectations and gender roles.
- Practical strategies for developing open, honest, and heart-centered communication between parents and children.
Why Listen:
From the courage of a child expressing discomfort to the delicate art of empathy and validation, Nancy guides listeners through the importance of acknowledging and respecting a child's feelings, fostering an environment where emotional vulnerability is not just accepted but encouraged. The discussion pivots around practical strategies for parents to connect deeply with their children, emphasizing the transformative role of empathy in building self-esteem and self-worth.
Nancy is the author of "Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love." You can learn more about Nancy at NancyDreyfus.com.
Dive into an enlightening conversation with Kirsten Jones, renowned peak performance and sports parenting coach, as she shares her expertise on raising empowered athletes.
Key Takeaways:
- Emphasizing fun, friends, and fundamentals in youth sports.
- The role of sports in teaching valuable life skills beyond physical abilities.
- Strategies for parents to balance competition with enjoyment.
- How sports can serve as a tool for personal growth and development.
Why Listen?Discover how to nurture your child's athletic journey with a focus on personal growth, lifelong activity, and the joy of sports. Whether your kids want to start playing a sport, are in competitive leagues, or play for fun, this episode offers practical advice for fostering a healthy, balanced approach to sports parenting.
Kirsten is the author of Raising Empowered Athletes and the co-host of the Raising Athletes Podcast.
Dive into a fascinating discussion with Jessica Lahey, author of "The Gift of Failure," as we explore the critical importance of allowing our children to encounter and learn from their failures. We discuss the essential role of challenges in developing resilience, independence, and a growth mindset in our kids.
Key Takeaways:
- Embracing failure as a pivotal learning tool.
- The impact of overparenting on children’s motivation and learning.
- Strategies to foster intrinsic motivation and a love for learning.
- The significance of setting clear expectations and logical consequences.
- Practical tips for encouraging autonomy and competence in everyday parenting.
Why Listen?Uncover actionable ideas and strategies to guide your children through their failures to success. Learn how to step back and let your kids navigate challenges, fostering resilience and self-efficacy that will serve them throughout their lives. This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking to empower their children to reach their full potential.
Aurisha Smolarski is the author of "Cooperative Co-Parenting for Secure Kids." We explore the world of co-parenting with insights that bridge the gap between married and divorced dads. This episode delves into creating a supportive environment for children, regardless of family structure.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategies for effective communication between co-parents.
- Tips for maintaining a positive relationship with your children and co-parent.
- The importance of setting consistent rules and boundaries across households.
- How married dads can support co-parenting dynamics within their own partnerships.
- Building a network of support to navigate the challenges of co-parenting.
Why Listen?Gain practical advice and emotional support to enhance your co-parenting journey. Whether you're navigating co-parenting after divorce or seeking harmony in a blended family, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge to help you succeed.
Today, we speak with Dr. Devorah Heitner, the author of "Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World."
We discuss the complexities of parenting in the digital age, offering practical advice for navigating the challenges of raising children in a world dominated by social media and digital interactions.
Key Topics:
- The impact of social media on children's development and family dynamics.
- Strategies for managing screen time and understanding different types of digital engagement.
- Guidelines for addressing exposure to inappropriate content, including pornography.
- The importance of open communication and setting boundaries in digital use.
- Tools and tips for helping children build a healthy online identity.
Why Listen?
Like it or not, your kids will be online. Learn how to create a balanced digital environment at home, foster open conversations about digital experiences, and guide your children in building a positive online presence.
This episode is a valuable resource for any parent striving to navigate the digital world with their children. 🚀
Join host Will Braunstein as he explores the universal struggle with addiction (of all kinds) with Dr. Robb Kelly, a recovered alcoholic and addiction specialist.
Dr. Kelly shares his journey from addiction to success in helping others. Hear an inspiring story of redemption and learn practical ideas on dealing with addiction, both as an individual and as a parent.
Plus, don't miss Dr. Kelly's simple but life-changing 3-part morning routine, a tool that could revolutionize your daily life.
You can learn more about Robb and "Rewiring brains for success" at https://robbkelly.com.
A must-listen for anyone seeking transformative strategies to combat addiction and improve their role as a parent. 🚀
Becoming a dad can profoundly transform a man's identity. In this episode of "A Dad's Path," host Will Braunstein explores this transformative journey with psychotherapist Stephen Rowley, Ph.D.
Their conversation delves into themes of identity, childhood trauma, and the complex roles fathers play in personal and family growth.
Key Topics:
- Identity Search
- Childhood Trauma and Psychological Impacts
- Fatherhood's Influence on Personal Growth
- Life Challenges and Resilience
- Parenting Wisdom for Modern Dads
Discover how fatherhood reshapes personal identity. This episode offers a blend of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and relatable stories that will resonate with dads at all stages of their journey. 🌟
Host Will Braunstein chats with Reverend Dr. Stewart Perrilliat, a figure of resilience and inspiration, from Oakland's streets to a leader in the Marine Corps and now a guiding light in the 'Man to Man Urban Youth Advocate' program.
An author and an ordained Reverend at Allen Temple Baptist Church, Stewart performs prison ministry, serving the men who have been incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison since 1995.
✨ Key Topics:
- The Power of a Simply Being There: Exploring the impact of fatherlessness and the importance of physical presence. 👨👦
- Learning from Adversity: Dr. Stuart's personal journey and its influence on his views on fatherhood. 🛠️
- Advice for Dads: Real-world tips on being an active, engaged, and consistent father. 📚
👍 Why Listen?
- Gain insights into overcoming the challenges of fatherhood.
- Learn how to be a more effective and present dad.
- Be inspired by Dr. Stuart's transformative journey and lessons. 💡
🚀 In this episode of "A Dad's Path," we sit down with Wayne Boatwright, a father with an extraordinary story of resilience, an Ivy League-educated attorney, and a former inmate at San Quentin. Wayne shares his journey of navigating fatherhood under challenging circumstances, offering a raw and inspiring perspective on the power of redemption and the importance of staying connected to your children, no matter the situation.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- The profound impact of incarceration on fatherhood and family dynamics.
- Strategies for maintaining a strong bond with children, even from behind bars.
- Lessons learned from adversity and how they can be applied to become a better dad.
- Wayne's personal journey of transformation and what it truly means to be a present and engaged father.
🔎 Topics Covered:1️⃣ Incarceration and Fatherhood: Insights into how being in prison affected Wayne’s relationship with his kids and the lessons he learned.2️⃣ Maintaining Connections: Practical advice for dads on how to stay connected with their children, even in the toughest of times.3️⃣ Learning from Adversity: How facing and overcoming challenges can lead to personal growth and a stronger bond with your children.4️⃣ The Power of Presence: Emphasizing the importance of being an active and present father and its positive impact on your children’s lives.
👊 Enjoy this episode!
Understanding your child's brain can be the key to unlocking their full potential. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebecca Jackson, an expert in child development and author of "Back on Track: A Practical Guide to Help Kids of All Ages Thrive."
🧠 Key Takeaways:
- The importance of sensory experiences in shaping emotional circuitry.
- The role of stress and anxiety in both parents and kids and how to manage it.
- The impact of the pandemic on developmental milestones and how to mitigate its effects.
- Practical, actionable strategies for optimizing your child's skills and abilities.
🔍 Topics Covered:1️⃣ Sensory Perception: How variety in sensory experiences can contribute to emotional maturity.2️⃣ Stress & Anxiety: The amplifier of all challenges and how to navigate them.3️⃣ Pandemic Impact: The long-term effects on developmental milestones and how to adapt.4️⃣ Actionable Advice: Real-world strategies for parents to implement immediately.
📌 Resources:
- Follow Dr. Rebecca Jackson on Instagram @drrebeccajackson
- "Back on Track: A Practical Guide to Help Kids of All Ages Thrive" by Dr. Rebecca Jackson. Available wherever books are sold.
- Brain Balance for Child Assessments.
Enjoy this episode and Dad On!
Today, we speak with Anna Yudina, an expert on play and toys: it’s literally her job at the Toy Association!
Anna shares actionable tips about screen dependence, dives deep into STEAM toys, discusses the difference between structured and unstructured play, and More!
Redefine your understanding of play and discover how us dads can make the most of these precious moments.
You can also find activities and ideas from the podcast at The Genius of Play.
Dad On!
Get a grandparent's perspective! Today we chat with Greg Payne, the voice behind the "Cool Grandpa Podcast."
Discover the nuances of long-distance grandparenting, the magic of family traditions, and the art of blending old and new customs. This episode delves deep into the importance of open communication between parents and grandparents, ensuring boundaries are respected and understanding how to voice concerns if grandparents aren't as engaged as hoped.
Whether you're a dad looking for ways to connect your kids with their grandparents or seeking guidance on maintaining family harmony, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the journey from being a dad to embracing the role of a grandpa.
Join us on this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, where we speak with Sara Peterson, author of the enlightening book, "Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture."
Sara gives advice on parenting in the age of social media, offering ideas on building supportive communities. From sharing stories of mothers pushing boundaries to discussing the roles of stay-at-home dads, we're taking a fresh look at 'ideal' parenthood.
Peterson encourages us to redefine parenting roles beyond traditional stereotypes and equips us with tools for open communication within domestic partnerships.
Learn how we can model a more balanced and inclusive approach to parenting, ensuring our kids grow up understanding that parenthood isn't about fitting into a specific 'mom' or 'dad' mold but rather about nurturing and guiding them as parents.
Dad On!
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adadspath/support
On this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, we're thrilled to bring you the acclaimed clinical psychologist and child discipline expert, Dr. Thomas Phelan.
Discover the secrets behind Dr. Phelan's revolutionary and award-winning approach to managing children's behavior, famously known as '1, 2, 3 Magic.'
Stripping away the complexity and confusion surrounding parenting, he presents a surprisingly simple method that has helped countless families worldwide.
In this exciting exchange, Dr. Phelan reveals the three pillars of successful parenting: controlling obnoxious behavior, encouraging positive behavior, and bonding with your children.
Nail these, and you're on your way to becoming a great parent. Dad On!
On this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, we're excited to have Catherine Topham Sly, a seasoned psychologist, relationship expert, and the founder of InsightConnection.
We cover a lot during this conversation. Highlights include:
- Relationship Check: Kids changed your love life? Catherine's got practical tips to keep that spark alive. 🔥💕
- Dad Feels: Being a dad is a rollercoaster, right? Will and Catherine talk about raw emotions and staying cool through the loops. 😎🎢
- Talk It Out: Communication is key, but how? Unlock the secret to talking like a pro with your partner and kiddos. 🔐🗣️
- Find Your Tribe: Parenting is a team sport! Catherine shares how to buddy up with other parents. 🦸♂️🤝
- Kid Decoder: What's going on in those little noggins? Get into the kiddo mindset for smoother sailing. 🧒🔍
- You Time: You're a parent, but you're also you. Self-care tips that won't make your head spin. 🛀💙
Enjoy this wide-ranging talk!
On this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, we're thrilled to bring you a conversation with Dr. Will Cole, a top functional medicine practitioner, health advisor to Gwyneth Paltrow, and a New York Times bestselling author. Through a career dedicated to applying skepticism to nutritional trends, Dr. Cole teaches the importance of listening to our intuition.
We explore the fascinating world of the gut-brain connection and its implications on our health. Dr. Cole shares his insights about how our gut and brain are inextricably linked from our earliest developmental stages and how this relationship influences everything from our mood to our immune system. He brings attention to the significance of inflammation as a silent communicator of chronic issues developing in our bodies.
As a bonus, we also discuss Dr. Cole's new book, "Gut Feelings," where he demystifies the gut-brain connection and provides a framework to repair the relationship between what you eat and how you feel.
This podcast episode might reference resources and strategies that require professional guidance. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personal health questions.
In this episode of "A Dad's Path Podcast," Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the world's longest study on happiness, shares insights on parenthood, relationships, and the secret to a fulfilling life.
We delve into how marital satisfaction often dips after the birth of the first child and rebounds when the last child leaves home (there's hope, haha!). We also touch on the role of sacrifice in fatherhood, the importance of facing challenges with a loved one, and more!
Take advantage of this thought-provoking conversation.
Join us as we dive deep into the world of parenting with a focus on raising emotionally intelligent kids. In this episode, we have a conversation with Allison Edwards, child psychotherapist, speaker, author, and owner of All the Feels Company. With over 20 years of experience working with children, Allison shares her expertise on emotional intelligence and strategies to help your kids manage their big emotions.
We discuss how a simple yet effective tool, like feeling cards, can make a difference in your child's emotional health. Hear about the importance of early intervention and prevention in your child's mental well-being. Tune in as we explore the connection between emotional intelligence and future success, and learn how to prioritize emotional health in your child's life.
Don't miss out on this invaluable episode packed with insights and actionable tips for dads everywhere!
Discover the secrets to nurturing confidence in both parents and children in this compelling episode of the Dad's Path podcast. Will engages in a heartfelt and informative conversation with renowned life coach Homaira Kabir, author of the new book Goodbye Perfect. Together, they discuss the importance of fostering a healthy sense of self-worth in kids while embracing the evolving role of dads in caregiving and breaking away from traditional gender roles. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to raise confident, self-actualizing individuals and become the best dad you can be.
In this podcast episode, Dr. Cameron Staley discusses how to approach the topic of pornography with both adults and children. By understanding the nature of pornography and its role in society, individuals can be more aware of its potential adverse effects on their perception of relationships and sexuality. Dr. Staley stresses the importance of viewing pornography as a symptom rather than an addiction, pointing out that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, might be the underlying cause of someone's struggle with pornography.
When discussing pornography with children, Dr. Staley emphasizes the need for age-appropriate conversations and acknowledges that kids may be exposed to sexual images at a younger age. He encourages parents to be open to discussing the topic and to normalize the feelings and reactions children might experience when exposed to such images.
To assist people in overcoming their concerns about pornography, Dr. Staley has created resources such as the Life After Pornography online program and the Life After Pornography Coach app. These tools aim to help individuals address the underlying issues that may be contributing to their struggles with pornography.
In this eye-opening episode, we talk with Nanci Smith, a collaborative divorce attorney and author of Untangling Your Marriage. Nanci shares her insights on the importance of psychological readiness, managing emotions, and maintaining respect during the divorce process. Discover the benefits of a collaborative approach compared to traditional divorce and learn how prioritizing communication can lead to healthier family dynamics in the long run. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that could change your perspective on divorce and help you navigate tough times more effectively.
Highlights from our conversation include:
- Unveiling Collaborative Divorce: A Kinder, Gentler Option for Families
- Long-term benefits of collaborative divorce for your kids
- Embracing Intentionality on your divorce journey
- The emotional feelings of grief and loss in divorce
- Rewriting your narrative and looking towards a healthier future as co-parents and friends
- The evolving perspective on fathers in the legal system and the importance of advocating for oneself
In this episode of A Dad's Path podcast, Will Braunstein speaks with Kim Hopkins, Director of Outreach at Lives in the Balance, about Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS), an evidence-based model of care for children. Kim talks about how CPS helps caregivers identify the problems that cause children's behaviors and collaboratively solve them.
- The importance of addressing and understanding the root of challenging behaviors
- Moving away from adversarial parenting
- Fostering self-sufficient kids
- The three-step model for solving problems with children
- Differences in parenting approaches between co-parents and how to address them
- Kids' desire to do the right thing and the role of skills in motivation and behavior.
