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Many parents say it without thinking: “Go to your room.” But biblically, psychologically, and developmentally it’s a mistake. In this episode, I explain why isolating children during discipline does more harm than good. Scripture shows us that isolation erodes identity, value, and hope. Add modern research on loneliness and child brain development, and the conclusion is unavoidable: connection, not isolation, is how kids learn, grow, and heal. If we discipline our kids without connection, we aren’t teaching reflection, we’re teaching shame. And shame doesn’t produce wisdom; it produces withdrawal. I am challenging a deeply ingrained parenting tactic and offering a better way. A way that more closely mirrors how our Heavenly Father disciplines us. If you are ready to become a dad aligned with our Father in heaven, grab a copy of my devotion, Following Our Father: https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/digital-devotional-following-our-fa

I was raised to believe backtalk was disrespectful and had to be shut down immediately. But when I started looking at Scripture, especially the psalms of lament, I realized something uncomfortable: God invites questions, frustration, and hard conversations from His children. So why don’t we? In this episode, I explain why silencing your kids may be damaging trust, weakening your influence, and working against real discipleship, and what to do instead. If you’re a dad who wants strong relationships, not silent obedience, this conversation matters. – Grab a copy of my digital devotional if you are ready to align yourself with our heavenly Father. Click here.

You’re a Christian dad. You want to teach your kids about the Bible but the Old Testament makes you uncomfortable because it can feel intense with the bloody stories, tough questions, and a God who seems “angry.” That’s ok. I’ve got you. This episode I connect with Chad Bird, Scholar in Residence at 1517, who specializes in the Old Testament. He helps clear up some misconceptions about the Old Testament and provides guidance on how to talk about the Old Testament to our children. You’ll learn: The Bible is one unified salvation storyMoralism is not the point of the ScripturesHow to see Jesus in the Old Testament storiesHow to answer questions like, “Why does God kill so many people?” If you want to learn more about Chad, follow him and check out some of his resources below. Facebook: @writingsofchadbird Instagram: @chadlbird YouTube: @chadbird1517 https://www.1517.org/articles/is-your-sunday-school-training-good-little-pharisees www.1517.org/oneyear Hitchhiking with Prophets (Book): https://amzn.to/4b24YHN (Amazon) Untamed Prayers (Book): https://amzn.to/3ZkY7C2 (Amazon) — Get your FREE 7-day devotional download: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/ Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father: https://amzn.to/45m9ldR (Amazon) Get your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book): https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/ MERCH: https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products  Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads: https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

You’re getting a double dose of boundaries this week because boundaries aren’t “nice to have,” they’re protection. In this episode, my friend and life coach Tom Lyman, shares boundaries that helped rebuild his life after years of addiction, and how those same boundaries can help you become a stronger man, husband, and father. Tom walks through five key areas every man needs boundaries: • Spiritual boundaries • Digital boundaries • Time boundaries • Relationship boundaries • Emotional boundaries If you’re tired of drifting, tired of hiding, tired of “white-knuckling” it, this episode is for you. Connect with Tom: www.Tom-Lyman.com Instagram: @TomTheJoyHourGuy — Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/ Get your digital copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/digital-devotional-following-our-fa Get your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/ Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Most dads think freedom comes from removing limits. That mindset quietly creates dissatisfaction, broken priorities, and strained families. In this episode of Fathering Our Future, Anthony Vandagriff explains why boundaries do not confine dads. They define what matters and protect what God has already given. Using Proverbs 4:23, real life stories, and practical examples, this episode unpacks: Why chasing more without boundaries never satisfies How boundaries actually create freedom for dads and kids What fathers need to intentionally keep out and keep in How guarding your heart reshapes ambition, gratitude, and purpose If you want to grow without losing your marriage, your integrity, or your relationship with your kids, this episode will reset your thinking. – Be sure to get your copy of Following Our Father (Digital Version) for just $6 HERE.

As we head into a new year, I know how easy it is for dads to feel pressure to change everything at once. I don’t want to give you a list of resolutions. I want you to focus on one fatherhood discipline that actually matters and is worth protecting. In this episode, I explain why prioritizing time around the table with your family is far more formative than most dads realize. Research shows that children who regularly share meals with their family tend to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. This research also connects to a powerful biblical picture from Psalm 23 that reshaped the way I think about presence, provision, and leadership in the home. I will talk about what it really looks like to be present at the table, how to protect that time in a busy household, and how simple, intentional moments can strengthen your relationship with your kids over time. If you’re going to commit to one discipline as a father in 2026, this is the one that deserves your attention. — I also have a new special offer where you can get my devotional, Following Our Father, in a digital format. Check the link for details: https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/digital-devotional-following-our-fa

