Are you stressed and overwhelmed by the responsibilities of fatherhood? This show helps overwhelmed dads conquer stress, build confidence, and become the father their family brags about.
Listen to discover:
• Effective strategies to reduce parenting stress and manage emotions for a calm parenting approach = happy children.
• Practical advice on building strong parent-child relationships through improved communication and parenting skills, even when co-parenting with ex-partners.
• Expert insights on navigating custody issues and instilling positive parenting values to develop disciplined and resilient kids.
Since 2019 Co-hosts Drew and Ed have impacted over 400,000 dads through their work with Dad Central. Every Monday, join them for real-life examples and practical, time-tested strategies on how to win at being a dad. Once a month, hear from expert guests or mentor dads sharing their top tips to enjoy and thrive in fatherhood.
To instantly learn top secret hacks to calm parenting and become the dad your family brags about, download our free guide to stop yelling.
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Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood, podcast de Dad Central - Statistiques, épisodes et classements - My Podcast Data
#191. Daily Routines for Dads: Build Sleep, Calm & Confidence at Home
Épisode 191
jeudi 1 octobre 2026 • Durée 20:28
Does bedtime feel like a fresh negotiation every night, or does your child know exactly what happens next?
When pajamas go missing, homework suddenly appears, and screens make winding down harder, bedtime can quickly become a battle. This episode shows how a predictable routine can reduce negotiation, create security, support better sleep, and help your child move toward greater independence.
Listeners will gain:
A practical framework for building a calm, consistent bedtime routine without turning it into a rulebook.
Ways to create screen-free connection before bed, including a focused 5-to-10-minute connection window.
Strategies for keeping the routine useful when real life brings travel, illness, sports, teenagers pushing back, or unexpected disruptions.
Play the episode to learn how to start a seven-night bedtime reset that gives your family more connection, calm, and confidence.
----- Create a Calmer Home
The Connected Dad Course helps you regulate your emotions, strengthen connection, and build family routines that meet everyone's needs. Start creating the calm, confidence, and connection your family needs.
00:00 The importance of predictable bedtime routines
01:10 Research on consistent bedtimes and better sleep
03:40 Why routines create security and reduce negotiation
05:47 The five Cs of a calm bedtime routine
07:34 Example bedtime routine and research recommendations
08:05 Connection before correction
10:30 Building children's confidence and responsibility
12:38 Technology, screens, and the evening reset
14:32 Adapting routines when life gets in the way
16:33 The seven-day dad routine challenge
17:40 Key takeaways for supporting sleep
18:45 The Connected Dad Course resource
-----
Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships.
#190. Overscheduled Kids? Balancing Homework, Sports & Family
Épisode 190
jeudi 24 septembre 2026 • Durée 23:36
Is your child falling behind because they're unmotivated, or because homework, sports, activities, and family demands have left them exhausted?
A packed schedule can quietly eliminate sleep, downtime, unstructured play, family meals, and meaningful connection. This episode helps you recognize when a busy routine has crossed into burnout, and how to protect the space your child needs to stay healthy, engaged, and emotionally available.
Listeners will learn to:
Spot physical, emotional, academic, and family warning signs that a schedule has become too much.
Tell when homework is supporting learning or pushing bedtime, stress, and family life in the wrong direction.
Use a five-question schedule test to protect sleep, unstructured time, enjoyment, and family connection.
Play the episode now to use the five-question schedule test and identify one activity your child might feel relieved to lose.
-----
The Connected Dad Course offers practical guidance to help fathers regulate stress, strengthen relationships, and lead their families with intention.
00:00 Introduction to homework, sports, and overscheduling
02:06 Work-life integration and creating healthy family margin
03:53 Benefits of being busy
06:11 Warning signs that a schedule has become too much
09:49 When homework becomes counterproductive
13:13 Sports development versus burnout
17:13 The five-question dad schedule test
20:36 Key takeaways on sleep, recovery, connection, and unstructured time
21:53 Connected Dad course and family values
#189. Child Anxiety: How Dads Can Help When Kids Struggle
Épisode 189
jeudi 17 septembre 2026 • Durée 22:02
Is your child's anxiety showing up as anger, stomachaches, avoidance, or withdrawal, while you're responding as if it's simply bad behavior?
When a child says, "I'm scared to go to school," the instinct to say, "There's nothing to be scared of" can leave the child feeling misunderstood. In this episode, Drew Solon explains how dads can recognize persistent signs of anxiety, connect before correcting, and support a child without immediately trying to remove every uncomfortable situation.
Listeners will gain:
A clearer way to spot anxiety beneath changes in behavior, sleep, school, friendships, and physical complaints.
The "listen, label, lead" approach for helping a child feel heard and take a manageable next step.
Guidance on avoiding dismissive responses, knowing when professional support is needed, and staying present without trying to fix everything.
Play the episode to learn how ten minutes of focused, no-agenda connection can help your child feel noticed, supported, and safer sharing difficult emotions.
-----
The Connected Dad course helps you listen, label, empathize, and create the emotional safety your child needs when they're struggling. Start building a stronger connection today. https://dadcentral.ca/connected-dad-course/
-----
Timestamps:
00:00 How dismissing a child's fear can make them feel misunderstood
01:49 Why childhood anxiety and mental health matter to dads
03:52 Signs that a child may be struggling with anxiety
06:46 Connect before you correct
08:04 The three L's: listen, label, and lead
10:06 Five unhelpful dad responses
14:34 When to seek professional support
17:36 What an anxious child needs from dad
18:48 A 10-minute connection challenge for dads
19:34 Key takeaways for supporting an anxious child
#188. Family Tech Boundaries: Rules That Work (Without Relationship Drama)
Épisode 188
jeudi 10 septembre 2026 • Durée 22:46
Are your family's screen-time battles really about the device, or about boundaries that haven't been clearly established?
If "five more minutes" regularly turns into an argument, this episode offers a better path. You'll learn how to move beyond counting minutes and focus on what technology is replacing, how predictable routines reduce negotiation, and how your own habits shape your child's relationship with devices.
Understand how content, sleep, responsibilities, relationships, and self-regulation matter alongside total screen time.
Learn five practical boundaries, including tech-free spaces, a family charging station, predictable device times, priority-based rules, and parent modeling.
Get specific language for handling pushback and building a family tech agreement that encourages cooperation instead of constant conflict.
Play the episode now and choose one boundary to test this week, giving your family a practical way to reduce tech battles and create more connection.
-----
If screen-time battles leave you feeling frustrated, you're not alone. You may need better tools for setting predictable boundaries, modeling healthy tech habits, and staying connected when your child pushes back.
The Connected Dad Course offers practical guidance to help fathers regulate stress, strengthen relationships, and lead their families with intention.
00:00 Screen time battles and the goal of teaching technology management
01:14 Why one screen-time limit doesn't fit every family
03:23 Looking beyond screen time: content, routines, sleep, and behavior
05:23 Why technology rules become relationship battles
#187. How To Use Love, Limits, and Written Plans To Reduce Teen Defiance
Épisode 187
jeudi 3 septembre 2026 • Durée 48:55
What can you do when your teenager's defiance, screen use, substance use, or emotional shutdown has pushed your family to the breaking point?
If you're overwhelmed by advice that says "stay calm" or "connect more" without explaining what to do next, this episode offers a practical alternative. The conversation focuses on specialized parenting tools for extreme teen behavior, including love with limits, written plans, parental controls, and strategies for staying steady when things get worse before they get better.
Listeners will gain:
A clearer way to recognize when teen behavior or emotions have become extreme and require more structured support.
Practical strategies for combining connection with correction, including the "positive teen report" and the principle that "rules without relationships lead to rebellion."
A step-by-step approach to reducing family conflict through button-busting, written expectations, predetermined consequences, and dress rehearsals.
Play the episode now to leave with specific tools you can start using in your home today, especially when your teenager is pushing every button you have.
-----
If you're struggling with a defiant or out-of-control teen, visit Dr. Scott Sells' website, extremeteen.com, for practical tools and support.
-----
Timestamps:
00:00 Parenting hierarchy and the need for limits
01:13 Dr. Scott Sells' background and experience
04:00 Why family dynamics influence teen behavior
05:39 Parenting with Love and Limits
07:29 The emotional strain of parenting high-risk teens
10:11 Using positive team reports to reinforce good behavior
12:18 Parenting tools versus parenting failure
13:58 Written plans, action, and dress rehearsals
16:18 Rebuilding connection between fathers and teens
#186. Back to School Stress: A Dad's Guide to Helping Kids
Épisode 185
vendredi 28 août 2026 • Durée 24:18
What if your child's back-to-school stress isn't really about school, but about uncertainty, changing routines, and the emotional climate at home?
The return to school can bring new teachers, classrooms, friendships, academic pressure, earlier mornings, and packed family schedules. This episode helps you recognize what may be stressing your child, respond without dismissing their feelings, and create a calmer transition without turning home into a pressure cooker.
Learn how to listen before fixing, so your child feels understood instead of brushed aside.
Use practical routines, school walkthroughs, morning practice, and preparation to reduce uncertainty before the first day.
Manage your own stress, protect family margin, and recognize when persistent anxiety, physical complaints, or school refusal may require additional support.
Play the episode now to walk into back-to-school season with practical tools for creating a calmer, more connected home.
-----
if back-to-school stress leaves you feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to support your child, you're not alone. You may simply need better tools for managing transitions, routines, and big emotions.
The Connected Dad Course offers practical guidance to help fathers regulate their own stress, collaborate with co-parents, and build stronger connections with their kids.
You don't need perfect answers. You need a calmer, more intentional way to lead your family through challenging moments.
[00:00] Recognizing when back-to-school stress may require additional support
[00:14] Introduction to back-to-school stress and the family's emotional climate
#185. Gender & Identity Talks: How Dads Can Be a Safe Space
Épisode 185
jeudi 20 août 2026 • Durée 20:42
Are you ready for the moment when your child asks life's toughest questions? And will they come to you, or someone else?
Today's world bombards kids with more information than ever before, creating confusion and uncertainty around big issues like gender, identity, and relationships. If you want to be the parent your child confides in, rather than feeling left out or unsure how to respond, this episode shows you how to become that trusted, safe space your kids need.
Discover practical ways to build the kind of trust that keeps kids coming back to you, even when conversations get uncomfortable.
Learn how to respond confidently when you don't have all the answers, without jeopardizing your connection.
Gain simple daily habits that make you the parent your child knows they can talk to about anything.
Press play now to unlock the strategies that turn tough conversations into opportunities for deeper connection with your kids!
-----
If you're a dad who wants to be a safe place for your kids to ask life's hardest questions, but sometimes feel overwhelmed or unsure how to respond - you're not failing. You just need the right tools.
That's why I created the Connected Dad Course. It's a practical guide to help you stay calm, listen better, and build the trust your children need, especially when it comes to big topics like gender and identity.
You don't need to be perfect, just present and open.
00:00 — Introduction: The Importance of Being a Safe Place for Kids
01:45 — Overview of Episode Topics: Gender Identity & Big Questions
03:36 — Why This Matters: The Impact of Information Overload
06:15 — What Makes a Dad Safe: Key Behaviors and Attitudes
#184. Teens, Social Media & Body Image: What Every Dad Should Know
Épisode 184
jeudi 13 août 2026 • Durée 24:11
Are you worried that social media is shaping how your teen feels about themselves, but aren't sure how to help?
As a dad, it's harder than ever to support teens facing constant comparison, unrealistic beauty standards, and self-esteem struggles fueled by what they see online—especially when the pressures and algorithms never sleep. If you've ever wondered how to protect your teen's confidence or wished for practical ways to make a positive impact, this episode speaks directly to you and your family's well-being.
Learn how to talk to your teen about body image and online pressures in a way that opens real conversation instead of shutting it down.
Discover warning signs that your child may be struggling with unhealthy comparison, anxiety, or low self-esteem due to social media use.
Find out simple, actionable strategies to build your teen's confidence both online and offline, and become the supportive dad they need most.
Press play now to get expert-backed insights and tools that will help you become your teen's strongest ally against the pressures of social media!
-----
If you're a dad who truly wants to support your teen - especially when it comes to tough issues like social media pressures and body image, but sometimes finds yourself feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to help, you're not alone. Chances are, you just haven't been given the right tools for this new world.
That's exactly why I created the Connected Dad Course. It's a practical, step-by-step system that guides fathers to become more confident, calm, and deeply connected with their kids - even in the face of challenges like comparison, insecurity, and online influence.
You don't need to have all the answers about social media or body image. You just need a better way to lead and support your teen through it.
#183. Kids & Screens: A Dad's Guide to Tech, Stress & Media
Épisode 183
jeudi 6 août 2026 • Durée 24:41
Are you worried that your child's screen habits are causing more harm than good, but overwhelmed by conflicting advice on what really matters?
In today's world, screens are everywhere, and it can feel impossible to know if you're setting the right boundaries or actually missing what your child needs most. If you're a parent looking for practical ways to strengthen your relationship with your kids while managing technology, this episode tackles the real-life questions and struggles you face.
Discover the simple, research-backed strategies to help your child thrive emotionally and socially - even in a digital world.
Learn how to shift the focus from strict screen limits to creating deeper connection and healthy routines in your home.
Gain actionable tips for modeling positive technology habits and making decisions you'll both feel good about, both now and in the long run.
Tune in and unlock proven tips to build stronger family connections and peaceful screen habits.
-----
If you're a dad who genuinely wants to do better, but sometimes finds yourself overwhelmed, reactive, or wondering if you're getting it right—I want you to know something: you're not failing. You probably just don't have a roadmap.
That's exactly why I created the Connected Dad Course. It's a practical, step-by-step system that's already helped thousands of fathers become calmer under pressure, more confident in their decisions, and more connected with their kids.
You don't need to become a perfect dad. You just need a better way to lead.
#182. Stop Fixing Your Kids. Start Doing This Instead | Penn Holderness Part 2
Épisode 182
jeudi 30 juillet 2026 • Durée 14:44
Are you unknowingly pushing your kids away when you just want to help—especially as they become teenagers?
If you're a dad who wants to stay truly connected with your children as they grow, you know how tough it can be not to jump in and fix every problem. This episode has practical insights to help you build genuine trust and keep the lines of communication open, even during the challenging teenage years.
Discover why stepping back from problem-solving can actually draw your kids closer and strengthen your bond
Learn how practicing empathy makes your children feel safe to share and keeps their trust in you
Get actionable ideas for staying present and intentional as a father, no matter how hectic life becomes
Listen now for real-life wisdom that will help you build a lasting connection with your kids and become the dad they truly trust!
-----
If this episode resonated with you, it's probably because you're already a good dad who cares deeply—you just wish showing up consistently felt easier.
00:00 – Introduction: Emotional lives of kids and parenting with empathy
00:11 – Show intro
00:40 – Transition to building stronger relationships as kids grow
22:55 Protecting empty space and reviewing the family calendar
-----
Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships.
20:50 The Connected Dad course resource
-----
"Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."
07:47 Reasons children push back on tech boundaries
09:05 Five technology boundaries that can work
10:37 Creating a family charging station
11:24 Using predictable technology times
12:30 Making technology rules about priorities, not punishment
13:12 Modeling healthy technology habits as a parent
15:23 What to say when children push back
17:16 Connection before correction
17:47 Building a family tech agreement
19:44 Key takeaways and starting with two or three boundaries
20:40 Raising children who can use technology responsibly
22:06 Final advice: choose one practical change and prioritize connection
-----
"Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."
19:47 Defining extreme and out-of-control teen behavior
22:33 Mediation for conflicting parenting philosophies
24:20 Authority, connection, and balanced parenting
30:03 Button pushing and stabilizing family conflict
32:00 Chore charts, privileges, consequences, and troubleshooting
36:12 Co-parenting and blended-family dynamics
40:40 Screen addiction and parental controls
43:41 Delaying smartphones and restoring play-based childhoods
45:20 Replacing technology with connection and volunteerism
47:09 ExtremeTeen.com, free tools, and community support
----- "Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."
[02:17] Leading the family through transitions
[04:17] Why back-to-school can be stressful
[05:29] Academic and social stressors
[06:48] Routine, separation, and family stress
[07:56] Listening to children instead of dismissing their feelings
[11:00] Building predictability before the first day
[11:55] Dad's Transition Toolkit
[14:11] Managing dad's stress during the transition
[16:08] The STOP reset: Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed intentionally
[17:10] Avoiding an overloaded schedule during the first few weeks
[18:21] Recognizing when stress goes beyond normal jitters
[19:56] Three practical actions to take this week
[20:53] Episode recap and key takeaways
[22:38] Connected Dad course resource
[22:55] Closing thoughts on being a present and supportive dad
-----
"Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."
10:46 — When You Don't Know What to Say: Admitting Uncertainty & Staying Curious
14:11 — Building Trust Over Time: Consistency, Repair, and Quality Time
16:40 — Key Takeaways: Relationship Over Answers, Staying Engaged
17:37 — Resource Highlight: The Connected Dad Course
18:22 — Story About Trust: The Rock and His Daughter
19:57 — Closing Thoughts & Call to Action
-----
"Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."
-----
Timestamps:
00:00 — Introduction; the impact of comparison and social media on teens
00:51 — Research on social media, body image, and adolescent mental health
01:23 — How teens engage with social media: risks and benefits
02:27 — Episode focus overview: social media, body image, and mental health for teens
04:34 — Why social media hits teens so hard
06:46 — The trap of comparison and the influence of algorithms
09:34 — Body image pressures facing girls and boys
14:21 — Solutions: What dads can do that actually helps
20:10 — Warning signs parents should notice
21:54 — Recap and weekly challenge for dads
23:21 — Additional resource recommendation
23:44 — Closing remarks and final thoughts
-----
"Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."
Timestamps:
00:00 — Introduction; Strong stance on no screens in kids' bedrooms overnight
00:12 — Show overview and introduction of hosts; Focus on screens, stress, and kids
01:13 — Research summary on screens and kids' well-being
01:53 — Invitation for listener questions and comments
02:26 — Setting the conversational approach; Personal reflections on challenges for dads with screens
04:05 — Segment 1: Why are we so worried about screens?
06:34 — Segment 2: What research actually says about screens and kids (sleep, stress, anxiety, attention, and emotional regulation)
11:27 — Segment 3: What kids need more than screen limits (connection and relationship-building)
15:35 — Segment 4: Practical strategies for dads regarding screens and kids
19:29 — Segment 5: The goal isn't less screen time, it's more life
20:35 — Recap of key takeaways from the episode
21:59 — Resource recommendation for dads and families
22:51 — Closing reflections and final thoughts from hosts
-----
"Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."
01:38 – Intentionality in fatherhood: Penn's example and influences
02:12 – Penn's father's legacy and parenting through presence and honesty
03:25 – Sports and shared activities as a bridge across childhood stages
04:29 – Managing busy life and investing in self-care
04:42 – Tennis, pickleball, and connecting with other dads for stress relief
05:11 – Family time as a source of joy and stress relief
06:05 – Finding common ground with kids to connect as a family
06:33 – Listener and family feedback on Penn's content
07:22 – Where to find more about the Holderness family online
08:15 – Host reflections: Penn's intentionality and early fatherhood
10:09 – Lessons from Penn on not fixing kids' problems, building empathy
11:09 – Launch and purpose of the Dad Mentor community
12:24 – Importance of community and time with other dads
12:55 – Show close: sponsor message, feedback, and resources
13:50 – Closing reminders: Empathy, presence, and being available for kids
-----
"Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."
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