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How Can Dads Help Their Kids Build Friendships?19 oct. 202600:30:08

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

For some kids, friendships seem to happen naturally. For others, making friends can be incredibly difficult—and heartbreaking for parents to watch. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about why friendships matter, why some kids struggle to make them, and what dads can actually do to help.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Friendships are an important part of growing up. They teach kids how to communicate, navigate disagreements, and work through awkward and difficult moments.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

-Kids don't need dozens of friends. A few deep, healthy friendships can be far more valuable than a large social circle.

-Dads can create opportunities for friendship by making their homes welcoming places for kids to gather.

-Phones and excessive specialization can become barriers to the in-person interaction where friendships develop.

-Kids need to see their dads modeling healthy friendships—not just hear lectures about how to be a good friend.

-Not every friendship lasts forever. Kids need to learn that relationships change as they grow through different stages of life.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR DADS

1. Be THAT house.

Make your home a place where kids want to spend time by inviting people over, stocking the pantry with snacks, and making your house as welcoming as possible.

2. Aim for 3 friends, not 30.

The goal isn't to have the biggest social circle. Teach your kids to look for quality rather than quantity.

3. Take the phones away.

Phones can sometimes be a conduit for friendship, but they can also become a barrier to real connection. 

4. Discourage specialization.

Encourage your kids to have multiple interests and participate in different activities. Variety gives kids more opportunities.

5. Model good friendships.

Your kids need to see you having friends, too. Don't just tell your kids what a good friend looks like. Show them.

6. Help them understand that friendships change.

Not every person will remain a close friend forever. Kids will go through different seasons and not everyone stays close through change. 

IMPORTANT EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] How Do We Help Our Kids Make Friends?
Ted shares that nearly 1 in 5 parents say their child has no friends or not enough and sets up a conversation about what dads can actually do to help.

[00:32] What Does Friendship Actually Look Like at Different Stages?
Bobby defines a friend as someone you enjoy being around and have chosen to share parts of your life with, while the guys reflect on how friendship looks different throughout childhood. 

[04:08] Why Friendship Matters So Much
Friendship is essential to kids’ development. It’s where they learn forgiveness, empathy, and how to navigate conflict. 

[05:52] The Real Reasons Kids Struggle to Make Friends
University of Michigan research identifies the most common barriers to friendship — shyness, lack of time, established peer groups, too few places to gather, and peers who are simply mean.

[09:16] When Dad Becomes the Friend
Ted shares how his wife recognized their daughter needed them to step into the friend role during her isolated senior year and how that friendship is still thriving.

[15:55] Make Your House THE House
Bobby reveals his parents made deliberate investments to make their home a cool gathering place where real friendships could grow. 

[18:15] Kids Don’t Need 30 Friends, They Need 3 Good Ones
Pew data shows most adults have 1 to 4 close friends. Ted makes the case that helping kids identify who sticks around through the hard seasons is one of the most valuable friendship lessons a dad can teach.

[20:32] What to Look For in a Good Friend
Bobby explains how to guide kids toward friends who celebrate their wins, handle disagreements with maturity, and stay loyal through difficulty, while BJ shares a touching story about a young man grieving a lost friendship because he had hoped he’d found “his BJ.”

[23:14] Discourage Friend Specialization
Ted and Bobby make the case for keeping kids from putting all their social eggs in one basket — sports teams, church groups, theater, etc.

[29:22] APD Pro Move:
Ask your kids what qualities make up a good friend. Praise them for the ones they are currently displaying. Try to set up a time for your kids to spend time with others this week.  

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources

5 Ways to Vet Your Kids’ Friends 

5 Signs Your Child’s Friends Are the Worst

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

Do You Have a Vision for Your Family?12 oct. 202600:29:19

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

Does your family have a clear vision? Knowing where you're going helps you move with confidence. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster, and Bobby Lewis to talk about why benefit from a family vision and how dads can create one.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Having a vision helps dads make decisions based on what matters most rather than whatever feels urgent in the moment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

-Vision starts with deciding where you want to go. Without direction, even a busy family can drift.

-Dads need vision not only for their families but also for the people they and their kids are becoming.

-A family vision should shape relationships, purpose, values, and everyday decisions.

-The goal isn't controlling who your kids become. It's helping them think intentionally about character, virtues, purpose, and the kind of people they want to be.

-Vision isn't just something you write down. It should influence the decisions you make every day.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR DADS


1. Create a vision for yourself.

Write down the attributes and virtues you want your life to be about and put them somewhere you can see them regularly.


2. Create a vision for your family.

Involve your family in the vision building so they can help shape and own it.


3. Help your kids think about the people they want to become.

Get kids thinking about character and purpose rather than simply accomplishments and careers.


4. Create a vision for your relationships.

Think intentionally about the relationships you want to have—with your spouse, kids, friends, and others.


5. Create a vision for your purpose.

Help your kids recognize their gifts, talents, interests, and ways they can contribute to the world and serve others.

IMPORTANT EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] How Can We Create a Vision for Our Families?
Ted challenges dads to think beyond daily life and ask where their family is actually headed.

[00:33] Why Families Without Vision Get Lost
BJ tells a story of an NFL player who swam nine miles to safety because he knew which direction to go.

[04:31] Step One: Start With a Vision for Who You Want to Become
The dads challenges listeners to ask themselves what kind of man they want to be in five years and then start living toward it daily.

[05:41] What Do You Want People to Say at Your Funeral?
Bobby explains that the best filter for any decision is asking whether it will matter in four minutes, four weeks, four months, or forever.

[07:01] Your Kids Don't Care What You Do — They Care Who You Are
Ted reflects on his own experience with ADHD-driven ambition, crediting a mentor who helped him see that his kids just want him — not his accomplishments.

[09:12] Step Two: Cast a Vision for Who You Want Your Kids to Become
Casting a vision for your kids isn't about controlling them or mapping out their careers — it's about intentionally instilling character qualities like honesty, gratitude, and faithfulness that will shape who they are long after they leave home.

[12:44] What It Looks Like When the Vision Actually Works
Bobby and BJ share recent moments when their kids showed character traits they'd been quietly modeling for years.

[17:25] Step Three: Have a Vision for the Relationships Around Your Family
Ted makes an impassioned case for prioritizing friendship and modeling healthy relationships, explaining that men who don't invest in community are modeling isolation for their kids.

[20:48] Step Four: Know Your Purpose
Bobby challenges dads to move beyond career and money to ask what they're genuinely wired to do.

[26:13] Boil It Down to One Sentence and Invite Your Family Into the Vision
Distill your family vision into a single sentence they can actually measure against. 

APD PRO MOVE:

Have a discussion with your family about your vision for your family.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources

Episode 109: Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers?

5 Things Dads Need to Have a Vision For

4 Questions to Answer When Creating a Family Vision Statement

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

How Do I Win The Everyday?05 oct. 202600:26:29

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

Being a great dad isn't about doing something extraordinary. It's about consistently winning the “everyday” moments. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, Ted Lowe, BJ Foster, and Bobby Lewis break down six key moments in a dad's life so dads can start winning the everyday. 

Why This Matters

Dads can become so focused on the big picture—providing for their families, raising good kids, planning for the future—that they miss the small moments happening right in front of them. 

Key Takeaways
  • The most important moments of fatherhood often look completely ordinary.
  • Small, consistent touchpoints throughout the day communicate to your kids that they matter to you.
  • You don't have to win every moment. Pick one area where you're struggling and make a plan to win it.
Practical Tips For Dads


1. Win your first ten minutes. 

Many people reach for their phones almost immediately after waking up. Instead, consider starting your day with something that puts your mind in a better place—stretching, exercising, reading, praying, or connecting with your spouse.

2. Win getting out the door.

Morning chaos is inevitable, but dads can create margin and rituals that make leaving the house a positive experience. Prepare lunches the night before. Wake up a little earlier. Say goodbye to each child individually. Create a family phrase or tradition that reminds your kids you're on the same team.

3. Win the midday check-in.

You may be physically separated from your kids during much of the day, but that doesn't mean you have to be disconnected. Send a funny text. Ask about something they're doing. Send a GIF. Leave a lunch note. If possible, have lunch together or bring them along on an errand. Small, consistent communication says, “We're apart, but we're not separated.”

4. Win dinner time.

Family dinner doesn't have to mean an elaborate meal or an hour around the table. Create a consistent opportunity to eat together—even if that means breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, or another family meal because evenings are packed.

5. Win the bedtime routine.

Don't rush bedtime simply so you can get on with your night. Bedtime closes the chapter on the day, creates a sense of safety, strengthens the bond between dad and child, and prepares kids emotionally for tomorrow.

6. Win the final hour before sleep.

The final hour of the day is an opportunity to slow down. Put away the technology. Be quiet. Be slow. Create an environment that allows your mind and body to prepare for sleep instead of filling the final moments of the day with more stimulation.

Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] How Do We Win the Everyday Moments With Our Kids?
[00:31] Everyday Wins the Guys Have Had Recently
[03:47] Moment One: What You Do in the First Ten Minutes You’re Awake
[07:10] Moment Two: Getting Out the Door Without the Morning Chaos
[11:21] Moment Three: The Midday Check-In
[13:48] Moment Four: Dinnertime and Why It's Worth Fighting For
[19:37] Moment Five: The Bedtime Routine Is Your Final Impression
[23:30] Moment Six: Your Final Hour Before Sleep
[25:20] This Week's Pro Move: Pick One of the Six Moments and Win It
Ted wraps up by challenging dads to identify which of the six daily moments they're currently losing — waking up, getting out the door, midday check-in, dinner, bedtime, or the final hour — and focus on winning just that one this week.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources

3 Mistakes Dads Make Every Day

Harvard: The Benefit of Family Mealtime

Sleep Foundation: Bedtime Routines for Adults

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

Raise a Self-Starter: Helping Kids Take Initiative28 sept. 202600:33:46

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

Some days your kids are motivated and ready to take on the world. Other days, they can’t figure out where to begin. What gives? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how dads can help their kids become self-starters by letting them make mistakes and own their responsibilities.

Why This Matters
Our goal as dads isn't simply to raise kids who do what they're told. We want to raise adults who can recognize what needs to be done, take responsibility, solve problems, and take the first step without waiting for someone to push them. Self-starting is not just a personality trait—it's a skill kids can develop through practice, responsibility, appropriate freedom, and learning from failure.

Key Takeaways

· Kids learn initiative partly by watching us. Before asking whether our kids are self-starters, we should ask whether we're modeling initiative, perseverance, and responsibility ourselves.

· Kids need increasing control and ownership. When we constantly remind kids, solve their problems, or do things for them because it's faster and cleaner, we may unintentionally prevent them from developing initiative.

· Kids need room to fail, learn, and try again. Mistakes and natural consequences aren't necessarily problems to eliminate; they can become opportunities for kids to develop grit, self-control, problem-solving skills, and confidence.

Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Give your kids something to own. Instead of assigning individual tasks that require constant reminders, give your child responsibility for an area of family life. Don't just say, “Take out the trash.” Give them ownership of making sure the trash doesn't overflow.

2.    Give them control—even when it makes your life harder. Let kids make age-appropriate decisions, solve problems, and experience the natural consequences of their choices. A little mess, inconvenience, or failure today can help build independence for tomorrow.

3.    Focus on what they learn, then gradually step back. Ask what your child learned from a challenge rather than focusing only on the result. Teach them how to manage the task, stand beside them while they learn, and then gradually stop being the person who starts them.

Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] How Can I Help My Kid Become a Self-Starter?
[00:38] Are the Guys Self-Starters — and Were They Growing Up?
[04:07] Why Modeling Matters — and Why None of Them Are Perfect at It
[07:31] Why Raising Self-Starters Actually Matters for Your Kids' Future
[11:50] The Marshmallow Study
[15:33] Give Kids Control and Then Get Out of the Way
[18:27] Let Kids Make Mistakes and Resist the Urge to Step In
[22:30] The Contract That Changed Ted's Son Overnight
[27:41] Training Kids for Self-Starting: Chore Charts, Ownership, and Natural Consequences
[32:26] This Week's Pro Move: Give Your Kid Something to Control
Ted wraps up by challenging dads to identify one thing they currently control that they can hand off to their kid this week — and trust them to own it.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources
Episode 48 – How Do We Inspire Motivation in Our Kids?

Episode 71 - Tony Dungy: Am I Building My Children’s Autonomy?

4 Things Kids Learn When We Do Things for Them

5 Questions to Ask When Your Child Won’t Act Responsibly

How to Raise a Fragile Child

5 Things That Kids Can Do for You

Fathering Your School Aged Child

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

Are We Raising a Generation of Gambling Addicts?21 sept. 202600:25:08

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

Sports gambling is no longer relegated to casinos in Las Vegas or Atlantic City. It’s in your pocket, available to everyone—including kids—through apps, websites, and even online video games. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to discuss the potential impact of early exposure to gambling and what dads can do to help their kids understand the risks.

Why This Matters

Kids need to understand how gambling works, why the odds favor the house, how gambling can become compulsive, and why hiding gambling or chasing losses can damage trust and relationships.

Key Takeaways

1. A study from Common Sense Media found that 36% of boys ages 11–17 reported gambling in the past year.

2. Early exposure can normalize gambling and make risky behavior seem like harmless entertainment.

3. Dads can help by talking openly about gambling, teaching how the odds work, paying attention to what kids are doing online, and creating an environment where kids can tell the truth.

Practical Tips For Dads


1. Start the conversation before there's a problem. Don't wait until you discover your child has placed a bet.

Ask questions like:

  • “Have you ever seen a sports betting ad?”
  • “Do any of your friends talk about betting?”
  • “What do you think about sports gambling?”
  • “Have you ever seen gambling in a video game?”

The goal isn't to interrogate your child. It's to make sure they know they can talk to you.

2. Teach your kids how gambling actually works. Explain probability, odds, and the fact that gambling companies are designed to make money.

3. Pay attention to what your kids are doing online. Know what games they play, what apps they use, what they're watching, and what their friends are talking about.

4. Create an environment where your kids can tell the truth. Your child needs to know that if they make a bad decision, they can come to you.

Important Episode Timestamps:

[00:00] Are We Raising a Generation of Gamblers?
[00:57] How Accessible Gambling Has Become
[04:31] Kids’ Developing Brains Make Gambling Especially Dangerous
[07:16] Where Are Kids Actually Gambling and Do Dads Even Know?
[09:35] The Real Consequences: Financial Damage, Shame, and Secrecy
[13:40] Gambling Rewires the Brain and Even Losing Becomes a Hook
15:43] Why Shame and Secrecy Are the Hidden Dangers Behind the Addiction
[17:07] Start the Conversation Before It's a Problem
[20:42] The House Always Wins
[23:51] This Week's Pro Move: Have a 10-minute conversation with your kids about gambling this week. Don't make it a lecture. Ask what they've seen, what their friends are doing, and what they think about sports betting. Then tell them: “You will never be in trouble for coming to me and telling me the truth.”

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

If you or your child has a gambling problem, call or text 888-Admit-It (236-4848) for help. 

Gambling Help

All Pro Dad Resources

Are We Raising a Generation of Gambling Addicts?

Do You Have a Gambling Problem?

Common Sense Media – Betting on Boys: Understanding Gambling Among Adolescent Boys

Gambling Commission – 2025 Headline Statistics

Journal of Gambling Studies – Predicting Problem Gambling in Young Men

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

5 Things Dads Can Do When They're In Over Their Heads14 sept. 202600:26:12

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

Whether it's the demands of work, the responsibilities of fatherhood, marriage, or simply facing a situation that feels too big to handle, every dad will eventually find himself overwhelmed. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about what dads should do when they become an overwhelmed parent.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Feeling overwhelmed can become an opportunity. Dads can learn to slow down, acknowledge when they're struggling, and gain new wisdom when parenting gets hard. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1: When you're overwhelmed, relax and slow things down so fear doesn't take over your ability to think clearly.

2: Admit when you're in over your head. Acknowledging reality isn't weakness, and failure isn't the end.

3: Face the challenge, learn what you need to learn, and ask others for help and wisdom.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR DADS

Relax. Take a breath, step away from the situation, exercise, pray, or do something that helps calm your nerves and restore perspective.

Admit it. Be honest when you're overwhelmed. You don't have to maintain an image of invincibility or pretend you can fix everything yourself.

Face it. Ask, “What am I going to do about this?” Take responsibility for the situation and determine what you may need to change—or say no to.

Learn. Study the problem. Seek information and learn from people who have successfully navigated similar situations.

Ask for help. Seek advice, support, and wisdom from people who have experience. Asking for help isn't weakness; it can help you become a better dad.

IMPORTANT EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] What Should I Do When I'm In Over My Head as a Dad?
[00:26] Times When the Dads Have Felt Completely In Over Their Heads
[04:18] When Your Kids' Struggles Make You Feel In Over Your Head as a Dad
[05:22] Step 1: Find a Way to Relax
[11:49] Step 2: Actually Face What's Going On
[13:02] Step 3: Admit You're Struggling
[16:33] Step 4: Learn From Others
[18:22] Step 5: Ask for Help
[24:30] This Week's Pro Move: Identify Your People and Reach Out
Ted wraps up with one simple challenge — the next time you feel in over your head, think about who your people are and reach out, even if it's just "Hey, can I ask you a question?"

SPONSOR:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

ALL PRO DAD RESOURCES:

Episode 124 – Am I Handling My Anger Well?

Dan Orlovsky: 5 Times Dads Must Battle Through

Yes, Parenting is Harder Now and What to Do About It

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

Your Kids Know You Love Them—But Do They Know You Like Them?07 sept. 202600:21:12

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

Do your kids know you love them? Probably a safe bet that they do. But do they think you like them? That’s a much different question. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the difference between like and love and why dads must make it their mission to ensure their kids know they’re liked. 

Why This Matters

Most dads would say they love their kids. But love and like can feel different to a child. Kids need to know that Dad doesn't simply provide for them, correct them, or show up for their activities—they need to feel that Dad genuinely enjoys being with them. 

Key Takeaways

–Loving your kids and liking your kids are not always communicated in the same way. 

–Kids experience our attention more than our intentions, so distraction and exhaustion can weaken connection even when we mean well.

–Curiosity, laughter, and listening are simple ways dads can communicate, “I like you.”

Practical Tips for Dads

1. Create connection-only time. Choose a moment in the day when the goal is not to correct, teach, or fix—just enjoy your child.

2. Like them out loud. Tell your kids specific things you like about them, such as “I like how your brain works,” “You're really fun to be around,” or “I like hanging out with you.”

3. Be intentional with your facial expressions. Let your face communicate that you're glad to see your child when they walk into the room, come home, leave for the day, or do something they love.

Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Do Your Kids Know You Like Them?
[01:26] Why You Can't Fake Liking Your Kids and They Know It
[03:34] The Hockey Tryout Embarrassment
[05:09] BJ's Best Dad Moment Followed by His Worst
[07:35] Your Kids Will Go Find “Being Liked” Somewhere Else
[08:26] What Gets in the Way of Kids Feeling Liked
[11:17] Heaping Pressure on Kids Makes Them Feel Liked When They Perform
[12:07] How to Help Kids Feel Liked: Start With Curiosity, Laughter, and Listening
[16:13] Carve Out a Daily Five-Minute Window to Just Like Your Kid
[19:30] This Week's Pro Move
This week, tell your kid one specific thing you genuinely like about them.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources

5 Ways to Make Sure Your Kids Know You Like Them

3 Ways to Make Sure Your Kids Know You Love and Like Them

5 Ways to Love Your Tees When You Don’t Like Them

4 Things About Your Child That You Need to Know

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

What Changes When Dads Are Involved with Kids Schools? Everything.31 août 202600:31:37

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

School-related things have traditionally been handled by Mom, but the research is clear—when dads get involved in a kids’ education, those kids thrive in the classroom. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by National Director of Chapters for All Pro Dad, Jason Hood, and Pasco County (FL) School Superintendent Dr. John Legg, to talk about why everybody wins when dads get engaged with their children’s schooling. 

Why This Matters
Kids whose dads are involved in the education process have more success in school, are typically more confident students, and exhibit fewer behavioral problems. 

Key Takeaways

·Dads Are Welcome: Dads don’t always plug in at school because they feel uncomfortable, awkward, or uninvited. But dads don't have to be education experts to make a difference. Simply showing up tells your kids that their education matters.

·Presence Creates Connection: Something as simple as driving your kids to school can give dads valuable one-on-one time to listen, tell stories, ask questions, and build a relationship. Consistency matters because those everyday conversations can eventually open the door to deeper conversations.

·Dads Must Be Intentional: Whether it's attending parent-teacher conferences, meeting teachers, helping with school projects, or joining or starting an All Pro Dad Chapter, dads can find simple ways to become a consistent presence in their kids' education.

Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Start by showing up. Take your kids to school or pick them up when you can, meet their teachers, attend conferences, and look for opportunities to be physically present at school.

2.    Use the time you have to build connection. Don't turn every car ride or school conversation into an interrogation. Tell stories about your own experiences, ask natural questions, listen, and be consistent enough that your kids learn that Dad is genuinely interested in their lives.

3.    Find a way to plug in. Look for an All Pro Dad Chapter at your child's school, or ask the school administration about starting one. You don't have to have everything figured out—just take the first step toward becoming more involved.

Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] What Actually Happens When a Dad Shows Up at His Kid's School?
[00:50] Why So Many Dads Step Out of Their Kids' Education
[03:20] What Happens to Kids When Dads Do Show Up
[06:51] The Simple Act of Taking Your Kid to School and Why It Changes Everything
[09:53] How to Actually Make the Most of That Car Ride
[11:49] Why Dads Need to Share the Mental Load of Education With Mom
[13:39] How Jason Uses His Own ADHD to Connect With His Son on the Way to School
[17:22] What the All Pro Dad Chapter Program Is and How It Works
[20:16] What Dr. Legg Has Seen the Chapter Program Do for Schools
[26:38] This Week's Pro Move: Find out if your kids' school has an All Pro Dad chapter. If it does, join it. If it doesn't consider starting one. 

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources:

Learn More about the All Pro Dad Chapter program

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

Should Dads Be Thinking Differently About Bedtime?24 août 202600:35:00

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The most important part of your child’s day is often the way it ends. Bedtime can easily become rushed. Not because it doesn’t matter but because dads get tired or have other things on their minds. How can we make those final few minutes memorable? In this episode of the All Pro Dad podcast Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to explain why the bedtime routine matters so much and how dads can make those moments count.

Why This Matters

Kids may not remember everything that happened during the day, but they'll remember how they felt when Dad said goodnight.

Key Takeaways


1. Bedtime is an emotional landing strip.
This part of the day offers children the chance to process emotions, feel secure, and strengthen their connection with Dad.

2. Connection matters more than efficiency.
Rushing bedtime may get kids to sleep faster but slowing down builds memories they'll carry for years.

3. Intentional routines create lasting impact.
Simple, repeatable bedtime traditions communicate safety, consistency, and unconditional love.

Practical Tips for Dads


1. Slow things down.
Build in an extra 10 minutes, put your phone away, and avoid treating bedtime like another task to complete.

2. Create one repeatable connection point.
Read together, pray, ask one meaningful question, develop a special handshake, or create a family tradition your kids will anticipate every night.

3. Let older kids talk when they're ready.
Teenagers often open up late in the evening. Even if they're too old to be tucked in physically, they still need to be tucked in emotionally.

Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] How Can I Make Bedtime Matter?
[00:42] Did You Have a Bedtime Routine Growing Up?
[04:32] What Bedtime Looks Like in the Dads' Homes Right Now
[08:37] When Bedtime Gets Hard: An Honest Confession About Getting It Wrong
[13:55] Why Bedtime Is One of the Most Important Moments of the Entire Day
[16:35] The Science Behind Bedtime Routines
[20:45] What Dads Get Wrong at Bedtime
[26:48] Why the Goal of Bedtime Is Connection, Not Efficiency
[30:37] Practical Steps to Make Bedtime Matter Starting Tonight
[34:07] This Week's Pro Move
Tonight, don't leave your child's room feeling rushed; sit down, slow your breathing, and stay an extra two minutes after the routine ends.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources

Meaningful Bedtime Routines With Your Kids

 15 Statements to Encourage Your Kids at Bedtime

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Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

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EXTRAS:

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Why Kids Stop Listening to Their Parents17 août 202600:18:48

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Have your kids ever ignored you? Disobeyed you? These can be challenging moments for dads. We all want our kids to listen to us. What happens if they stop? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to dive into how dads can become the kind of people their kids trust and listen to consistently. 

Why This Matters
Kids are far more likely to embrace a father's wisdom when they trust his character.

Key Takeaways
1. Credibility is built through consistency.
Kids notice when our actions don't match our words. Living out what we teach earns trust, while hypocrisy quickly destroys it.

2. Influence grows when we listen more than we lecture.
Children are much more receptive when they feel heard. Asking thoughtful questions and genuinely listening often teaches more than lengthy speeches.

3. Trust is strengthened by honesty, humility, and conviction.
Being truthful, admitting when we're wrong, holding healthy boundaries, and respectfully engaging differing viewpoints make dads the kind of leaders kids naturally want to follow.

Practical Tips for Dads

1. Listen before you teach.
Ask questions, seek to understand your child's perspective, and resist the urge to immediately lecture or solve every problem.

2. Live what you believe.
Be consistent, tell the truth—even in small matters—and admit mistakes quickly. Authenticity builds long-term influence.

3. Hold firm convictions with humility.
Maintain clear boundaries, stay open to learning, and disagree respectfully without dismissing your child's thoughts or concerns.


Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] How Do You Become Someone Your Kids Actually Want to Learn From?
[00:34] What Teens Think About Journalists and What That Means for Dads
[02:35] Thing to Avoid #1: Being Inconsistent
[04:37] Thing to Avoid #2: Being Dogmatic
[08:22] Thing to Avoid #3: Lecturing More Than You Listen
[09:35] Thing to Avoid #4: Not Holding Boundaries
[11:00] Thing to Avoid #5: Being Dismissive
[13:36] Thing to Avoid #6: Lying to Your Kids
[14:44] What to Do Instead: Listen, Learn, and Disagree With Respect
[18:07] This Week's Pro Move
Ask your kids their opinion on something important this week. Listen without correcting or lecturing and see what you learn from them.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources:

Episode 61 – What Problems Do Kids Face Today That We Didn't?

Episode 95 – What Challenges Is Generation Alpha Facing?

Dustin Colquitt: 5 Lessons Our Kids Should Learn From Us 

7 Things Your Daughter Needs to Learn From You

5 Reasons Your Kids Should Learn From Your Mistakes

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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EXTRAS:

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Get great content for moms at iMOM.com

How to Raise Kids Who Think for Themselves10 août 202600:24:25

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Kids aren't dumb—they're developing. But in a world of endless stimulation, many children never slow down long enough to think past the next TikTok craze or YouTube short. In this episode of the All Pro Dad podcast, Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about why thinking deeply matters and how dads can intentionally develop that skill through critical thinking activities for kids.

Why This Matters

Kids who learn to think critically become wiser decision-makers, better problem solvers, and more thoughtful adults.

Key Takeaways

1. Critical thinking develops over time.

Kids naturally think about what's directly in front of them. Development plays a major role, but dads can help move them from simply reacting to actually reasoning through situations.

2. Today's world makes deep thinking difficult.

Constant stimulation, shorter attention spans, fewer kids reading for fun, and the disappearance of boredom all work against developing thoughtful children.

3. Dads can intentionally teach kids to think.

Critical thinking isn't just an academic skill. It helps kids consider consequences, understand different perspectives, solve problems, and make wise decisions throughout life.


Practical Tips for Dads

1. Create a slow-thinking environment.

Reduce constant stimulation, allow boredom, limit screens, and introduce activities like chess, books, and uninterrupted conversations that naturally develop deeper thinking.

2. Ask better questions.

Instead of giving answers, ask open-ended questions like:

  • "Why do you think that?"
  • "What do you think happened?"
  • "What would you do differently?"
    Follow-up questions teach kids how to think, not just what to think.

3. Stretch your child's time horizon.

Help kids connect today's decisions with tomorrow's outcomes. Talk about future goals, long-term consequences, and the kind of person they want to become.


Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Why Don't Our Kids Think Critically and What Can Dads Do About It?
[00:30] Chicken on the Table and Other Signs Your Kids Aren't Thinking
[03:17] Why Kids Aren't Wired to Think Critically Yet
[04:12] The Difference Between Parroting and Actually Thinking
[08:41] What Critical Thinking Actually Means in Kid Terms
[09:36] Teaching Kids to See From Other Angles and Think Things Through
[12:55] What's Getting in the Way of Kids Thinking Critically Today
[16:35] Why Dads Need to Show Kids That the World Is Bigger Than Their Bubble
[19:44] Practical Ways to Build Critical Thinking Into Everyday Life
[23:12] This Week's Pro Move:
Ask your child one thoughtful question this week—and resist the urge to answer it for them. Give them time to think.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources

Episode 123 – How to Teach Your Kids Values: 4 Practical Steps for Parents

5 Ways to Prepare Your Teen for an Unpredictable Future

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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EXTRAS:

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Get great content for moms at iMOM.com

Kids Benefit From Difficult Experiences. Here Are a Few.03 août 202600:24:04

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Not making the team. Getting a poor grade. Going through a breakup. All of these things are hard experiences for kids. But, there is value in navigating difficult things. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to discuss how kids benefit from hardship and how dads should resist the urge to rescue them.

Why This Matters
Kids don't develop resilience by avoiding hardship—they develop it by learning to overcome it.

Key Takeaways
• Difficult experiences often become our greatest teachers and shape character.
• Waiting, boredom, failure, and struggle help children develop patience, perseverance, and emotional maturity.
• Dads should walk alongside their kids through hard moments instead of trying to eliminate every obstacle.

Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Practice gratitude by helping your family recognize the growth that can come from difficult seasons.

2.    Empathize with your child's struggles without immediately trying to solve every problem for them.

3.    Offer wisdom and encouragement while allowing your child to work through challenges on their own.

Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] What Are Some Things That Are Surprisingly Good for Kids?
[00:51] Difficult Seasons That Changed the Dads for the Better
[05:14] Heartbreak and Sadness Benefit Kids
[07:07] Painful Experiences Prepare Kids for Life
[09:27] Waiting Is One of the Most Underrated Things Kids Do
[13:28] Boredom Is Good for Kids and Over-scheduling Robs Them of It
[16:03] Struggles Build Kids the Same Way Resistance Builds Muscle
[18:10] How to Intentionally Introduce Struggle in a Safe and Fun Way
[20:33] Failure Is One of the Greatest Teachers Your Kids Will Ever Have
[22:55] This Week's Pro Move

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources: 

Episode 93 – How Do I Make the Social Media Algorithm Work For Me? 

Anxiety and Depression Study  

Anxiety in Teen Girls

5 Ways to Feed Your Teen’s Anxiety

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

EXTRAS:

Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day.
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This episode's blog 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

What About You Will Your Kids Repeat Or Reject?27 juil. 202600:34:07

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Remember those things your dad did that you didn’t like? How about what you enjoyed? Have you repeated them now that you’re a parent? Or did you make a change? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to discuss our parenting habits, what they mean to our children, and think through the things about us our kids will emulate or eliminate.

Why This Matters

Every interaction with your kids is shaping the kind of parent they'll become someday.

Key Takeaways

·       Children naturally imitate far more of our parenting than we realize, both the good and the bad.

·       Harshness, absence, and constant pressure often become the behaviors kids intentionally reject later in life.

·       Listening well, showing up consistently, and apologizing when we're wrong create a legacy worth repeating.


Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Identify one parenting habit your kids may someday want to eliminate—and begin replacing it with a healthier response.

2.    Prioritize presence by showing up consistently for everyday moments, not just major milestones.

3.    Model humility by listening carefully and apologizing when you've handled a situation poorly.


Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] What Are Your Kids Going to Copy From You and What Will They Cut?
Ted frames an honest conversation about the habits, traditions, and behaviors dads are passing down right now.

[00:30] Why Bobby Started Thinking About What He Copied From His Own Dad
Bobby connects Sunday roast beef at grandma's house to his own family rhythms today, realizing he's replicated far more of his upbringing than he ever thought.

[02:11] What the Guys Have Emulated From Their Dads
The dads share the things they consciously carried forward from their fathers.

[04:44] What the Guys Have Eliminated From Their Dads
Bobby opens up about his biological dad walking out when he was five and the decision he made in first grade never to break his own family apart, while Ted reflects on unconsciously repeating his dad's habit of driving away when frustrated.

[09:55] Why We End Up Doing the Very Things We Swore We Never Would
Ted shares a Michigan State study showing children copy adult actions with up to 90% accuracy, and the guys get honest about catching themselves repeating patterns they promised themselves they'd leave behind.

[14:07] Things Dads Are Doing Right Now That They Hope Their Kids Will Eliminate
The dads walk through the behaviors they most want to cut and why each one quietly chips away at the relationship.

[18:41] Presence Over Perfection is the Goal
Physical presence without emotional presence is its own form of absence, and why small intentional moments matter more than dads often realize.

[22:31] Things Dads Are Doing Right Now That They Hope Their Kids Will Copy
The dads urge others to listen well, prioritize presence, and model the kind of engaged fatherhood that kids will carry into their own families someday.

[27:57] Why Dads Who Apologize Have Better Relationships
Apologizing quickly and genuinely is one of the most powerful things a dad can model and research backs it up. 

[32:05] This Week's Pro Move: Identify One Thing You Want to Eliminate as a Dad
Intentionally replace a parenting habit this week that you think your kids may eventually eliminate. Replace it with a habit you'd be proud for them to emulate.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources:

5 Ways Dads Make Things Harder on Themselves

3 Mistakes Parents Make With Well-Behaved Kids

Emulate or Eliminate on Instagram

Emulate or Eliminate on YouTube

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

8 Things Dads Should Never Say to Their Kids20 juil. 202600:24:22

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We've all said something we thought would be helpful only to later regret the harm we caused. We had good intentions, but still messed up. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to discuss the lasting impact a father's words can have on his children. They unpack common phrases dads often say without realizing the damage they can cause and offer healthier, more encouraging alternatives that build confidence in kids. 

Why This Matters

A father's words often become a child's inner voice, making it critical to speak truth, encouragement, and love with intention.

Key Takeaways

·       Avoid labels, comparisons, and discouraging statements that attack your child's identity instead of addressing their behavior.

·       Encourage effort, growth, and resilience without offering false praise or unrealistic promises.

·       Sometimes the most powerful message isn't a perfect speech—it's consistently reminding your children they're loved, believed in, and never alone.


Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Replace criticism of your child's identity with coaching about their choices or behavior.

2.    Follow through when you promise your child your time, showing them they are a priority.

3.    Make encouragement a daily habit by telling your children you believe in them, you're proud of their effort, and you love them unconditionally.

Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] What Should Dads Stop Saying to Their Kids?
[00:50] The Night BJ's Son Wrote His Article for Him
[03:50] “Why Can’t You Be More Like Your Brother?”
[05:49] "I Don't Have Time Right Now.”
[09:03] "I Don't Think You Can Do It.”
[12:04] "You're Such a Disappointment.”
[15:08] "Don't Be Such a Wimp.”
[16:47] The Danger of Labels — Even the Ones Said as a Joke
[18:19] "You Can't Do Anything Right.”
[19:40] “Why Didn’t You ____?”
[22:12] Nothing.
[23:28] This Week's Pro Move:
Ask your kids, “Have I ever said anything that hurt you?” Listen to their response and own it. 

Quotable:

“I don’t think dads have bad hearts. I think we have bad habits.” - Ted

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources:
Episode 8 – What Are 7 Things A Son Needs From His Dad?

 Episode 9 – What Are 7 Things A Daughter Needs From Her Dad?

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

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EXTRAS:

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Get great content for moms at iMOM.com

The Parenting Advice AI Can't Give You13 juil. 202600:21:59

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to discuss whether dads should trust AI for difficult parenting questions. They explore where AI can be helpful, where it can mislead parents, and why wisdom from experienced people still matters most when raising kids.

Why This Matters

AI can provide information, but it can never replace the wisdom, discernment, and personal knowledge that great parenting requires.


Key Takeaways

  • AI is a helpful research tool, but it shouldn't become your primary parenting advisor.
  • Your child is unique, and no AI can understand your family's history, personality, or circumstances the way you can.
  • The best parenting advice comes from trusted relationships, experienced parents, qualified professionals, and proven research, not algorithms alone.


Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Before asking AI, talk with someone who knows you and your family personally.

2.    When AI gives advice, verify the original research and sources before acting on it.

3.    Build a circle of trusted mentors, experienced parents, and professionals you can turn to for life's biggest parenting questions.


Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Is It Wise for Parents to Turn to AI for Tough Parenting Questions?
[00:49] How Confident Are Dads in AI-Generated Answers — and Should They Be?
[02:47] Why Bobby Doesn't Trust AI — and Why That's Actually a Smart Instinct
[04:21] The Hallucination Problem: When AI Gets It Wrong With Total Confidence
[06:16] AI Doesn't Know Your Kid — and That's a Bigger Problem Than Most Dads Realize
[07:47] The Sycophancy Problem: AI Is Designed to Tell You What You Want to Hear
[09:15] The CEO and the Intern: Why Dads Shouldn't Let a Machine Run Their Family
[13:21] Where Dads Should Actually Go for Parenting Advice
[16:46] Why Trusted Friends and Real Counselors Will Always Outperform Any Algorithm
[19:17] This Week's Pro Move: Before asking AI your next big parenting question, ask one trusted parent or mentor who knows you and your child personally. Compare the two answers—and let wisdom from someone who truly cares carry the most weight.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources:

12 Ways Dads Can Lead Their Children

3 Character Traits to Affirm in Your Kids

5 Reasons Dads Should Be Ready for Teachable Moments

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

How Do I Raise Kids Who Learn From Failure?06 juil. 202600:31:42

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Is your daughter struggling to tie her shoes? Did your son strike out to end the game? Did they fail the big driver’s test? Kids are going to fail throughout life. What will you say in the moment? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to discuss why failure is an essential part of childhood. They explore why dads naturally want to protect their kids from failure, how failure builds resilience and wisdom, and offer practical ways to help children grow stronger through disappointment instead of rescuing them from it.

Why This Matters

Every child will fail. The question isn't whether it will happen—it's what happens after it does. Learning from failure is the first step to embracing it. 

Key Takeaways

  • Normalize failure. Failure isn't a reflection of your child's worth—it's evidence they're learning, growing, and taking healthy risks.
  • Encourage healthy risk-taking. Kids develop resilience when dads create safe environments where trying, failing, and trying again are celebrated.
  • Respond better than you rescue. The goal isn't to remove failure but to walk with your child through it, affirming their value while helping them reflect and grow.

Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Separate identity from performance. Remind your kids they're loved regardless of success or failure.

2.    Praise effort, courage, and character. Celebrate the willingness to try more than the outcome itself.

3.    Process failure together. Listen first, acknowledge emotions, ask thoughtful questions, and help your child discover what they learned before moving on.

Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] How Do We Help Our Kids Learn From and Embrace Failure?
[00:46] Striking Out and Running and Wrong Way
[04:04] What J.K. Rowling's Story Teaches Dads About Failure and Success
[05:30] How Do Your Kids Actually Handle Failure and Where Did They Learn That?
[11:38] The Danger of Failure Becoming an Identity Instead of an Experience
[13:38] Why Dads Should Read the Room After Failure
[17:02] Remove the Stigma: Failure Is a Byproduct of Ambition
[18:07] Encourage Failure on Purpose — Give Kids Low-Stakes Chances to Fail
[21:37] Affirm Their Worth, Applaud Their Effort, and Redefine Success
[26:54] This Week's Pro Move:
This week, ask your child, "What did you fail at today?" Then tell them about one of your own failures and what it taught you. 

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources: 

Episode 36 – Mike Norvell: How Do I Help My Kids Through Success and Failure? 

Episode 32 – Dan Orlovsky: How Should Dads Behave in the Bleachers?

10 Things to Teach Your Kids About Failure

7 A’s to Help Your Kids Overcome Failure

Giving Your Teenager the Freedom to Fail

Instagram: @thetedshed

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

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EXTRAS:

Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

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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

How to Stop Being a Controlling Parent29 juin 202600:24:04

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It’s very easy for dads to start correcting and slip into controlling. It almost always backfires. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to wrestle with the harsh truth that dads like to control things, and that could be harming our kids. 

Why This Matters

While control may produce short-term compliance, it often leads to long-term resistance or dependence. 

Key Takeaways

  • Control often grows out of fear. Fear of embarrassment, failure, disrespect, or what a child's behavior might become years down the road can cause dads to overcorrect in the moment.
  • You can influence your children, but you cannot control them. Boundaries, consequences, and guidance matter, but manipulation, intimidation, and guilt ultimately undermine growth.
  • Influence is more powerful than force. Force may change behavior temporarily, but influence shapes character and maturity over time.

Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Identify your parenting triggers. Know the situations that consistently cause you to overreact and prepare healthier responses ahead of time.

2.    Replace control with choices. Give clear options and clear consequences rather than relying on threats, pressure, or raising your voice.

3.    Choose your battles wisely. Focus your energy on issues that truly matter, such as character and respect, while allowing room for age-appropriate mistakes and independence.

Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Why Control Backfires With Your Kids and What Actually Works Long Term

[00:23] You Can't Make a Kid Do Anything

[04:39] The Line Between Teaching and Controlling

[06:45] Fear Is What's Really Driving Controlling Behavior in Dads

[09:18] When Dads Perform for Others Instead of Parenting Their Kids

[11:16] You Can Influence Your Kids But You Can't Control Who They Become

[13:46] Knowing and Responding to Your Triggers

[18:58] Be More Realistic — You Can't Expect Kids to Know What You Never Taught Them

[19:42] Choices, Consequences, and Slowing Down

[22:11] This Week's Pro Move
The next time you're tempted to control your child's behavior, pause and offer a clear choice with a clear consequence instead. Then calmly follow through and let responsibility do the teaching.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources:

4 Kinds of Parental Control Dads Use 

Episode 100 – What Phrases Should Dads Stop Using?

Episode 34 – How Can I Stop Being So Controlling?

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

Sleepovers: Harmless Fun or Hidden Risk?22 juin 202600:28:08

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Staying up late, eating junk food, and hanging out with friends. Sleepovers are the source of so many good memories for many people. But they aren’t danger-free. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to ask if sleepovers are good for kids, if the upsides outweigh the risks, and what dads need to know about overnight stays.

Why This Matters

Today’s parents are thinking about sleepover safety more than ever. Dads are considering supervision, peer influence, pornography exposure, and emotional readiness before automatically saying yes to sleepovers.

Key Takeaways

• Just because sleepovers are common doesn’t mean they are automatically wise for every family. 

• Sleepover can be fun, but also offer prime environments for sexual assault, pornography exposure, and pressure to use drugs or alcohol.

• There are healthy alternatives to traditional sleepovers, like “late overs” instead of overnight stays.

Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Ask intentional questions before sending your child to a sleepover.
Ask the host family about supervision, the presence of older siblings, phone access, house rules, and whether you have common values. 

2.    Prepare your kids ahead of time.
Talk openly about unsafe situations, pornography exposure, inappropriate behavior, and create a code word or phrase they can use if they want to come home immediately.

3.    If you host sleepovers, set clear boundaries.
Keep kids in common areas, establish a smartphone curfew, secure firearms, and check in throughout the night.


Important Episode Timestamps 

[00:00] Are Sleepovers Good for Kids?
Ted frames a conversation about approaching sleepovers not from fear but from wisdom, helping dads make intentional decisions for their own families.

[00:51] Sleepover Stories From the Guys — From Innocent to Eye-Opening
The dads share their own childhood sleepover memories, ranging from sleeping bags at the Jersey Shore to an unexpected discovery in an older brother's room.

[03:44] Sleepover Regrets 
Ted reflects honestly on how his own middle school sleepovers introduced him to alcohol, pornography, and tobacco.

[07:28] Real Benefits of Sleepovers That Make Them Worth Considering 
The dads walk through the genuine upsides of sleepovers — deeper friendships, independence, shared memories, unstructured fun, and the social inclusion kids naturally crave — and why most parents still view them positively.

[10:32] Why More Parents Are Starting to Question Sleepovers 
Bobby shares YouGov research showing a growing shift in parental concern over sleepovers, with worries about lack of supervision, bullying, gun access, and exposure to drugs and alcohol driving a more cautious approach.

[11:24] Sobering Statistics Every Dad Should Know Before Saying Yes 
Research shows that 90% of child sexual abuse is committed by someone the child already knows, and that a significant portion of abuse involving children is actually carried out by other juveniles. The dads discuss sleepover safety concerns.

[15:47] The Most Important Thing To Do Before Letting Your Kid Sleep Over 
BJ makes the case that preparation matters more than prohibition. Dads should have ongoing, honest conversations with their kids about what's appropriate, what to do if they feel unsafe, and what they might be exposed to.

[19:22] The Code Word Strategy That Gives Kids a Safe Exit Without Losing Face 
Bobby and Ted explain the code word system they both use with their kids.

[22:00] Smart Alternatives to Traditional Sleepovers and Tips for Hosting Safely 
Bobby walks through practical alternatives like the "late-over" or "sleep-under" concept and shares specific child sleepover safety guidelines.

[26:04] This Week's Pro Move
Make a pros and cons list for your family about sleepovers and create clear rules for any future overnight stays.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources:

7 Ways to Host an Awesome Sleepover

iMOM: The Pros and Cons of Sleepovers. Should You Say Yes?

For a mom's perspective on this topic, check out Episode 76 of the iMOM Podcast: Sleepovers: Yes or No?

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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EXTRAS:

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Get great content for moms at iMOM.com

The Hidden Pressure Teens Are Carrying15 juin 202600:20:52

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“There’s a big exam on Friday. Will I get invited to the party? Will I even get into college?” There are so many things bouncing around our teens’ heads. No wonder anxiety is at an all-time high. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to discuss why anxiety and depression are affecting so many teens today.

Why This Matters

Teens today are carrying enormous emotional pressure, often silently. Dads play a critical role in helping teens feel safe, understood, and supported as they navigate anxiety, stress, and emotional struggles.

Key Takeaways
  • Teen girls often feel intense pressure around appearance, relationships, and perfection.
  • Teen boys frequently hide anxiety because they fear looking weak or vulnerable.
  • Doomscrolling and nonstop exposure to negative content can increase anxiety and emotional stress.
  • Emotional struggles are not always obvious, especially in quiet or high-performing kids.
  • Dads need to prioritize listening, empathy, and emotional safety over simply “fixing” problems.
Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Listen and empathize first.
Don’t minimize your teen’s feelings, even if their worries seem small to you. Their experiences are real to them.

2.    Create emotional safety.
Let your kids know they can talk honestly without fear of judgment or shame.

3.    Teach that stress is normal.
Help teens understand that challenges, pressure, and setbacks are part of life and can build resilience.

4.    Avoid rescuing too quickly.
Support your kids through struggles without solving every problem for them.

5.    Pay attention to hidden anxiety.
Quiet kids and boys especially may hide emotional struggles behind silence, anger, or withdrawal.

6.    Limit unhealthy influences.
Monitor social media, doomscrolling, and comparison-heavy content that increases emotional pressure.

7.    Teach healthy coping mechanisms.
Encourage exercise, sleep, deep breathing, positive thinking, outdoor activity, and face-to-face relationships.

8.    Reinforce value outside performance.
Help your teens know they are loved for who they are, not just what they achieve.


Important Episode Timestamps 

 [00:00] Why Are So Many Teens Struggling with Anxiety and Depression? 
Ted introduces the episode's central question and sets up a practical conversation for any dad raising an anxious child. 

[00:40] Did You Struggle with Anxiety Growing Up?
BJ, Bobby, and Ted share their own middle and high school anxiety stories.

[02:54] What the Research Says About Anxiety in Teen Boys vs. Girls
Pew Research found that anxiety and depression rank as the top struggle for both boys and girls, making it vital dads learn how to help kids with anxiety.

[04:22] Girls and Boys Experience Anxiety Differently 
Girls face unique pressures around appearance, comparison, and performance, while boys deal with anxiety in other areas.

[08:19] Why Dads Must Create a Safe Space for Sons to Talk About Anxiety 
Ted shares how he discovered his son's anxiety through a family friend and makes the case that dads must know how to help sons with anxiety.

[09:28] Social Pressure, Bullying, and the Peer Comparison Trap 
BJ and Bobby break down how fitting in, physical and social bullying, and the pressure to keep up with peers quietly fuel anxiety.

[11:25] How Doomscrolling Is Making Teen Anxiety Worse
BJ explains why Harvard Health research shows girls are hit harder by doomscrolling than boys.

[13:17] The Chemical Reality: Why Teen Girls Can Become Anxious About Being Anxious 
Bobby shares research from the Child Mind Institute explaining how puberty and emotional sensitivity can cause girls' anxiety to compound while boys' tend to bottle things up.

[15:03] Listen, Empathize, and Normalize Anxiety Instead of Trying to Fix It 
The dads walk through what it actually looks like to show up for an anxious kid.

[19:22] The Pro Move
Ask your teen, “What gives you the most anxiety right now, and how do you usually deal with it?” Then listen carefully, empathize honestly, and resist the urge to immediately fix the problem.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources:

Episode 2 – How Can I Help My Anxious Kid?

Episode 111 – What Should I Do When My Kids Are Scared?

5 Ways Parents Cause Their Teens Anxiety

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

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EXTRAS:

Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day.
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This episode's blog 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

The Power of Words: Teaching Kids to Use Language Well08 juin 202600:26:18

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We’ve all been there. You hear your kid use a four-letter word for the first time. Or belittle someone else. Do your kids understand the power of their words? In this episode of the All Pro Dad podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how often our kids use words without thinking about the consequences and what dads can do to shape kids’ language. 

Why This Matters

The words we use shape relationships, build trust, and influence how kids see themselves and others.

Key Takeaways
  • Kids learn the power of language primarily by listening to the adults around them.
  • Compliments and encouragement often have a longer-lasting impact than we realize.
  • A child’s language often reveals deeper heart issues, influences, or emotional struggles.
  • Parents should pay attention to the influences shaping their kids’ communication, including friends, music, movies, and online content.
Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Model the language you want your kids to use.
Praise your spouse, encourage others openly, and speak respectfully even when frustrated.

2.    Practice “reverse gossip.”
Speak highly of people behind their backs and let your kids hear it regularly.

3.    Build gratitude into family rhythms.
Use moments like dinner conversations to encourage thankfulness and affirmation.

4.    Address hurtful language quickly.
Teach kids the difference between joking around and attacking someone’s dignity.

5.    Talk about the “why” behind words.
Ask questions that uncover the heart posture behind the language your kids use.

6.    Monitor influences carefully.
Pay attention to the friends, media, music, and online content shaping your child’s communication habits.

7.    Teach honesty as a core family value.
Help kids understand that trust is built through consistent truthfulness.


Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] How Can We Teach Our Kids the Power of Language? 
Ted frames a conversation about how the words dads model at home shape the way their kids speak for years to come.

[00:49] The Words We Wish We Could Take Back: Honest Stories From the Guys BJ, Ted, and Bobby share cringe-worthy moments when their words caused unintended harm.

[04:12] The Surprising Power of the Right Word at the Right Moment
The dads reflect on times a well-timed compliment or word of affirmation made a lasting impact on someone.

[06:01] Why Kids Already Know 42 Taboo Words by Age Five 
Ted shares unsettling research about how early children absorb harsh language.

[07:23] How to Model the Power of Language at Home Every Day 
The dads discuss practical ways dads can demonstrate uplifting language in action.

[10:17] Reverse Gossip, Doug Compliments, and Other Ways to Build People Up
Bobby introduces the concept of reverse gossip, Ted shares the Doug Compliment tradition, and BJ explains why passing along praise is one of the most powerful things a dad can do.

[13:11] How Careless Words at Home Become Bullying Behavior Everywhere Else Ted and BJ connect the dots between the language kids use with siblings at home and the bullying behavior that shows up at school.

[14:48] Cursing, Tone, and What Really Tears People Down 
BJ offers a nuanced take on cursing, arguing that tone, posture, and dehumanizing language do far more damage than any particular word.

[19:01] Why Lying Is the Most Damaging Language of All
The dads explain why dishonesty is the most common way to destroys trust, and why creating a home where kids feel safe to tell the truth is one of the most important things a dad can do.

[21:30] This Week's Pro Move: Ask your kids why they think some kids use curse words. Talk about where language comes from, how words affect others, and what kind of people your family wants to be through the way you speak.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources

Mark Merrill on CBS News: What To Do When Your Kid Starts Swearing

Episode 3 – What Are The Words My Kids Long to Hear?

Episode 8 – What Are 7 Things A Son Needs From His Dad?

Episode 9 – What Are 7 Things A Daughter Needs From Her Dad?

Episode 118 – What Do Dads Need to Stop Saying to Their Kids?

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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EXTRAS:

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Get great content for moms at iMOM.com

Dad Advice I'd Give My Younger Self01 juin 202600:21:35

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All dads are a work in progress. We've yelled when we shouldn't have. We've been impatient and overreacted. If you could go back and tell your younger self something, what would it be? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about most dad wisdom comes through experience and giving yourself grace is a must. 

Why This Matters

Many dads carry pressure they were never meant to carry. We think we have to get everything right, fix every problem, and shape every detail of our kids’ futures. But parenting is less about control and more about presence, consistency, and connection. Looking back on fatherhood helps dads identify what truly mattered—and what didn’t—so they can parent with more peace, wisdom, and intentionality today.

Key Takeaways

·       Parenting gets healthier when dads learn to respond instead of react.

·       Kids do not need constant entertainment or problem-solving from parents in order to grow.

·       Empathy helps children process emotions without removing accountability.

·       Dads often underestimate how quickly childhood passes.

·       Consistency, humility, and apologizing to your kids build trust and security.

·       Bringing kids into your world creates lasting memories and deeper relationships.

·       Kids are born with unique temperaments that dads are meant to nurture, not completely reshape.

·       Choosing family over work and distractions pays lifelong dividends.

Practical Steps for Dads

1.    Pause before reacting when your kids frustrate you. Create space for wisdom instead of responding emotionally.

2.    Let your kids experience boredom and manageable problems instead of rescuing them immediately.

3.    Practice empathy by helping your kids identify and process emotions calmly.

4.    Be intentional about enjoying the current season of parenting instead of rushing toward the next stage.

5.    Apologize when you fail. Humility strengthens your relationship with your children.

6.    Prioritize your family over unnecessary work, distractions, and commitments.

7.    Create one-on-one experiences with your kids by bringing them into your world whenever possible.

8.    Focus on nurturing your child’s personality instead of trying to force them into someone they are not.

Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] What Would You Go Back and Tell Younger You as a Dad?

[00:37] Relax and Stop Rushing to the Next Season of Parenting

[05:15] It's Okay for Your Kids to Be Bored — and You Don't Have to Solve All Their Problems

[06:52] Pause Before Responding and Lead With Empathy

[08:24] Kids Come Out a Way — Stop Trying to Completely Reshape Them

[10:10] Keep Being Real and Keep Being Fun — Your Kids Need Both

[13:35] Keep Apologizing When You Fail — It Models More Than You Know 

[15:06] Embrace Failure — Good Dads Fail Their Way Into Wisdom

[17:47] Embrace the Hard — Raising Kids Is the Most Important Thing You'll Ever Do 

[18:14] This Week's Pro Move: Write a Letter to Your Younger Dad Self
Take five minutes this week and write down what you would tell your younger self as a dad—both wisdom and encouragement—and keep it somewhere you will see regularly.

All Pro Dad Resources:

Episode 22 – What Do I Wish I Had Know Sooner as a Dad?

Dan Orlovsky: 4 Things I’d Tell My Younger Self About Being a Dad

Tony Dungy: What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?

5 Things I Wish I Knew in My 30s and 40s

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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EXTRAS:

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Get great content for moms at iMOM.com

Rites of Passage Are Critical for Kids: Here's How to Create One25 mai 202600:27:23

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Hunting lions. Camping outdoors alone. Whatever happened to rites of passage? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about why creating milestone moments matters for kids as they mature into adulthood. 

Why This Matters
Modern kids may be missing out on meaningful transitions into adulthood.

Key Takeaways

• Rites of passage help kids develop identity, courage, responsibility, and belonging.
• Modern milestones often happen passively, but meaningful growth usually requires challenge and intentionality.
• Kids build confidence when they overcome hard things and are recognized for their growth and maturity.

Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Ask yourself what kind of adult you want your child to become when they leave your home.

2.    Create intentional experiences, challenges, or ceremonies that help shape courage, resilience, and responsibility.

3.    Celebrate growth and maturity when your child overcomes something difficult or reaches a new stage of life.

Important Episode Timestamps 

[00:00] Should Dads Be Intentional About Rites of Passage for Their Kids?

[00:38] The Most Extreme Rites of Passage Around the World

[07:47] Why American Kids Have Lost Their Rites of Passage

[08:05] What a Real Rite of Passage Looks Like — and Why It Has to Be Personal

[11:43] The Emotional Cost of Never Being Told You've Become a Man

[15:46] What a Navy SEAL Taught Us About Why Rites of Passage

[19:45] Ushering Kids Into Adulthood: Doing It With Them vs. For Them

[21:40] The 3 Things Every Meaningful Rite of Passage Should Include

[25:39] How to Start Building a Rite of Passage for Your Kid Right Now

[26:20] This Week's Pro Move:
Think about a rite of passage you can create for your child and take a step toward making it happen. 

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources:

Crafting a Rite of Passage For Your Son

Susan Merrill: Sons’ Rites of Passage 

Mark Merrill: The Blessing

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Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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EXTRAS:

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Taking Initiative in Your Marriage: Step Up Before You Are Asked18 mai 202600:18:50

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He thinks he’s helping. She feels like she’s carrying everything. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster to unpack why so many couples miss each other when it comes to initiative—and what dads can do to step up in ways that actually build connection.

Why This Matters

When dads take initiative at home, it strengthens partnership, reduces stress, and builds deeper connection with both their spouse and kids.

Key Takeaways

• The real issue isn’t just physical tasks—it’s the unseen mental and emotional load many wives carry.
• Initiative isn’t about doing more—it’s about communicating presence, awareness, and partnership.
• Small, consistent actions—like emotional check-ins and owning responsibilities—can transform the tone of a home.

Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Check in intentionally: Slow down, ask meaningful questions, and listen without trying to fix everything.

2.    Own a lane: Take full responsibility for a part of family life—don’t just “help,” lead it.

3.    Go first in repair: After conflict, take initiative to reconnect and reset the relationship.

Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] What Does It Look Like to Take Initiative With Your Wife and Kids?

[00:51] Why Good Intentions Without Initiative Leave Your Wife Feeling Alone

[02:27] Why So Many Marriages Fall Apart After the Kids Leave Home

[04:04] The Power of Emotional Check-Ins

[05:17] Taking Initiative With Date Nights, Vacations, and the Decisions Your Wife Is Tired of Making

[06:44] Pick a Lane: How Owning Household and Kid Logistics Changes Everything

[09:49] Stop "Babysitting" Your Own Kids: What Real Parenting Initiative Looks Like

[12:42] How Taking Initiative With Your Kids Relieves Stress and Strengthens Your Marriage

[13:48] Repair and Reconnection: Why the Stronger Person Always Goes First

[15:56] This Week's Pro Move
Pick one area at home and take full ownership—don’t announce it, just do it consistently and let your actions speak.

Quotable:
“Good intentions with low initiative makes her feel really alone.”
–BJ

Sponsor:

The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources:

Episode 106 – What is a Passenger Parent and Am I One?

Connect with Us:

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Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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EXTRAS:

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Am I Sharenting?: The Dangers of Oversharing Online11 mai 202600:32:17

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 Posting photos of your kids feels harmless—but what if there’s more at stake than we realize? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about “sharenting,” why we do it, and how to know if we’ve gone too far.

Why This Matters
How dads share their kids’ lives online shapes their children’s privacy, identity, and future relationship with social media.

Key Takeaways
• “Sharenting” is common—most parents do it—but few stop to consider their true motivation.
• Sharing can build connection and preserve memories, but it can also risk privacy, safety, and future embarrassment.
• Kids are watching how we post, and our habits will shape how they use social media someday.

Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Pause before posting and ask: “Why am I sharing this—and who is it really for?”

2.    Protect your child’s privacy by limiting identifiable details like location, school, or routines.

3.    Involve your kids in conversations about what should and shouldn’t be shared online.

Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] What Is Sharenting and Are You Doing It? 

[00:48] How Much Do Dads Actually Share About Their Kids Online? 

[06:21] What Is Sharenting? The Origin of the Term and Why It Matters 

[09:11] Why Parents Share Their Kids Online — and When the Reasons Are Good 

[11:23] The 5 Reasons Parents Overshare About Their Kids on Social Media

[13:06] The Privacy Problem: What Happens When Everything About Your Kid Is Public? 

[15:47] The Real Privacy Risks of Posting Your Kids Online 

[19:58] Are Your Kids Your Content? Questions Every Dad Should Ask Before Posting 

[25:35] How to Share More Safely: Practical Tips for Protecting Your Kids Online 

[30:58] This Week's Pro Move: Have a conversation with your kids about sharing information online—then decide together who you want your family to be online.

All Pro Dad Resources:

Episode 95 – What Challenges is Generation Alpha Facing?

Episode 110 – Should Kids Be Social Media Influencer?

Episode 119 – How Dangerous is Doomscrolling?

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

How to Raise Kids Who Can Do Hard Things04 mai 202600:29:18

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Are we raising resilient kids—or accidentally making life harder for them later? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about whether today’s parenting trends are helping kids thrive or quietly coddling them.

Why This Matters
Dads play a critical role in preparing kids to handle real-world challenges with confidence, resilience, and independence.

Key Takeaways
• Kids today experience connection, independence, and challenges very differently than previous generations.
• Overprotecting and over-helping can unintentionally weaken a child’s ability to handle adversity.
• Building resilience requires letting kids face discomfort, failure, and responsibility.

Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Create space for independence—let your kids solve problems, make decisions, and even fail.

2.    Resist the urge to step in too quickly—coach instead of control.

3.    Introduce responsibility early and consistently hold your kids accountable.

Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Are We Coddling Our Kids? What Dads Need to Know About Raising Resilient Children 

[00:38] How Kids Today Experience Childhood Differently Than Their Dads Did 

[04:01] What Social Psychologist Jonathan Haidt Says About Coddling

[05:30] When Labels Like "Triggers" and "Trauma" Help and Hurt Kids

[09:17] What the Dead Poets Society Reaction Reveals About Generation Z 

[11:39] How to Spot Coddling in Your Own Home 

[16:42] The 4 Ways Dads Coddle Without Realizing It 

[20:31] How to Coach Your Kids Up and Then Let Them Go 

[23:59] Why Free Play and Boredom Are Actually Good for Kids

[27:19] This Week's Pro Move"

Give your child at least one responsibility this week that they can fully own—then step back and let them handle it.

Quotable:
"If they can do it, let them do it, and they can probably do more than we think that they could." - Ted

All Pro Dad Resources:

Episode 98 – How to Build Resilient Children

4 Ways to Raise Resilient Kids

Dan Orlovsky: 5 Ways to Teach a Daughter to Have Grit

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

How to Respond Better to Your Kids: 5 Habits That Are Hurting Your Connection27 avr. 202600:22:08

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!


Most dads focus on what they say—but what if the real impact comes from how they respond? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to explore what AI surprisingly gets right about responding—and how dads can use those insights to build stronger, more connected relationships at home.

Why This Matters
The way a dad responds in everyday moments sets the tone for connection, trust, and emotional safety in his home.

Key Takeaways
• Slowing down your response communicates value and builds stronger relationships.
• Not taking things personally helps you stay steady and keeps the door open with your kids.
• Small shifts—like staying present, not escalating, and adjusting over time—can transform connection. 

5 Dad Habits That Hurt Connection

1.    We rush.

2.    We take things personally.

3.    We hijack the moment.

4.    We escalate.

5.    We don’t adjust. 

Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Pause before responding: Even a few seconds can shift you from reacting to connecting.

2.    Stay in their moment: Resist the urge to fix, teach, or redirect too quickly.

3.    Adjust as they grow: Stay curious about who your child is today, not who they used to be.

Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] How to Respond Better to Your Kids Every Day 

[00:48] What AI Gets Right About Responding That Dads Often Get Wrong 

[01:38] Poor Habit #1: We Rush 

[05:14] Poor Habit #2: We Take Things Personally 

[06:17] Poor Habit #3: We Hijack the Moment

[12:53] Poor Habit #4: We Escalate

[16:11] Why Staying Steady as a Dad Is a Skill

[17:38] Poor Habit #5: We Don’t Adjust

[20:31] This Week's Pro Move
Before you respond this week, silently ask: “Is this building connection—or just proving a point?”

All Pro Dad Resources:

Episode 87 – How Can I Connect With My Kids?

How To Be A Better Listener to Your Kids

5 Thing To Do When You're Struggling to Connect With Your Kid

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

What’s Really Going On When Our Kids Care About Popularity?20 avr. 202600:23:50

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to fit in but chasing popularity can cause social anxiety in children. How can dads guide their kids toward true belonging without losing who they are? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to unpack what’s really going on beneath a child’s desire to be popular.

Why This Matters

When dads misunderstand popularity, they miss the deeper need for belonging—and risk disconnecting from their kids in moments that matter most.

Key Takeaways

• Popularity isn’t about ego—it’s about belonging and emotional safety.
• Kids experience social pressure deeply, and minimizing it increases their sense of isolation.
• Dads can guide their kids best by using a simple framework: See. Steady. Shape.

Practical Tips for Dads

1.   See first: Acknowledge your child’s feelings before trying to fix anything.

2.   Stay steady: Your calm presence helps regulate their emotions in stressful social moments.

3.   Shape over time: Don’t rush the lesson—help them build perspective gradually.

Important Episode Timestamps 

[00:00] How to Help Your Kids Navigate Social Pressure Without Losing Who They Are 

[00:52] What Did You Do to Be Popular Growing Up? 

[04:19] Why Popularity Is Really About Safety and Belonging, Not Being Liked 

[06:42] How Kids Use Popularity to Answer the Question "Do I Belong and Do I Have Value?" 

[09:27] Why Dads Should Comfort First and Fix Later When Kids Feel Left Out 

[11:20] 3 Types of Kids Struggling With Popularity and How to Spot Them

[13:58] "I Don't Care About Being Popular" — Why That's Never Really True 

[16:33] Why Dads Want to Fix Social Pain and Why That Instinct Backfires

[17:59] The See, Steady, Shape Framework: A Dad's Guide to Helping Hurting Kids 

[19:04] This Week's Pro Move: Ask your kid, “What does it mean to be a popular kid?”—and listen longer than feels natural.


All Pro Dad Resources

5 Ways to Vet Your Kids' Friends

10 Ways To Help Your Kids Stand Up To Peer Pressure

3 Things To Do When Your Kid Isn't Invited

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

Am I Handling My Anger Well? A Checklist for Better Parenting13 avr. 202600:21:17

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

Anger shows up fast. For a lot of dads, it feels justified in the moment but regrettable right after. It's the emotion we tend to express most. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to unpack what’s behind our emotions and how to respond so we build connection instead of creating distance.

Why This Matters

How a dad handles his emotions shapes how his kids experience him and how they learn to handle emotions themselves.

Key Takeaways

• Anger is “acceptable”: Most dads are not trying to be angry—they are trying to feel in control.
• There’s more to you than anger: Anger is often the only emotion men were trained to express, masking deeper feelings underneath.

Practical Tips for Dads

1.    Name it: Identify what you’re actually feeling beneath the anger (hurt, stress, embarrassment, exhaustion).

2.    Frame it: Challenge the story you’re telling yourself and replace it with a more accurate, helpful perspective.

3.    Aim it: Choose a response that builds connection with your child.

Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] How Dads Can Handle Anger Without Hurting Their Kids

[00:44] 5 Types of Angry Dads: Which One Are You?

[03:11] Which Anger Style Do You Identify With Most?

[05:37] Why Dads Feel So Confused and Guilty About Their Anger

[06:17] Real Stories: Times We Lost Our Temper as Dads

[09:00] What Happens to Your Kids When You Don't Manage Your Anger

[10:39] Why Anger Is Usually Not the Real Problem for Men

[14:44] The Name, Frame, Aim Framework for Managing Dad Anger

[17:58] How to Apply Name, Frame, Aim to Your Anger Style

APD Pro Move:

When anger rises this week, walk through Name. Frame. Aim. because your kids don’t need a perfect dad, they need a present one who is learning.

All Pro Dad Resources:

The Wisdom in Dealing with Anger

3 Deadly Reactions Dads Must Stop

How to Be a Calm, Cool, and Collected Parent

5 Choices to Make When You’re Angry at Your Teen

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

How to Teach Your Kids Values: 4 Practical Steps for Parents06 avr. 202600:25:28

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

We’re always teaching our kids values. The question is, are we being intentional about it? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to reflect on the lessons they were taught and offer four practical ways parents can pass on solid principles to their kids.

Why This Matters
The values we intentionally teach and model become the compass that guides our kids’ character, decisions, and relationships for the rest of their lives.

Key Takeaways

·      Kids watch us constantly: Harvard research shows children learn social behaviors primarily through observing and imitating adults, especially parents.

·      Being specific matters: General praise doesn’t accomplish as much as specific praise, which, when tied to values, increases repetitive behaviors. 


Actions Steps for Dads

1: Think through the values you want to teach.

2: Talk about values with your kids.

3: Model your values.

4: Affirm your kids when they live out your values.


Important Episode Timestamps 

00:00:21 – Childhood Values That Shape Who You Become

00:01:59 – When You Don’t Live Up to Your Values

00:04:07 – You’re Always Teaching Values (On Purpose or Not)

00:04:58 – Why Kids Need Values to Navigate Life

00:06:43 – The Two Values That Matter Most: Character and Relationships

00:07:38 – Step 1: Decide What Your Family Stands For

00:10:57 – Real-Life Family Values That Actually Work

00:12:28 – Step 2: Talk About Your Values With Your Kids

00:13:08 – Teaching Perseverance: “Don’t Quit”

00:14:04 – Step 3: Model the Values You Want to See

00:18:18 – Step 4: Affirm and Reinforce Good Behavior 

APD Pro Move:
Write out your family values together as a group. Put them on paper and hang them somewhere in your house where you can see them, memorize them, and hold each other to them.

All Pro Dad Resources:

4 Ways to Teach Your Kids to Be More Than a Good Person

Don’t Raise Perfect Kids—Raise Good Ones

5 Ways to Help Your Kids Stand for What’s Right

When Your Kid Rejects Your Family Values

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

How Do I Make The Most of My Time With My Kids?30 mars 202600:29:14

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

As kids grow, schedules fill up, friendships expand, and the hours we spend together begin to shrink. Dads can’t waste time. We must intentionally raise them. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how dads can make the most of the limited time they have with their children.

Why This Matters
We only get a short window of opportunity to shape our kids’ character, strengthen our relationship, and influence who they become.

Key Takeaways

·      Time equals influence: There is no substitute for spending time with your child. Dads spend about 59 minutes per day with their kids, up from 16 in 1965. (Per UC Irvine.)

·      Kids prefer connection over lessons: Do the things that draw you closer.

·      Small moments add up: Create opportunities to make memories and build trust with your child. 


Action Steps for Dads

1: Don’t get discouraged by the clock.

2: Look for teachable moments.

3: Don’t pull back, push in. 

4: Schedule 1-on-1 time.

5: Embrace your traditions.


Important Episode Timestamps 

 00:02:13 – Time Starts Flying Right Away

00:03:30 – The Shocking Math of Time With Your Kids

00:05:04 – Are You Raising Your Kids or Just Around Them?

00:05:39 – Dads Are More Involved Than Ever

00:07:43 – Why Kids Turn to Mom First

00:08:26 – Modeling Matters More Than Lecturing

00:10:38 – Don’t Panic About the Clock

00:12:42 – Be Present Instead of Living in the Past

00:15:14 – Use Teachable Moments

00:17:53 – Push In, Don’t Pull Back as Kids Get Older

00:19:50 – Be the Steady Anchor in Emotional Storms

00:23:13 – Schedule One-on-One Time With Your Kids

00:24:09 – Small Moments Create Lasting Memories

00:25:21 – Build Traditions Your Kids Will Remember

00:27:33 – Enjoy the Moment


APD Pro Move:
Build a calendar, or get a shared calendar on your phones, and schedule time together with your kids this week. 

All Pro Dad Resources:

One-on-One Time for Kids With Dad

4 Small Decisions Your Kids Will Love

5 Ways to Bond With Your Kids Every Month

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

How Do I Handle Fights With My Wife? 23 mars 202600:23:09

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

Finances. Sex. Laundry. Fights happen over all kinds of things and can drive husbands and wives apart. It always takes two to keep a cycle going, but sometimes one can stop it. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster to talk about how we should handle fights with our wives.

Why This Matters
How we handle conflict helps determine the strength, happiness, and longevity of our relationships. 

Key Takeaways

·      Fights are happening all the time: According to YouGov, 30% of couples argue once per week or more. 

·      Silly fights can cause serious damage: Fights are almost always about something deeper than what started them. 


Steps to Handle Fights

1. Get curious.

Ask yourself, “What is this really about?”

2. Own your part.

Acknowledging your part in conflict doesn’t mean blaming yourself or taking full responsibility. 

3. Forgive.

Go ahead and give the forgiveness today that you will most likely need tomorrow.  

4. Circle back.

Don’t let the fight go unresolved. Circle back and let your wife know you love her more than you love being right. 

Important Episode Timestamps 
00:00:34 – 00:01:57 | A Marriage Fight Ted Still Regrets

00:01:57 – 00:06:17 | Most Marriage Fights Aren’t About the Real Issue

00:06:17 – 00:07:30 | The Fear and Shame Cycle in Marriage Conflict

00:07:30 – 00:09:47 | Why Men Shut Down and Women Escalate in Arguments

00:09:47 – 00:11:40 | One Way Dads Can Break the Conflict Cycle

00:11:40 – 00:14:05 | The Danger of Rumination in Marriage Arguments

00:14:05 – 00:15:24 | A Real-Life Example of Misreading Intentions

00:15:24 – 00:16:38 | The Simple Power of Forgiveness in Marriage

00:16:38 – 00:19:40 | Taking Space Without Making Your Spouse Feel Abandoned

00:19:40 – 00:22:07 | The Pro Move: Ask If You’re Making Her Feel Safe

APD Pro Move:
The next time you are feeling conflict with your wife, ask, “Am I making her feel safe or afraid?”

All Pro Dad Resources:

4 Things to Do After an Argument With Your Wife

5 Traps to Avoid in an Argument With Your Wife

5 Things to Remember About Fighting in Marriage

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

Why Is Student Behavior Getting Worse?16 mars 202600:28:21

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Ask a teacher if his or her job is getting harder. Most will tell you student behavior is their biggest professional hurdle. Can dads play a role in fixing things at school? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how bad student behavior has gotten and how the solution starts at home. 

Why This Matters

If we want our kids to excel in the classroom, we should focus on promoting good behavior. 

Key Takeaways

·      Mental health impacts behavior: Increased anxiety, stress, and frustration make it hard for kids to focus.

·      COVID still lingers: The impact is still felt socially and academically.

·      Screens have changed kids’ brains: Constant visual stimulation makes paper and books "boring."

Practical Tips to Help Improve Student Behavior

1. Stop Passenger Parenting (see Episode 106). 

2. Deal With Anxiety. 

3. Relieve Stress Away From School. 

4. Start an All Pro Dad Chapter. 

Important Episode Timestamps
00:02:07 – 00:03:42 | Are Student Behavior Problems Getting Worse?

00:03:42 – 00:05:18 | What’s Driving the Spike in Classroom Issues

00:05:18 – 00:07:06 | The Self-Regulation Crisis in Kids

00:07:06 – 00:09:11 | Screen Time, Dopamine & Attention Problems

00:09:11 – 00:11:04 | The Disappearing Authority of Teachers

00:11:04 – 00:13:02 | Parents vs. Schools: Who Owns Behavior?

00:13:02 – 00:15:14 | Why Kids Struggle With Boundaries Today

00:15:14 – 00:17:26 | Emotional Regulation Starts at Home

00:17:26 – 00:19:41 | Supporting Teachers Instead of Undermining Them

00:19:41 – 00:22:58 | Raising Kids Who Can Function in the Real World

APD Pro Move:
Do one of these things: 

·      Talk to your kids about anxiety and work on coping mechanisms

·      Do something fun and crazy this week to reduce stress

·      Check out an All Pro Dad Chapter

All Pro Dad Resources:

Episode 106 – What is a Passenger Parent and Am I One?

Episode 95 – What Challenges Is Gen Alpha Facing?

School-related All Pro Dad articles

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

How Dangerous is Doomscrolling?09 mars 202600:25:53

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Remember when you were a kid and there was Breaking News on TV? The avalanche of images. The wave of emotions. The same thing happens today, every time we start doomscrolling. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the dangers of doomscrolling, how it impacts us, and how dads can help their kids stop the cycle. 

Why This Matters
Doomscrolling reportedly leads to worse mental health outcomes, more anxiety, and higher rates of suicide.

Doomscrolling is looking through an endless feed of negative content.

Can Dads Stop the Cycle?

1. Talk to your kids about doomscrolling

2. Teach kids to think of good things

3. Fuel their optimism

Important Episode Timestamps 

00:02:20 – 00:04:46 | What Is Doomscrolling and Why It’s So Addictive

00:04:46 – 00:06:11 | Doomscrolling at Work and Before Bed

00:06:11 – 00:08:01 | The Brain Science Behind Phone Addiction

00:08:01 – 00:10:26 | How Doomscrolling Fuels Pessimism and Anxiety

00:10:26 – 00:12:14 | Negativity Bias: Why Bad News Sticks

00:12:14 – 00:14:09 | Teen Mental Health, Suicide Risk & Screen Time

00:14:09 – 00:17:22 | 24/7 Breaking News in Your Child’s Pocket

00:17:22 – 00:20:19 | How Dads Can Talk to Kids About Doomscrolling

00:20:19 – 00:24:41 | Fighting Doomscrolling With Optimism and Good News

APD Pro Move:
Have your kids tell you something good.  Find a positive or funny story to share with your kids every day. If your kids are teenagers, ask them to find a good story to share with you.

All Pro Dad Resources:

Episode 93 – How Do I Make the Social Media Algorithm Work For Me?

Episode 109 – Should I Let My Kid Be An Online Influencer?

Study on optimism during COVID pandemic

Finding Joy Beyond The Headlines

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

What Do Dads Need to Stop Saying to Their Kids?02 mars 202600:28:30

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A father’s words can build his kids up or tear them down. They are powerful, and can stick with kids for the rest of their lives. That’s why we have to watch what we say. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how often we (even accidentally) say the wrong thing and what uplifting things we should be saying instead.

Why This Matters
The words we use with our kids can build up or tear down. We must choose them wisely.

Things to Stop Saying to Sons

1. “You can’t do it.”

2. “You’re not strong enough.” Or “Don’t be a wimp.” 

3. “I’m disappointed in you.”

4. “I’m working on something important. You’ll have to wait.”

Things to Stop Saying to Daughters

1. “Have you gained/lost weight?”

2. “Stop being so dramatic.”

3. “You’re just like your mother.”

4. “Oh, but you’re so pretty.”

5. “If you had done ______, you could have done even better.” 

Things to START Saying Instead

1. “I love you.”

2. “I’m grateful to be your dad.”

3. “I believe in you.”

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00:48 – 02:41 | Why Your Anger Isn’t Really About Your Kids

02:41 – 05:12 | The Hidden Triggers Behind Dad Reactions

05:12 – 07:36 | The Difference Between Discipline and Control

07:36 – 10:18 | Parenting From Pressure vs. Parenting From Purpose

10:18 – 12:44 | How Stress Leaks Into Your Tone and Body Language

12:44 – 15:03 | The 5-Second Pause That Changes Everything

15:03 – 17:29 | Repairing After You Lose Your Cool

17:29 – 19:58 | Teaching Kids Emotional Regulation by Modeling It

19:58 – 22:11 | Breaking the Generational Pattern of Anger

22:11 – End | The Dad Challenge: Lead Yourself First

 

APD Pro Move:
Give your kids a new affirmation every day this week.


All Pro Dad Resources: 

Episode 8 – What Are 7 Things A Son Needs From His Dad?

Episode 9 – What Are 7 Things A Daughter Needs From Her Dad?

Episode 87 – How Can I Connect With My Kids?

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

Why Do Kids Bully?23 févr. 202600:25:36

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What do kids fear most? Research shows they’re terrified of bullies. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about why kids bully, how it impacts them, and what to say if your kid becomes the bully.

Why This Matters

Bullying hurts kids and dads need to know how to console them when it happens.

Why Do Kids Bully?

1. They’re seeking power and control.

2. They want attention.

3. They show a learned behavior.  

4. They have emotional problems. 

5. They lack social skills and empathy. 

Common Types of Bullying

1. Verbal – This is common with, but not exclusive to, younger age groups. 

2. Physical – This should not be tolerated. Alert teachers or coaches if this is happening to your child.

3. Emotional – The impacts of bullying on mental health can be devastating. 

Action Steps for Dads

1: Be a support person for your child.
Create a safe space for them to talk and share their pain, struggles, and failures. Say things like, “I will help you stay positive when things are hard.”

2: Talk about bullying and what it looks like.
Kids are more likely to talk about bullying if you ask them questions about others, like “how do the people at school treat each other?” Eventually, move the conversation to them. 

3: Model empathy.
Show your kids how to treat people with kindness, care, and empathy.  


Important Episode Timestamps

00:01:05 – 03:04 | Could Your Kid Be the Bully? 

03:04 – 05:16 | Why We Assume Bullying Is Always Someone Else’s Kid

05:16 – 09:00 | Why Do Kids Bully?

09:00 – 11:22 | The Difference Between Teasing and Bullying

11:22 – 13:58 | How Parents Accidentally Enable Bullying

13:58 – 16:14 | Teaching Empathy Instead of Just Punishment

16:14 – 18:41 | How To Handle a Bully

18:41 – 21:03 | Taking Responsibility and Making It Right

21:03 – End | Raising Kids Who Use Strength the Right Way

APD Pro Move:
Ask your kids about how people treat one another at their school. Have a conversation about bullying this week and see what you can uncover about their world. 

All Pro Dad Resources

Episode 102 – How Do I Help My Kids Get Along?

6 Questions to Open Conversation With Your Child About Bullying

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BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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Tim Timmons: I Can Only Imagine 2 and Fatherhood16 févr. 202600:25:04

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When a story resonates across generations, it’s usually because it touches something deeply human. Tim Timmons has that kind of story. He’s the focus of
I Can Only Imagine 2, a movie focusing on redemption, relationships, and the impact of people who choose to show up when it matters most. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by Tim to talk about the movie and his role as a dad.

Why This Matters
The on-screen lessons from the movie can be implemented in your home today.   

Who is Tim Timmons?

·      Christian singer, songwriter, and worship leader known for joyful, authentic storytelling

·      Best known for hit songs like “Cast My Cares” and “All About You”

·      Built a strong following through music that blends faith, humor, and real-life honesty

·      Passionate advocate for intentional faith, family, and meaningful connection

·      Diagnosed with terminal cancer of unknown origin in 2000. Doctors told him he had just five years to live

Why Intentional Fatherhood Matters:
In the film, Tim’s character (played by Milo Ventimiglia) embodies themes of perseverance, grace, and transformation. These aren’t just cinematic ideas; they’re the building blocks of healthy families. Every dad, at some point, faces moments when he has to decide whether to disengage or lean in, react or respond with wisdom, or drift or lead with intention.

Tim Timmons’s voice—both in the film and beyond it—invites dads to rethink what influence really looks like. It’s not about control; it’s about connection. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to walk alongside your kids as they grow.

Quotable Moment
Tim told Ted this powerful line: “I get drunk on worry all the time. I get drunk on worrying about my finances all the time. I get drunk on scarcity going, “I’m not going to have enough.” I get drunk on trying to work for God all the time. And I want to be more sober this year than I was last year.”

Enjoy this conversation and the movie, which hits theaters on February 20, 2026. I Can Only Imagine 2 is based on the heartfelt true story behind the hit single “Even If.” The aim is to “Inspire the next chapter of faith, family, and finding God in the fire.”

Important Episode Timestamps 

00:00:42 – 01:39 | How Hard Seasons Shape You as a Dad

01:39 – 04:40 | Living “Sober” in a Distracted World

04:40 – 06:01 | Watching Your Life Played Out in a Movie

06:01 – 08:16 | Milo Ventimiglia Playing Tim in I Can Only Imagine 2

08:16 – 10:06 | Holding Grief and Gratitude at the Same Time

10:06 – 12:14 | Why We Rush to Say “But God” in Hard Times

12:14 – 14:04 | Why “Even If” Resonates With So Many People

14:04 – 17:38 | How to Own Your Mistakes and Reconnect With Your Kids

17:38 – 19:59 | Talking to Kids About Cancer and Hard Truths

19:59 – End | The Pro Move: Blessing Your Kids With Identity Statements

APD Pro Move:
This week, bless your kid. Call out what you see already exists in your kid. Give them identity statements this week, like “You’re so brave.”

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.

All Pro Dad Resources:  

I Can Only Imagine 2

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Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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What Can I Do To Make My Wife Feel Loved?09 févr. 202600:24:43

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Caribbean vacations are great, but that’s not where our marriages get strengthened. It’s the everyday affections and moments of connection that keep our relationships strong. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about ways to show our wives we love them every day.

Why This Matters
Husbands should aim to make their wives feel loved every day.

Key Takeaways

·      Love is a basic human need.

·      Everyday affection beats infrequent, grand gestures

·      Connection is built in small, consistent moments. 


Practical Tips for Husbands

1. Handle conflict with kindness.

2. Respond to her bids for connection.

3. Celebrate her wins.

4. Laugh together.

5. Show love through non-sexual touch.


Important Episode Timestamps

00:03:11 – 04:10 | Why Small Acts Matter More Than Big Gestures

04:10 – 05:09 | Radical Selflessness Builds Strong Marriages

05:57 – 06:47 | How You Start Conflict Predicts Marriage Health

06:47 – 07:41 | Handling Conflict With Gentleness Instead of Negativity

11:48 – 12:11 | Responding to Your Wife’s Bids for Connection

12:11 – 12:59 | The “Stop and Drop” Rule for Husbands

14:09 – 15:21 | Celebrating Your Wife’s Wins Builds Intimacy

18:00 – 19:04 | Why Non-Sexual Touch Is So Important in Marriage

19:04 – 19:39 | The Power of a 20-Second Hug

21:37 – End | Choosing Daily Connection Over Autopilot


APD Pro Move:
This week, choose to do one of the five actions steps with your wife. 


All Pro Dad Resources

Episode 91 – Is There a Secret to Balancing Marriage and Fatherhood?

Episode 101 – How Does Having Kids Change Your Marriage?

Episode 105 – How Do I Keep Fighting For My Marriage?

How 4 Minutes 4 Times a Day Can Protect Your Marriage

5 Ways to Improve Your Marriage by Improving Yourself

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Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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EXTRAS:

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This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com.

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Get great content for moms at iMOM.com

How Do I Push My Kids Out of Their Comfort Zone?02 févr. 202600:29:11

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Is your kid afraid to go an aisle away at the grocery store? Perform on stage in front of peers? Get their driver’s license? When do we push them to do things that are good for them? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about encouraging growth in kids by pushing them out of their comfort zones.

Why This Matters

When kids stay in their comfort zones, they delay growth.

Key Takeaways

·      Kids crave comfort: For a lot of kids, it’s easier to stick with what is familiar than embrace what is new and unknown.

·      Watch your approach: Pushing kids must be done in love. Encourage more than you challenge.


Practical Tips for Dads

1. Push kids only in manageable areas.

2. Remind them that failure is acceptable. 

3. Always encourage before, during, and after a push. 

4. Push then debrief. 


Important Episode Timestamps

00:02:42 – 04:10 | When Parents Are Too Involved in Their Kids’ Lives

04:10 – 05:55 | Why Employers Don’t Want Parents Involved

05:55 – 06:35 | Feeling Incompetent Is Part of Growing Up

06:35 – 07:28 | Freedom Requires Responsibility and Risk

07:28 – 08:26 | Helping Kids Face Fear After Failure

10:33 – 11:55 | How Parents Gradually Get Out of the Way

15:35 – 16:44 | Asking Kids What They Want Out of Life

16:44 – 18:35 | Teaching Teens How to Be Uncomfortable Without Phones

18:59 – 19:18 | Rewarding Kids for Facing Discomfort

21:02 – End | When Pushing Too Hard Can Backfire

APD Pro Move:
Ask your kid, “What is your biggest challenge right now?” Then help them make a plan to overcome that challenge.


All Pro Dad Resources

Episode 59 – How Do We Inspire Motivation in Our Kids?

Episode 86 – Kathleen Edelman: Learn and Leverage Your Kids’ Natural Wiring

Mark Merrill: How To Be Your Child’s Biggest Fan

Dan Orlovsky: 3 Inspiring Ways to Motivate Your Kids

3 Times It’s OK to Push Kids

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Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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EXTRAS:

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This episode's blog 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

What's the Danger in Trying to Be a Perfect Dad?26 janv. 202600:31:05

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Do you put pressure on yourself to be perfect? Not only is that impossible, but it’s a dangerous goal for dads. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the myth of perfection, navigating our flaws, and being our best for our family.  

Why This Matters
You don’t have to be perfect to be the perfect dad for your kids. 

What Do Dads Struggle With The Most? 

  • Wanting their kids to have a good life
  • Aiming to overcome mistakes
  • Recognizing that being a dad is a serious job

Who Feels The Pressure?

In 2018, the American Psychological Association found that “Perfectionism among (college students) significantly increased since the 1980s.” Nearly a decade later, those students are now adults and likely parents. 

This was 8 years ago… which means those same young people who craved perfection in 2018 are likely now parents. Are they striving to be perfect parents, too?

What Makes a Perfect Father?

  • Someone who is active, present, and cares about his kids
  • Someone who understands being “perfect” adds incredible pressure. 
  • Someone committed to doing their best for his kids. 

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 03:24 | Why Dads Feel Pressure to Be Perfect

03:24 – 05:31 | What Our Own Dads Modeled for Us

05:31 – 07:19 | Perfectionism Is Increasing—And Parents Are Feeling It

07:19 – 09:50 | Social Media Makes Dads Feel Like Failures

09:50 – 11:36 | Every Dad Brings Something Different to the Table

11:36 – 13:53 | How Dad Pressure Becomes Kid Pressure.

13:53 – 15:31 | Your Kids Don’t Want Perfect—They Want Present

15:31 – 17:20 | Why Perfectionism Makes Dads Defensive

17:20 – 23:51 | The Emotional Cost of Perfectionism in Parenting

23:51 – End | Consistency Beats Perfection Every Time

APD Pro Move:
Make a list of the times you’ve failed as a dad. Give yourself grace for those moments and stop putting so much pressure on yourself as a dad.

All Pro Dad Resources

Episode 107 – What Do I Do When I’ve Messed Up As A Dad?

13 Ps All Dads Must Be

4 Ways to Deal With Dad Guilt

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Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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EXTRAS:

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Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.

This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com.

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Get great content for moms at iMOM.com

How Can I Tell If My Kids Are Being Groomed?19 janv. 202600:28:26

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Child grooming is a serious issue and much more common than most dads realize. About 90% of victims are groomed by someone they know. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how to protect your kids from child grooming. 

Why This Matters
Grooming can feel like an “it will never happen to me” thing, but it’s much more common than most dads know. 

Key Takeaways

·      Grooming happens primarily online: According to the Child Crime Prevention and Safety Center, there are an estimated 500,000 predators online every day.

·      Groomers play the long game: Predators often invest years in grooming victims.

·      Groomers use tools: The most common are online anonymity, establishing trust, pushing isolation, and finding leverage. They then attempt to push physical boundaries.

Signs of Grooming Dads Should Know
1. LOOK FOR when your child receives a lot of attention from a person.
2. LOOK FOR when your child becomes isolated.
3. LOOK FOR when your child exhibits unusual behavior.
4. LOOK FOR when your child becomes more desensitized to crude humor and content.
5. LOOK FOR when your child has an aversion to a certain person.

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 01:09 | What Is Grooming? A Clear Definition for Parents

01:09 – 02:46 | The Larry Nassar Case and Why It Still Matters to Dads

02:46 – 05:08 | Grooming Doesn’t Look Like a Stranger in a Van

05:08 – 10:39 | Online Grooming and the Danger of Anonymity

10:39 – 12:21 | To Catch a Predator Was Just the Beginning

12:21 – 15:14 | Real-Life Grooming Stories from Trusted Adults

15:14 – 16:36 | Isolation Is the Biggest Red Flag

16:36 – 17:57 | Behavioral Changes That Signal Possible Grooming

17:57 – End | Teaching Kids Boundaries, Consent, and Trusting Their Instincts

APD Pro Move:
Talk to your kids about these tactics so they know what’s appropriate and what’s not.

All Pro Dad Resources

Episode 66 – How To Talk To Your Kids About Sex

5 Lies Teen Boys Believe About Sex

How To Talk To Your Son About Sex

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Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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Get great content for moms at iMOM.com

What Should I Do When My Kids Are Scared?12 janv. 202600:31:09

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Kids’ fears grow up with them. Babies fear loud noises and separation, young kids battle monsters in the dark, and older kids worry about fitting in at school. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about our kids’ fears and how dads can help guide them through it all.  

Why This Matters
When kids are afraid, they need help processing their feelings.

Key Takeaways

·      Fear and worry are different: Fear is a present problem while worry is a future problem. 

·      Bullying is #1: Pew Research conducted between 2020–25 showed virtually all kids fear being bullied.

·      Failure is terrifying: As kids age, the idea they won’t succeed becomes a major fear for many kids.

Practical Tips for Dads
When your kids are fearful, try these action steps:

1. Acknowledge Their Fear.

2. Ask Why This Scares Them.

3. Consider Your Words.

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 02:33 | Childhood Fears That Stick With Us

02:33 – 05:36 | Fear of Losing Parents as a Kid

05:36 – 07:11 | Common Fears Kids Have Today

07:11 – 09:01 | When Childhood Fear Turns Serious

09:01 – 11:54 | Fear vs. Courage: What Dads Should Teach Kids

11:54 – 13:36 | How Fear of Failure Starts Early

13:36 – 15:32 | How to Talk to Kids About Fear

15:32 – 17:20 | How Parents Accidentally Create Anxiety

17:20 – 21:22 | Why Overprotecting Kids Backfires

21:22 – End | Helping Kids Build Courage and Resilience

APD Pro Move:
The next time your kids say they’re afraid, tell them about a time you were afraid. Tell them how you showed bravery in the moment and encourage them to do the same.

All Pro Dad Resources

Episode 2: How Can I Help My Anxious Kid?

4 Responses That Turn Scared Kids Into Brave Kids

5 Ways to Raise A Son Who’ll Overcome His Fears

5 Fears We Pass On To Our Kids

The 9 Most Common Childhood Fears Explained

10 Ways to Curb Anxiety In Children

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Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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EXTRAS:

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How Is Stress Impacting Me as a Dad?05 janv. 202600:34:22

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Finances. Job performance. Relationship strife. All of those things impact your stress. Do you know how to handle it? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the plague of dad stress and how vital it is for men to manage it well. 

Why This Matters
When you’re stressed out, you’re not at your best for your kids.


Key Takeaways

·      There’s no single culprit: Finances, their jobs, and relationships are consistently listed as the top three stressors for men.

·      There are 3 kinds of stress: Acute, episodic, and chronic. All three impact dads differently. 

·      There are ways to deal with it: Methods like slow breathing and pausing help men manage their stress. 

·      Short-term stress can be good: It helps your immune system fight. 


Stress Relief for Dads: Simple Mental Health Tips That Actually Work

1. When you’re stressed, breathe.

2. Name your stress.

3. Talk about it.

4. Pour into yourself


Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 02:40 | Stressed-Out Dads and Teenage Reactions

02:40 – 05:42 | “I’m More Stressed Than I Realize”

05:42 – 07:03 | What Stress Really Is

07:03 – 10:10 | The Top 3 Stressors for Men

10:10 – 11:38 | The Work–Life Balance Spiral

11:38 – 14:11 | When Your Stress Spills Onto Your Family

14:11 – 16:48 | Kids Know When Dad Is Stressed—Even If He Doesn’t

16:48 – 20:26 | You’re Modeling Stress Management

20:26 – 23:50 | Real, Scientific Breathing

23:50 – End | Becoming a Calmer Dad

APD Pro Move:
1) Practice breathing. Inhale twice and exhale slowly. 

2) Find a trusted person you can lean on to talk about your stress.

All Pro Dad Resources:

Episode 31 – Tony Dungy: Is Work-Life Balance Even Possible?

5 Things You Don’t Need to Stress About as a Dad

How to Reduce the Stress Level in Your Life

iMOM Feel Wheel

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Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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EXTRAS:

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Get great content for moms at iMOM.com

Should I Let My Kid Be An Online Influencer?29 déc. 202500:34:22

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Kids are living online, so it makes sense they want to get in on the fun. In a 2023 poll by Morning Consult, more than half of kids said they wanted to be social media influencers. As a dad, would you support that dream? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the dangers that come with being social media influencers. 

Why This Matters
Kids want to be liked, so they tend to imitate the people who seem to be the most liked. 


What Are the Dangers of Becoming an Influencer?
1. Safety

The Wall Street Journal reported in 2024 that the followers of one particular pre-teen girl influencer was 92% adult men.

2. Pressure

The pressure to produce daily content, look perfect, and maintain an audience is not something kids are equipped to deal with, nor should they.

3. Exploitation

Once kids start making money it’s going to be hard for parents to pull the plug. The Netflix documentary Bad Influence is a perfect example.

4. Negative Feedback

Kids don’t usually have the experience, perspective, or identity to handle negative criticism from strangers.  

5. Social Media Impact

Influencing takes place primarily on social media, which invites kids to pursue the unattainable, namely being perfect. 

Important Episode Timestamps
00:00 – 00:36 | Childhood Dreams and Aspirations

00:36 – 02:17 | The Kids Want to Be YouTubers

02:17 – 03:38 | The Seven-Year-Old With 1,000 Views

03:38 – 06:22 | The First Red Flag: Who’s Watching Your Kids?

06:22 – 07:42 | Kids Are Still Developing Identity and Belonging

07:42 – 10:39 | The Hidden Weight of Early Fame

10:39 – 12:25 | Disturbing Stats About Pre-Teen Influencers

12:25 – 17:01 | The Exploitation Trap — When Money Clouds Judgment

17:01 – 18:12 | No Laws Protect Kids Online

18:12 – End | How to Respond When Your Kid Wants to Be an Influencer

APD Pro Move:
Talk with your kids about influencers. Ask them who they follow on social media, watch online, and what they think life is like for influencers.