Enjoy this episode!
In this episode of A Dad's Path podcast, host Will Braunstein talks to Kevin Spainhour, author of the book "Dads, Leaders, & Father Figures." They discuss the importance of vulnerability, establishing non-negotiables, and creating golden times with your children.
Kevin, a father of four, has been an educator for over 20 years and is in his 11th year as a high school principal at a large public school. The conversation revolves around the themes and takeaways from his book and his experience as a father and a leader.
Highlights of the conversation include:
- Non-negotiables and how to utilize them as new dads
- Helping children deal with depression, anxiety, and fear
- The significance of having golden times and quality time with your children
- The importance of vulnerability and authenticity
- Developing critical thinking skills in children from a young age
- Recognizing children's spirit and individuality
- Finding creative ways to spend quality time with children.
Enjoy this episode!
In this episode of A Dad's Path, host Will Braunstein explores the concept of peaceful parenting with Sarah Rosensweet. Sarah, a certified peaceful parenting coach, speaker-educator, and host of the top-rated parenting podcast, the Peaceful Parenting podcast, shares her knowledge on parenting superpowers and how to use them to guide parenting. Will and Sarah delve into balancing autonomy and control in parenting young kids and discuss the importance of giving children enough independence to develop decision-making skills while still maintaining safety and well-being. They also explore the topic of consequences in peaceful parenting, discussing the difference between consequences and natural consequences and how peaceful parenting uses natural consequences to teach children without making them feel bad.
Top Topics for Dads:
- Parenting superpowers and how to use them in guiding parenting
- Balancing autonomy and control in parenting
- The use of natural consequences in peaceful parenting
- Importance of addressing the root cause of child behavior
- Development of decision-making skills in children
- The benefits of positive reinforcement
- The limitations of traditional forms of punishment
- Empathy and kindness in child-rearing
- Impulse control in children
- The relationship between how people want to be treated and how to treat children.
Will interviews Rachel Rainbolt, host of the popular Sage Family podcast. They delve into topics such as clearing away the mental clutter of shoulds and should nots in parenting, the art of parenting, and the importance of connecting with your child. They also discuss the challenges of managing anxiety in kids, the importance of co-parenting, and what makes for successful parenting focused on personal growth and well-being. Join them as they explore the ins and outs of parenting and the role of being a parent in today's world. We discuss:
- Balancing your intuition with your child's needs
- Art of parenting and seeking help when needed
- Importance of being aware of emotions and investing in personal growth
- Co-parenting and establishing boundaries and common values
- Acknowledging children are born whole
- Supporting children in dealing with anxiety and expanding their world
- Being a successful parent through personal growth and well-being.
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
In this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, host Will Braunstein sits down with Virginia Tompkins, a professor of psychology at The Ohio State University, to discuss the importance of social cognitive development in early childhood.
They discuss the progression of mental states that children can understand over the years and how it's difficult for young children because those mental states are often invisible or unseen. They also touch on the importance of parental involvement in theory of mind development and how asking more questions can help children grow and develop.
Finally, they explore the impact of parental stress on children's development, including the importance of self-care for parents and the effects of household stress on children.
Highlights of our conversation include:
- Difficulties with invisible or unseen mental states
- The relationship between language skills, story comprehension skills, and theory of mind skills
- Capitalizing on your child's interests to keep them motivated
- The difference between modeling and teaching
- Impact of parental or household stress on children's development
- Parenting as a united front
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
In this episode of A Dad's Path podcast, Will Braunstein interviews Maria Sanders, a licensed social worker, and PCI-certified parent coach. Maria explains how she helps dadss navigate parenting challenges and emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself and communicating with one's partner to establish a sense of partnership and shared goals.
She also highlights the importance of giving yourself and your child time to cool off before having a healthy conversation and what to do in a situation that requires immediate attention (e.g., one child is hitting another)
Maria also talks about some of the challenges she sees in relationships and encourages dads to move away from the perspective of "I am right, and he/she is wrong."
Other highlights of our conversation include:
1. Some ideas for finding the balance between work and family.
2. How to help parents feel good about their interactions with their children.
3. The importance of advocating for yourself and communicating with your partner to establish a sense of partnership and shared goals.
4. The importance of a safe space for couples to talk so you can work together to find solutions and openly communicate.
5. Be curious, not furious: Instead of getting angry, stay calm and bring in curiosity
6. The importance of taking a pause and asking yourself, "I wonder what could be going on here?"
7. Instead of just reacting to problems, look for patterns and try to understand the root cause
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jon Wood, a devoted dad and husband who has worked hard to overcome struggles with anger while parenting a child with extreme ADHD. Jon shares his story and offers valuable insights and tips on how to manage anger and find ways to cope with parenting challenges.
We discuss the role of expectations in frustration and anger, the importance of being empathetic and understanding your child's perspective, and the need to recognize and manage triggers. We also talk about the helpfulness of therapy, medication, exercise, and finding ways to cope with stress and anger.
Finally, we discuss the importance of honesty with your partner and seeking support from them, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care.
Tune in to hear more from Jon as he shares his wisdom and experiences on navigating the ups and downs of parenting.
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Today we speak with Allen Carter, author of Letters from a Father, a collection of letters Allen wrote his children as they were growing up. This concept of writing your child letters sounds simple, but as you’ll hear, the impact can be tremendous.
We discuss:
- The benefits of writing letters to children
- The importance of engaging with children in meaningful ways
- The value of reflecting on shared experiences
- The importance of self-reflection and self-improvement for fathers
- The role of vulnerability and authenticity in communication with children
- The impact of technology on communication with children
Enjoy this conversation!
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Today we speak with Michael Rucker, Author of the upcoming book The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life. Michael is a charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association and has been a follower of positive psychology for years. He realized that chasing happiness can actually make you less happy and can lead to mental illness after losing his younger brother and being told he needed a hip replacement. This inspiring conversation will hopefully get you in the "Fun Habit."
We discuss:
- Specific ideas to improve your base level of happiness and well-being.
- How giving your kids more autonomy can help with their joy.
- How to create "fun habits."
- The importance of focusing on activities that bring joy rather than seeking happiness directly.
- The potential negative effects of focusing on happiness during times of change or loss.
- The psychological research supporting the idea of having a bias toward joyful activities.
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Today we speak with Eva Klein. Eva is a Certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultant and founder of MySleepingBaby.com. Eva also offers a free online training for A Dad’s Path listeners. You can find it here: https://mysleepingbaby.ac-page.com/registration-page-v-2.
Highlights Include:
- The importance of sleep for parents and their babies
- The challenges of being a sleep-deprived parent
- The potential benefits of seeking help from a sleep consultant
- Strategies for improving infant and child sleep
- The impact of sleep on overall mental and physical health
- Balancing the demands of parenting and maintaining a career or other personal goals
Enjoy this eye-opening (and then hopefully eye-shutting) conversation!
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Today we speak with Tim Lee, former full-time journalist, now a part-time journalist, and stay-at-home dad! Tim writes about technology, economics, and now parenting as well. You should check out his newsletter here: https://www.fullstackeconomics.com.
Tim gives us insights into his experiences on what’s worked for him and others and areas to avoid.
Highlights include:
- Comparing part-time and full-time stay-at-home dad gigs.
- The monetary value of creating or having a job with flexible hours.
- How to decide if being a stay-at-home dad is right for you?
- How you can work part-time and not give up your career as a stay-at-home dad.
- Some keys to communicating about being a stay-at-home dad.
I hope you enjoy this conversation!
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Today we speak with Stephanie Conner, an expert in helping kids develop a positive relationship with food. You can find great ideas at her site, www.kiddoscook.com.
Highlights of our conversation include:
- Why your wife might require a different diet when pregnant
- Dad’s relationship with food
- The chicken recipe that kids love to experiment with
- How you can help your kids have a healthy relationship with food at a young age
- Roses and Thorns- and other ways to get your child to talk about school around the dinner table!
- How to approach trying new foods for your kids
Enjoy!
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Today we speak with Steven Arms, Co-author of Milestone to Manhood, A Christian Rite of Passage to Help Your 13-Year-Old Son Make the Leap from Boyhood to Manhood.
The ideas we discuss apply to all Dads (not just dads with 11 or 12-year-old sons).
Highlights include:
- What is a rite of passage, and how to tell if one is right for your family?
- At what age should you start preparing your kids for a rite of passage?
- Share some of your mistakes with your children while avoiding unnecessary details.
- The three most valuable words to tell your kids next to I love you. (hint: it's about being proud).
- The Role of Modeling: If you're not living up to your strengths and weaknesses in your day-to-day life, then your words will fall on deaf ears.
Enjoy this eye-opening conversation!
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Today we interview Matthew Bradley from the Solo Dad Podcast. Matt’s wife passed away when his kids were young, so he’s been solo since then. Matt walks us through his unique approach to parenting and some insights he’s gained through his particular journey. This conversation is a must for every dad!
Highlights include:
- Different types of self-care
- How to deal with the disappointment of not showing up with your best dad self to your kids
- How (and why) to avoid comparing yourself to other dads.
- Piano Lessons vs. Ballet vs. Baseball. How do you prioritize when your children want to learn something different than you want
- Why you need to make the first move in opening up to your dad friends
Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation!
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Today we speak with Speech expert Lenora Edwards, the Chief Knowledge Office of BetterSpeech. BetterSpeech aims to make speech therapy more affordable and fun by utilizing speech pathologists online. Lenorah shares some of her knowledge on speech and childhood development with us, including:
- The link between confidence and speaking well
- What clues to look for if you think your child may need help with their speech development
- The connection between receptive (listening) and expressive (speaking)
- What you should be doing more to develop your kids' communication skills
- The role audiobooks can play in speech development
Enjoy this conversation!
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Shane Trotter is the author of Setting the Bar: Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Era of Distraction, Dependency, and Entitlement. This timely book gives insights into how to raise kids in this smartphone generation; that previous generations didn't have to deal with. This is a fantastic read and insightful interview!
Highlights include:
- How to set the right expectations when the world around you is filled with distractions
- Smartphones/iPads/Screentime
- How weakening of community hurts our kids; and what we can do to change that
- How to find your community or tribe
- The dangers of overprotection
- How can you challenge your young kids in a healthy way?
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Today we talk to an expert on parenting adopted children. This podcast is not just for Dads who have been through adoption. Instead, we dive into topics that many Dads face, such as not being too hard on yourself, living your own best life for your family, and why you need to give yourself more grace.
You should find value in this episode, no matter your life's path.
Highlights of our conversation include:
- What happens when you don't immediately fall in love with your child?
- How to mentally adjust when your kids' actions change your plans.
- What is Reactive Attachment Disorder, and how can you minimize its impact on your parenting?
- Why it's important to give yourself more grace.
- The trick with the mindset that tomorrow is going to be different. (Not necessarily better, but different.)
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Today we speak with Kelly Jean-Philippe from the Welcome to Fatherhood Podcast. Kelly is successfully breaking the chain from his absent father. Highlights of our conversation include:
- How dads can get over feeling overlooked
- The #1 Topic New Dads Neglect
- The Power of Prayer
- Good Cop / Bad Cop and How to View Yourself
- How Dads Can Break the Chain Coming from a Challenging Childhood
Enjoy this wide-ranging fatherhood conversation!
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Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads.
The Autism Dad is the name of Rob Gorski's podcast. Rob is known for his leadership and openness in the autism community and beyond. While we touch on some of the challenges of raising a child on the spectrum, this podcast is for dads everywhere!
"Kids are supposed to drive their parents crazy. It's just the way it is. "
Highlights of our conversation include:
- How to make sure you don't drain your mental bank account while parenting (And how to make more deposits!)
- Challenges of feeling isolated as a family
- How he defeats Anger and no longer loses his temper
- Rob's tips on communicating with your kids- an area he's had to focus on with an autistic family but has incredible results.
- How to discuss when you're feeling unhappy without feeling like you're unloading on your friends
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We speak with the Art of Fatherhood podcast host, Art Eddy. Art's youngest child is in the 6th grade, so he gives us a blueprint of some of what he's learned and experienced along the way.
Highlights of our conversation include:
- How to deal with your own identity becoming a dad
- His ideas on screentime
- How to smooth the transition of your kids finding other priorities besides you!
- The rite of passage of being driven nuts by one of your kids' shows. We share ours
- Ignoring the playground side-eye
- More ideas for creating support structures/friends groups
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We speak with Scott Rammage, host of the popular podcast the Brotherhood of Fatherhood. Scott has strong opinions on how to be the best man, and dad you can be.
Highlights of our conversation include:
- Why you sometimes need to make poor financial decisions to better serve your family
- The importance of auditing your schedule
- Breathing tips to help you get in the zone for your family
- What we can learn from the Bison
Enjoy this wide-ranging fatherhood conversation!
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Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads.
Uplift Kids is a tool to help give your kids an inner compass. Today we speak with Jon Ogden, one of the founders of Uplift Kids, about ways to instill spirituality and values in our kids.
Highlights of our conversation include:
- At what age can you start building spirituality in your kids, and how?
- Specific values to explore further with your kids
- What does spirituality mean to young kids?
- How a lack of spirituality and loneliness can be related
- Why each value needs to have a counterweight. Courage held too tightly becomes recklessness, and then caution can be a great value.
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Today we interview Melinda Casey, a Waldorf teacher and parenting coach. She’s a proponent of “Parenting with Wonder.” We discuss what that means and other tips and ideas from Melinda.
During the conversation, we discuss:
- How to get out of the reward/punishment mindset
- What parents should do more with their children
- The biggest mistake Melinda sees parents of young kids make
- The #1 preschool classroom item to get for your home
- How to set family values with young kids
- The difference between Montessori and Waldorf educations
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Money seems to go a lot faster when you have kids. With all the stresses that can come from parenting, you don't want money to be another one of those challenges. Today we speak with Jesse Mecham, the author and entrepreneur behind the wildly popular You Need A Budget book and website. Some highlights of our podcast include:
- How to budget together but still keep your financial independence
- Why you should plan for "unexpected" expenses
- How to manage changes to your spending when you have a child
- Why you need to buy the necessary baby items and ignore the rest
- At what age and how do you involve your kids in budgeting
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We speak with Rich Slatcher, who runs the Close Relationship Laboratory at the University of Georgia. Rich has spent his career researching the effects of people's close relationships on their health and well-being. Rich is also one of the lead researchers on the impact of COVID on people's relationships, Love in the Time of Covid. Highlights of our discussion include:
- COVID has impacted relationships (so far)
- The Zoom/Video activity you should continue Post-pandemic
- How to make more friendships with other couples
- A way to supercharge friendships with other couples
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Today we interview Drew Vernon, an expert in child creativity. Drew is the Marketing Director for Tonies, a storytime company built for kids. Before that, Drew led the US preschool business for a little company called Lego. Drew also started Connecticut's first state license pay-by-the-hour day care center!
During the conversation, we discuss:
- The importance of using constraints to help your kids build creativity
- A simple storytelling formula to help your kids
- How your lego collection can be used to help cultivate more creativity
- Based on Drew's experience starting one, how to choose a good daycare!
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Fallible: capable of making mistakes or being erroneous.
Brent hosts the Fallible Man Podcast to help men make the most of themselves and own up to their mistakes. With the Fallible Man, we discuss why he stays away from allowance but likes bribery; how to make sure you're making the time for your kids; and most of all, how and why to admit your "fallible" and what that means as a dad.
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You can learn a lot from the military. Today we talk to Ben Killoy, the host of the Military Veteran Dad Podcast. I was curious about what he learned from the military that could be transferred to being a successful dad. We have some great exchanges, and Ben provides a ton of wisdom. Here's a sample:
A Dad's Path: What did you learn from the military that you can point to and say, this impacts how I am as a Dad?
Military Dad: The most common thing when it comes to the military is learning what doesn't work as a dad. In the military, people follow orders, but your kids don't follow orders at home, or you come home, and you bark orders, or often you hold your kids to the same standard as you would at work.
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Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads!!
Jim Sheils co-hosts the 18 Summers Podcast and is the author of the Family Board Meeting. You have 18 Summers to Create Lasting Connecting with your Children.
We discuss:
- Ways to make the most of the 18 summers you'll have with your kids.
- Instead of trying to find work-life balance, how to find integration.
- Don't worry about perfection; do focus on accountability.
- How to create those meaningful moments with each child?
Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads!!
Can you imagine being estranged from your child? Not communicating with them? How can you make sure this worst cast-scenario doesn't happen to you? A Dad's Path and the Estranged Heart discuss.
Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads.
Being a fantastic dad is not easy. Add in being a stay-at-home dad provides challenges even beyond. How do you ensure you're being the best dad you can be while not sacrificing yourself?
We interview the host of the "Live Long and Dad" podcast, Cosmo! He gives us ideas from his experiences with twins as a stay-at-home dad in the Los Angeles area. Enjoy!
Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads.
Danny Ray is a dad with insights. He's a stay-at-home dad who has a number of wild ideas we explore, including:
- Getting in a flow state as a dad.
- Understanding your energy and quickly getting in the right energy state.
- Why you shouldn't get offended by your kids' words.
- Doing the "half-life exercise" to understand time and maturity.
- The consistent lesson we can learn from our kids.
Danny hosts the popular DC360 Podcast and can be found on Instagram at @dannycobbin. You'll enjoy this one!
Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads.
Do you say "be careful" to your kids too much? The term became an almost automatic response to my kids' behavior. But it's not a healthy term to overuse, even if its idea is correct! Today we explore some other ideas on what to say when keeping your kids safe but not limiting their sense of adventure.
Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads!!
Summer is coming and with that means swimsuit season! So who better to speak with than Steve Roy, founder of Fit Dad Nation. Fit Dad Nation is for dads who want “a place to learn more about how to get fit (again), become healthier, get their mojo back, and are looking to become the best versions of themselves.”
If you get one idea or piece of inspiration that gets you more fit from this podcast, it’s worth your time. And I bet you will!
Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads.
Today we interview Matt from Single Dad, Sober Dad. He tells us his story of getting sober while sharing real stories, advice, and unexpected positives of not drinking. We also go through some challenges of being sober, and talk about ways to moderate.
Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads!
Lina Forrestal is a toddler mom, works full-time, and hosts the popular New Mamma's Podcast. The ideas and suggestions she gives for dads on this one are tremendous.
Highlights include:
- What are new moms desperate to hear from new dads?
- What new moms wish dads could do better?
- How to get back in synch with your partner after becoming a parent?
- And finally: What frustrates new moms about new dads?
Dads with kids of all ages can learn from this one!
Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads.
Geoff Girvitz is the founder of Bang Personal Training and The Dad Strength Podcast host. This episode discusses how dads can still be strong and healthy, even without the same amount of time or energy we did before kids: We may need different approaches. Highlights of our conversation include:
- Using the same mental strength you build during a workout to be a better parent
- Ways to make workouts into your daily life
- Maximizing your activities for the time you have
- How to optimize the mental benefits of exercise
- And my personal favorite: A way to actually beat food cravings
Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path a website for dads.
Today we welcome the founder of Montessorieducation.com, Jesse McCarthy. We learn what makes a school "Montessori style," see how you can tell if your child could be a good fit, and find out what age is typical to start Montessori.
We then discuss the Montessori experience and dive into some real-life examples:
Does Montessori-style discipline exist? What happens when kids aren't listening in Montessori? And finally, what changes could your child experience by putting them in Montessori for preschool but then switching them to a more "traditional" elementary school?
Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path a website for dads!!
Mark Gehrett is the founder of the Fatherhood Movement. He and Will discuss parenting and fatherhood from the perspective of someone who has an older child.
Today we explore how Dads can help our kids eat healthier. Some kids naturally want to try new foods, while others can get so set in their food habits you may wonder if they'll turn into the mac and cheese they eat it so often! Parenting offers a lot of challenges, and creating healthy and happy mealtimes can certainly be one of them. Dad On!
This week, Chris and Will have a wide-ranging dad conversation on the importance of the daily rituals for your kids. Among other topics, they discuss how to get chores part of their kids' life as part of that daily rhythm.
They also discuss ideas on encouraging your child's play and hobbies as a way to bond as a parent.
Finally, they explore more ideas on keeping an open dialogue with you and your little one, so they are more likely to feel open to you when they become teenagers.
Find previous episodes here: Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path.
In this podcast, Will and Chris talk about ideas on how to get your kids to eat in more healthy ways. They share some fun ideas and also things to avoid when getting your kids to eat healthier. Parenting is hard and feeding your kids can be some of the most challenging times for us dads. So let's work together and share what's worked, and what hasn't, and keep trying to get more healthy foods in your children's diets.
Dad On!
This week, we discuss some challenges new dads face in accepting new identities. Do you think of yourself as a father, or does that seem foreign to you? Do you feel like other areas of life have changed due to your new identity and life?
A Dad's Path is here for you!
It can be lonely as a dad. Making new friends is hard. Keeping your old friends is difficult. Making time for any friends can be challenging! So what do we do as fathers who want to be good parents and need some balance in our lives? We explore this topic in today's A Dad's Path Podcast.
We look at a little hack to get your kids to stretch what they think they can do. One More is important because it empowers your child for whatever they want to accomplish later in life. When you teach this lesson repeatedly, you’re teaching your child about internal strength to the point where they may surprise themselves- and feel inner pride: “I did it.”
The ability to learn is one of the most significant powers we can give our children. So when they see a superhero of theirs – YOU – valuing education, it can drive that value to them too. Today we talk about a way to start building this curiosity at a young age.
We have technology and knowledge at our disposal that wasn’t there for previous generations. But we need to use it. Yet amid the scattered piles of toys, clothes left on the floor, misplaced shoes, and dirty dishes left out on the couch, how do you teach work ethic to young children?
Do your kids clear their plates after dinner? Make their beds? Brush their teeth independently? Today we explore how dads can help their kids start to learn responsibilities. We help you make fatherhood count!
This week's podcast for dads is about your child's brain. Spoiler Alert: It's not yet developed. So as hard as it may be for you to keep calm - It's harder for kids!
It's hard to be a great dad sometimes. It's a lot harder when you're hungry, tired, and other needs aren't being met. Today we explore ideas to see how you feel in your fatherhood journey and thrive better.
The Family Commandments! Want to level up your family? Go beyond the Ten Commandments (Do not murder!) to define values that are important to you! Be Honest with your Family. Don't put others down.
Creating family commandments is a great way to figure out what values are most important for your family.
The holidays remind us of family traditions, sweet memories with our parents, excitement, and anticipation from childhood. As a dad, you want to create traditions so your kids can happily look back at this time of year with fond memories. Traditions don’t generally occur naturally. Making a tradition is fun if you do it consistently, and it should be something you look forward to every year. Once you have some ideas, you might want to put them in your calendar as a recurring item so you can remember to set the stage each year.
Holiday time is intense. We want to create perfect memories, a great meal, and gifts: So expectations can be sky high! But the fact is, your kids want fun. They want to bond with you! Today we explore ways in which dads can make the most out of the holiday time. Fatherhood FTW!
How can you tell if you're raising a child who will be a successful adult? What is a successful adult, anyhow? We focus on tools you can teach your children so when they decide what success means to them; they are better equipped to achieve it.
Today we explore what to do when you're in a dad-rut and fatherhood just doesn't seem to be working. We go over some ideas on how to change that parenting mindset.
In today's A Dad's Path podcast, we talk about Parallel Parenting. Parallel parenting occurs when two partners are working on parenting their children but are hardly in contact with each other. They're working in Parallel, but not together. You can fall into a parallel parenting pattern from within your seemingly happy relationship.
Enjoy and Dad On!
That's One! That's Two! Please don't make me keep counting!
In today's A Dad's Path podcast, we explore how to count to three effectively as a method for discipline. To get your kids to listen so, you do your job as a father.
Enjoy and Dad On!
As dads, we know we want our kids to feel comfortable talking with us- especially as they get older! At a basic level, if your child is unhappy or in physical or emotional pain, you want them to feel safe and encourage them to connect with you. Here's the key we discuss on today's podcast:
To have an honest and open relationship with an older child, you need to start with an honest relationship when they're a younger child
We make sure our kids get dressed, eat food, physically prepare for the school day. Can we help them get in a good headspace for the day?
Think about how you want your kids to remember you as a dad. What does that mean, and how can you make sure you make the most of parenting now, not when it's too late?
What does it mean to raise a brave child? We start with the quote, "Bravery is not only what you choose to do, but what you choose not to do," and explore that meaning in the context of being a dad.
Though this quote may not have been directly about parenting, it could have been. Will explore's more in this podcast for dads.
Kids are great at moving on and living in the moment. This is an essential lesson we can learn from them.
In this podcast, Will talks about ideas on how to build your children's patience as well as the importance of you being patient,
In this podcast, Will looks at teaching your kids how to fail, to teach them how to succeed.
You may laugh at your kids' learning new words, mistakes- we all have- but be aware that they are internalizing that as well. Kids are resilient, of course, but also sensitive. How you walk that line is discussed.
It's almost cliché at this point that Youth is Wasted on the Young. But are you making the same mistakes as a parent?
Will talks about how children can feed (negatively) off your anger and some ideas on stopping that cycle.
As dads, we are one of the most people in our kids' lives. We have to use that responsibility wisely!
In this episode, Will explores a mistake he made by trying to create a "strong" child. And how we can all learn from these lessons.