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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 We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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 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 lifeAiming to overcome mistakesRecognizing that being a dad is a serious jobWho 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 kidsSomeone 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 We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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

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 We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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

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 We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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

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 We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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

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? We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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

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 We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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

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? We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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 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? We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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

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 Prote We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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

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 We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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

“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 We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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

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 We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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

Ever tried to have a quiet conversation with your wife while a toddler was around? Good luck. We love kids, but they sure can get in the way sometimes. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the threats parenting presents to marriage.  Why This Matters Marriages change after you have kids. Men must prioritize their relationship with their wives in order to weather the challenges that parenting presents.  Common Threats to Marriage After Becoming a Dad ·      Exhaustion: Kids wear us out physically, emotionally, and mentally. That impacts your marriage.  ·      New areas of conflict: Arguments can get us thinking “me” not “we.” ·      Losing sight of each other: Don’t live like roommates. Set aside intentional time to connect with your wife.  ·      Mis-ordered priorities: Our wives’ needs should always come before kids’.  ·      Forgetting you’re a team: Work together with your wife to raise kids well.  Important Episode Timestamps 00:00 – 02:03 | Anniversary Plans Gone Wrong 02:03 – 05:15 | When Kids Interrupt Everything 05:15 – 07:02 | Life Before and After Kids 07:02 – 09:20 | The Big Question: What Threats Do Kids Bring to Marriage? 09:20 – 13:31 | Threat #1: Exhaustion 13:31 – 17:12 | The Power of Prioritizing Date Night 17:12 – 22:13 | Threat #2: New Arenas for Conflict 22:13 – 26:33 | Threat #3: Living Like Roommates 26:33 – 33:15 | Threat #4: Misordered Priorities 33:15 – End | Pro Move of the Week: Put your wife first this week. Plan a date. Schedule quiet time together. Remind her that she is your top priority. All Pro Dad Resources: Episode 70 – What Do Happily Married Couples Think About? Episode 48 – How Do I Overcome Challenges in My Marriage? 5 Threats Parenting Presents to Marriage 5 Barriers to Fun in Your Marriage 9 Ways to We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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

“Money doesn’t grow on trees! Pull my finger!” Some dad phrases are goofy. But others? They can be quite hurtful, even if we don’t mean for them to be. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about common phrases we need to cut out. Why This Matters Words aren’t neutral with our kids. They are either helpful or hurtful. Phrases That Make Kids Feel Small and Unheard 1. "Stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about." Instead, try: "It's okay to feel sad/frustrated/scared. Tell me what's going on."  2. “What’s wrong with you?” Instead, try: "That choice wasn't like you. Help me understand what happened.  Phrases That Can Hurt Our Connection With Our Kids 3. "When I was your age…" Instead, try: "You are growing up in a different world than I did.  Explain it to me like I’m a martian.  4. “You are making me crazy.” Instead, try: "I’m feeling really frustrated right now. I need a minute, and then we can talk about.”  Phrases That Can Mess Up How Our Kids See Authority and Even God 5. "Because I said so." Instead, try: "Focus on natural consequences and clear boundaries: "If you don't pick up your toys, they'll be put away for a week." 6. “I’m disappointed in you.” Instead, try: "I'm disappointed with that choice you made, and I know you can do better." Important Episode Timestamps  00:00 – 02:36 | Dad Phrases We All Say 02:36 – 04:09 | Southern Sayings and Dad Humor 04:09 – 05:08 | The Big Question: What Should Dads Stop Saying? 05:08 – 08:52 | “Stop Crying or I’ll Give You Something to Cry About” 08:52 – 10:00 | “What’s Wrong with You?” and “What Were You Thinking?” 10:00 – 13:05 | “When I Was Your Age” and “You’re Making Me Crazy” 13:05 – 17:52 | “Because I Said So” and the Problem with Authority 17:52 – End | “I’m Disappointed in You” and the Weight of Words APD Pro Move: This week, before you correct, question, or even joke with your child, pause for just one second and ask yourself, 'Is what I'm about to say hurtful or helpful for my kid? All Pro Dad Resources: Episode 61 – What Prob We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! 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