Resources:

 Episode 46 – How Do I Parent in a Social Media World?

Is It OK For Kids To Be Influencers?

Why Are So May Boys Attracted to the Manosphere?

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Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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EXTRAS:

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This episode's blog 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

How Do I Support My Kids Without Fighting All Their Battles?22 déc. 202500:29:25

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Modern dads are around their kids much more than men were a generation or two ago. We see their struggles more and have opportunities to fix them, but should we? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about supporting our kids without fighting all their battles. 

Why This Matters
One of the best ways we can support our kids is to stand beside them as they fight their own battles. 

Key Takeaways

·      Modern dads are more involved: Research shows dads now spend 3–4x more time with our kids than men did in the 1970s. 

·      But more involved can become “too” involved: More time gave rise to helicopter, lawn mower, bulldozer, and drone parents. 

·      Kids will always need support: It will change during every stage, but dads will always play a role in their kids’ lives. 


Action Steps for Dads

1. Know When To Step In

2. Step In vs. Step Back

3. Really Listen. 

4. Helping Them Process.

5. Be Their Biggest Fan.

6. Letting Them Struggle.


Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 00:43 | Parenting Has Changed Drastically
00:43 – 02:12 | Helicopter, Lawnmower & Bulldozer Parents
02:12 – 03:38 | The Dawn of the “Drone Parent”
03:38 – 07:03 | Tracking, Tech, and Emotional Helicoptering
07:03 – 09:12 | Fixing vs. Helping: When Parents Do Too Much
09:12 – 12:27 | The Big Question: Support or Interfere?
12:27 – 16:40 | Knowing When to Step In: Safety, Severity & Seasons
16:40 – 23:03 | Helping Kids Process Challenges Without Taking Over
23:03 – 28:32 | Pro Move of the Week
This week, when you are tempted to jump in, pause and see if your kid can do it on their own. 

More Resources:

Episode 88 – Could Your Son Be Struggling in Silence?

Episode 95 – What Challenges is Generation Alpha Facing?

 3 Reasons Your Child Needs to Struggle

5 Areas Where Your Teen Needs to Struggle

5 Reasons Not To Protect Your Kids From Struggle

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

What Do I Do When I've Messed Up As a Dad?15 déc. 202500:33:19

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Have you ever messed up as a dad? Of course you have. We all have, and dad guilt is real. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how to handle our parenting mistakes in a way that keeps us close to our kids. 

Why This Matters
How we respond after making a mistake shapes our relationship with our kids.

Types of Dad Mess Ups

1. Accidental Fails: These are NOT heart issues; these are just mistakes. 

2. Emotional Mess Ups: These dismiss how your kids are feeling

3. Social Mess Ups: Things that embarrass your kids. 

4. Guidance Mess Ups: Giving bad advice to you’re your kids. 

5. Presence Mess Ups: Simply, not being there for your kids.  


What is dad guilt?

Dad guilty is typically defined as the feeling men have when they think they have fallen short of their desires or expectations as a parent.   


How To Get Over Dad Guilt?
Action Step 1: Have awareness.

Action Step 2: Own your mess up.

Action Step 3: Apologize.

Action Step 4: Forgive yourself.

Action Step 5: Plan for next time.


Important Episode Timestamps 

00:00 – 03:53 | The Broken Wrist Vacation Fail

03:53 – 05:12 | When Kids Hide Their Pain to “Be Easy”

05:12 – 06:33 | The Garage Door Face-Plant Story

06:33 – 09:22 | When Your Mistake Becomes a 4,000-Pound Reminder

09:22 – 11:25 | The Big Question: What Do I Do When I Mess Up as a Dad?

11:25 – 13:49 | Embarrassing Kids in Public: Social Fails

13:49 – 16:20 | Presence Fails: When You’re There but Not Really There

16:20 – 20:33 | Action Step #1: Show Awareness and Identify the Mess-Up

20:33 – 25:23 | Action Step #2: Own It and Apologize Well

25:23 – End | Action Step #3: Plan for Next Time and Don’t Repeat the Pattern

APD Pro Move:
When you mess up this week, say you’re sorry. Tell your child they did not deserve it and remind them that you love them. 

All Pro Dad Resources: 

Episode 106 – What Is A Passenger Parent and Am I One?

4 Ways to Deal With Dad Guilt

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Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

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What Is A Passenger Parent and Am I One?08 déc. 202500:24:43

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Are you a passenger parent? Yes, that’s a real thing. If you’re deferring to mom all the time or around your kids but not really engaged with them, you could be a passenger parent—just along for the ride. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how to avoid falling into this trap and staying fully engaged with our family. 

Why This Matters

Our kids need us to be fully engaged dads, not part-time parents. 

What causes passenger parenting? Research says...

1.    Lack of Confidence

2.    Fear of Criticism

3.    Cultural Conditioning

4.    Overwhelm and Distraction

5.    No Shared Game Plan


Action Steps for Dads

1: Step in without being asked.

Take initiative on tasks like meals, bedtime, or school runs.

2: Take full responsibility for some things.

Own a specific area, like sports schedules or bath time, from start to finish.

3: Learn the details.

Know your kids’ routines, needs, and important dates so you can act without reminders.

4: Stay engaged. 

Put away distractions, focus on your kids and what’s happening in the moment.

5: Plan together.

Have regular check-ins with your wife to divide responsibilities and make adjustments.

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 02:21 | The Viral Mime Video and Dad Judgment

02:21 – 03:12 | What is Passenger Parenting?

03:12 – 04:01 | Five Signs You Might Be a Passenger Parent

04:01 – 05:21 | When Dad Checks Out Without Realizing It

05:21 – 07:17 | Why Moms Often Know More

07:17 – 08:20 | Solo Parenting Reveals the Gaps

08:20 – 09:14 | Three Questions Every Dad Should Ask Himself

09:14 – 13:07 | Don’t Wait Until Your Wife Hits a Breaking Point

13:07 – End | Developing Shared Leadership at Home

APD Pro Move:
Schedule a conversation with your wife and ask, “Do you see me as a passenger parent?”

All Pro Dad Resources:

Episode 92 – What’s the Best Part About Raising Boys?

Episode 97 – What’s the Best Part About Being a Girl Dad?

Are You Deferring to Mom Too Much?

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

How Do I Keep Fighting For My Marriage?01 déc. 202500:33:11

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Is your marriage in a rough season? Are you and your wife arguing more? Struggling to connect? You’re not the only one. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster to talk about difficulties in marriage, the fights that result, and how not to give up on the relationship.

Why This Matters

No marriage is perfect, but all marriages are worth fighting for. 

6 Ways to NOT Give Up on Your Marriage

1. Ask a better question.
Ask, “What am I doing to make this marriage work?”

2. Get help.
There’s no shame in going to counseling. 

3. Take divorce off the table.  
For most couples, their marriage can be fixed!

4. Take a vacation from your issues. 
Set aside time when you aren’t trying to figure out what is wrong and enjoy what is right. 

5. Surround your marriage  
Surround your marriage with people who are for your marriage and not just you. 

6. Be brave.  
Fight for the courage to do the hard, uncomfortable, and self-sacrificing things to save your family.


Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 02:05 | Little Fights Add Up

02:05 – 04:17 | Small Annoyances Become Big Problems

04:17 – 05:53 | Is This Worth Fighting For?

05:53 – 07:43 | The Marriage Happiness U-Curve

07:43 – 09:35 | The Four Horsemen That Destroy Marriages

09:35 – 11:23 | Your Tone and Reactions Shape Conflict

11:23 – 14:59 | Ask a Better Question

14:59 – 20:15 | Don’t Wait to Get Help

20:15 – 23:26 | Take a Vacation From Your Issues

23:26 – End | Surround Yourself With Marriage-Builders

APD Pro Move:
Bravely, humbly, ask your wife, “What is one thing I can do to love and serve you this week?”  (Once she responds, simply say, "Thanks for letting me know." Then do it. If your wife says it’s too late, talk to an expert.)   

All Pro Dad Resources:

Episode 101 – How Does Having Kids Change Your Marriage?

Episode 91 – Is There a Secret to Balancing Marriage and Fatherhood?

How 4 Minutes 4 Times a Day Can Protect Your Marriage

5 Ways to Improve Your Marriage by Improving Yourself

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

How Much is Too Much to Spend on Kids? 24 nov. 202500:30:13

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Is my child too spoiled? If you’re even asking, that means you’re spending a good amount of money on your kids. We get it. Youth sports, music lessons, and all those extracurriculars add up, but does that equal a spoiled kid? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how much we’re spending on our children and if that’s even a bad thing. 

Why This Matters
Stewarding our money well is one way we love our families. 

Potential Problems of Overspending on Our Kids

1. Kids may get used to receiving all the time.

2. It demonstrates a lack of self-control by Dad. 

3. It contributes to kids’ anxious feelings. 

4. Parents may feel financial strain. 

5. The line between need and want gets blurred. 


What Can Dads Do?

Action Step 1: Take a hard look at your spending habits around your child. Is it excessive? 

Action Step 2: Take a hard look at what your spending habits around your kids is doing to you. Are you overextended and stressed out about money? 


Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 01:19 | How Much Are We Really Spending on Our Kids?

01:19 – 03:51 | Am I Overspending or Just Feeding Them?

03:51 – 05:35 | Theme Parks, Passes, and Pricey Memories

05:35 – 09:03 | Did Our Parents Overspend? Not Even Close

09:03 – 10:37 | The Gas-Money Jar Strategy

10:37 – 13:48 | “This Isn’t Fair!” and the Car Lesson That Stuck

13:48 – 17:53 | Overspending Sets an Example—Good or Bad

17:53 – 21:20 | Needs vs. Wants: The Hockey Equipment Breakdown

21:20 – 25:57 | Am I Buying This for Them… or for Me?

25:57 – End | Pro Move: Identify 2-3 significant items or experiences you’ve provided for your child, and ask yourself: What lesson is it teaching them about money, patience, and value? If the answer isn’t clear, or feels negative, hit the brakes and reconsider. 

All Pro Dad Resources 

Episode 56: Dale Alexander: How Do We Teach Our Kids About Money?

Episode 57: Dale Alexander: What Should Ever Dad Know About Managing Money?

3 Ways to Think Differently About Your Money

7 Easy Ways to Save Money by Christmas

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

How Should We Teach Our Sons to Respect Women?17 nov. 202500:28:49

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“She’s the most beautiful girl in town. That makes her the best, and don’t I deserve the best?” Remember that line from Gaston in Beauty and the Beast? It probably doesn’t register as disrespectful with kids, but it certainly is. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how to raise sons to respect women.

Why This Matters

·       Boys have mothers and sisters, who are worthy of respect.

·       Boys will date girls, who are worthy of respect.

·       Boys may one day have wives, who will be worthy of respect.

If you’re wondering what do to teach your sons about respecting women, you’re not alone. Start here:

1. Point out problematic phrases directed at women:

Objectifying, controlling, and sexualized language is not respectful. 

 2. Listen to girls/women:  

When a girl says “____,” respect her wishes. No means no.

3. Set a standard:

Model respect with the women you interact with. Show respect with your words, actions, and entertainment decisions. Your sons will see that. 

4. Follow the standard, not the crowd:
Remind kids that they don’t have to go along with what other boys accept, popularize, or glamorize about women.   


Important Episode Timestamps 

00:00 – 01:20 | Hidden Messages Are Everywhere
01:20 – 02:43 | Teaching Kids to See Value Beyond Looks
02:43 – 04:42 | Reducing People to Appearances
04:42 – 08:09 | Respect Starts at Home
08:09 – 09:47 | A Friend’s Dating Frustration
09:47 – 12:18 | Boys, Teasing, and Early Lessons in Respect
12:18 – 15:25 | Is Respect Instinctive or Taught?
15:25 – 17:33 | Setting Boundaries for Sons
17:33 – 20:21 | Listen When Women Speak
20:21 – End | Raising Sons Who Honor Future Wives

APD Pro Move:
Challenge your son(s) to talk to a girl he knows and ask her if she feels respected by boys. Encourage him to listen and respond kindly.

Listen Again:

Episode 99 – Should Dads Be Worried About the Manosphere?

4 Boy Stereotypes to Dispel For Your Son

5 Ways to Raise Boys Who Make the World Better for Women

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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

How Do I Help My Kids Get Along?10 nov. 202500:24:31

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!

We've all been there. Your kids are fighting AGAIN—this time over something even more frustrating than earlier today. The noise and sour feelings leave you wondering if there will ever be peace in your home. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the understandable reasons kids fail to get along and pitch ideas to fix it.

Why This Matters
Kids who get along now are more likely to stay friends as adults. 

Kids Don’t Get Along Because…

·      They both want the same thing

·      They think it's not fair

·      They have different personalities

·      They're at different ages

·      They haven't learned how to share or solve problems


Practical Tips for Dads

1: Get proactive.

Model how to act during conflict, celebrate their strengths, make sure everyone gets “dad time,” talk about how to get along during calm moments, compliment them when they are getting along, and beware of how life events can impact behavior. 

2: Get involved.

Inject yourself when you need to, but stay calm, take breaks to avoid saying things you don’t mean, attack them problem (not them), and find solutions together. 

3: Know when it is time to seek help.

Sometimes, constant conflict requires professional help. Seek counsel if there is physical abuse in your home. 


Important Episode Timestamps
00:00 – 01:13 | Why Sibling Relationships Matter So Much

01:13 – 02:35 | When “Horseplay” Crosses the Line

02:35 – 03:09 | Every Family Deals With It

03:09 – 05:04 | Why Kids Don’t Get Along

05:04 – 07:15 | The Age Gap Struggle

07:15 – 08:46 | Rejection Hurts Most at Home

08:46 – 10:06 | Step 1: Model Healthy Conflict

10:06 – 12:04 | Step 2: Create “Me and Dad” Time

12:04 – 16:10 | Step 3: Teach Through Calm Moments

16:10 – End | Step 4: Know When to Get Help


APD Pro Move:
Create a family rule or motto for how you plan to treat each other.


All Pro Dad Resources

10 Ways to Curb Sibling Rivalry

How to Stop Backseat Bickering

7 Ways to Teach Your Kids to Love Each Other

Connect with Us:

Ted Lowe on LinkedIn

Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn

BJ Foster on LinkedIn

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Get All Pro Dad merch!

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 blog 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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