As we head into 2026, I want to challenge you to think seriously about the kind of husband you are becoming because being a good husband directly impacts the kind of father you are.This week I want to revisit my most popular blog where I detail 10 things husbands can do to improve their marriages. In addition to things like:* Hugging your wife* Doing what you say* Listening before you attempt to fixI share 4 new points that I believe every husband should focus on. So if you value your marriage, and your family, make sure to take notes.Here is a link to the original blog post: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/01/10/10-marriage-tips-after-10-years-of-marriage/—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Most New Year resolutions fail because we start with the wrong definition of success. As Christian dads, we are quick to set goals, chase improvement, and measure progress by outcomes we never stopped to question. But before we decide what to pursue in 2026, we need to ask a better question:What does excellence actually look like from God’s perspective? In this episode, I walk through what it means to approach resolutions as a disciple first, not as a man driven by comparison, envy, or cultural pressure. Drawing from Joshua 1:8 and Deuteronomy 6, I challenge dads to rethink success, commit to Scripture, and lead their families with intentional faith rather than unchecked ambition. If you want to grow as a disciple, lead your home with clarity, and pursue the kind of excellence God actually calls us to, this conversation will give you a clear starting point for the year ahead. Faith Resolutions for Christian Dads in 2026: • Commit to reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation• Talk weekly with another man about what you are reading• Read Scripture or a Bible-based devotional with your children most days of the week Resources mentions: Tiny Truths - https://amzn.to/4iUZYqa (amazon) God's Big Picture Bible Storybook - https://amzn.to/4oYvN2O (amazon) – Get your FREE 7-day devotional to realign your identity as a dad:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/ Get your free eBook, Cut the Crap: Direct Tips for Becoming a Dad:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/ Get your copy of Following Our Father: A Devotional for Dads on Amazon:https://amzn.to/48jD9sH Support Fathering Our Future and help equip dads who want to lead well:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

As we approach 2026, most of us start drafting resolutions. We look at 2025, measure our wins and losses, and try to map out ways to be better. But Christian dads are called to a deeper starting point. Before we write a single resolution, we should first ask God to define what excellence actually looks like in our lives. In this episode, I share a simple but life-altering shift:Pray first. Ask God to reveal His definition of excellence for you as a disciple, a husband, and a father.When our goals begin with God’s perspective, not comparison or envy, we pursue what actually matters. Resources:Free 7-Day Devotional → https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Following Our Father (Devotional for Dads) → https://amzn.to/48jD9sHFree eBook for New Dads (Cut the Crap) → https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/Merch → https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/productsSupport Fathering Our Future → https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

You’re a Christian dad trying to raise kind Christian children when all of a sudden you find out that your child has stolen something from the store you visited. What do you do? This happened to my wife and I recently and I am going to honest with you, we handled things great. I want to give you four tips to handle situations like this great as well. I will elaborate on: Keeping your coolLeading them to confessionReminding them of your motiveEmbracing them — Get your FREE 7-day devotional download: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/ Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father: https://amzn.to/45m9ldR Get your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book): https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/ MERCH: https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products  Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads: https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Throughout the month of November we attempt to be thankful. We devote each day to something different to be thankful for. But if we are honest, sometimes it can be a challenge to stay thankful. I want to open up and share some of the difficulty around constant gratitude and offer a key scripture that helps reframe the way we think. https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/11/24/the-key-to-staying-thankful/ — Get your FREE 7-day devotional download: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/ Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father: https://amzn.to/45m9ldR Get your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book): https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/ MERCH: https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products  Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads: https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

I came across an article that would catch the attention of any parent with young children about 7 ‘magic phrases’ that can calm tantrums instantly. While that sounds too good to be true, something like this is worth checking out just in case there is truth to it. This week we sift through this article to determine what actually works and what you should not waste your time on. I will also provide some wisdom for tantrums that is so counterintuitive and unnatural but it’s Bible. Here is the article we are looking at: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/02/ive-studied-over-200-kidsthese-7-magic-phrases-can-calm-any-tantrum-instantly.html — Get your FREE 7-day devotional download: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/ Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father: https://amzn.to/45m9ldR Get your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book): https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/ MERCH: https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products  Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads: https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

We live in a world where several voices claim to have the formula to being a good dad. While I understand fatherhood to be an ever-changing complexity that is unique to every dad, I want to offer guidance on how you can be a good dad by focusing on two things. I want to break down what it means to be the dad your children need you to be and how you can ensure your kids know they are abundantly loved by you. — Get your FREE 7-day devotional download: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/ Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father: https://amzn.to/45m9ldR Get your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book): https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/ MERCH: https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products  Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads: https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

We all enter into fatherhood with influences and voices that shape our approach. Maybe your dad was truly the man, or maybe you were inspired by an uncle, coach, pastor, or social influencer. But have you taken time to consider if you approach fatherhood in a way that honors God? One of the clearest ways we can be God honoring dads is to imitate our Heavenly Father. I want to focus on just two qualities of God that we need to mimic as dads to both bless our kids and honor God — pursuing our kids and always showing up.  https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/11/03/are-you-a-god-honoring-dad/ — Get your FREE 7-day devotional download: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/ Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father: https://amzn.to/45m9ldR Get your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book): https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/ MERCH: https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products  Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads: https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

The Bible indicates that we know people by their fruits. Have you ever wondered what your kids know about you based on your fruit? In Galatians 5:22-23 we are introduced to the fruit of the Spirit. Good stuff but often misunderstood. I remember growing up and learning that these were characteristics and behaviors I had to practice and work on, but now I know that is not the case. I want to help you better understand the fruit of the Spirit and how it relates to you as a dad. I’ll explain: What the fruit of the Spirit isWho the fruit is forHow you can identify the fruit in your life — Get your FREE 7-day devotional download: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/ Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father: https://amzn.to/45m9ldR Get your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book): https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/ MERCH: https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products  Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads: https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff