Avsnitt
-
Ever wondered how other parents handle the mess, stress, and incredible moments that come with raising kids? Buckle up for an unfiltered journey through modern fatherhood that's as entertaining as it is insightful.
This episode dives deep into the parenting trenches – from incredible hacks for managing sick kids (strategic towel placement is a game-changer) to an honest conversation about creating meaningful family memories at Great Wolf Lodge. One dad shares how simply leaving phones in the hotel room transformed their water park experience into something truly special, allowing genuine connection that wouldn't have happened otherwise.
We explore the fascinating "Four-Second Method" for calming children during emotional outbursts – a technique backed by child psychologists that's shockingly simple yet remarkably effective. Several dads share their real-world experiments with this approach, revealing surprising successes that challenge traditional parenting responses.
The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as we examine how technology and short-form media are reshaping children's attention spans. A teacher on our panel shares firsthand observations about declining student engagement and increasing apathy toward activities that don't provide immediate gratification. We wrestle with difficult questions about screen time, emotional regulation, and finding balance in a digital world.
Between heartfelt discussions, you'll find plenty of laughs – including one dad's brilliant laser tag strategy that earned his son victory (and bragging rights) without the child ever knowing the truth. It's the perfect blend of practical advice, vulnerable sharing, and the kind of humor that can only come from parents in the trenches together.
Whether you're a parent seeking solidarity or simply curious about the realities of raising kids today, this episode offers a refreshingly honest window into modern fatherhood. Subscribe now and join our growing community of real dads navigating life's greatest adventure. -
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
Beating your kids at sports might just be one of the most satisfying feelings in parenting. From swatting away basketball shots to dominating at board games, our hosts share those sweet moments of victory that won't last forever—so enjoy them while you can!
This episode takes a deep dive into the daily struggles parents face, particularly when children resist activities we know are good for them. Dave recounts his epic battle getting his seven-year-old daughter back to swimming lessons after a break, sharing both the frustrations and the creative solutions (including fish tank bribery!) that finally got her back in the water. It's a perfect example of how modern parents navigate the balance between gentle encouragement and firm boundaries.
We explore the fascinating world of modern parenting challenges, from managing screen time for a gaming-obsessed 12-year-old to responding when your child declares "you're a bad parent" because you won't let them attend a birthday after-party. The hosts discuss those triggering moments when our children push our buttons, reflecting on how our own childhood experiences shape our parenting approaches today. As one dad notes, "I am the parent that I wanted my parents to be," highlighting the generational healing many of us attempt through our parenting.
The conversation turns to sports and family traditions, with dads sharing their hopes for connecting with their children through athletics. Whether it's watching playoff hockey together, teaching kids to play baseball, or celebrating when your three-year-old finally makes a basket on the trampoline hoop, these moments of connection matter deeply. Even when your child decides to cheer for your team's bitter rivals just to be contrary (as one host's son does), there's joy in sharing these experiences together.
Listen now for authentic, unfiltered conversations about fatherhood that will make you laugh, reflect, and feel less alone in your parenting journey. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to join our community of real dads navigating the challenges and joys of raising the next generation! -
When should we tell our kids to "toughen up" and when should we let them fully express their emotions? Four dads navigate this challenging parenting terrain with honesty, humor, and surprising personal revelations.
The conversation begins with reflections on how differently children respond to physical play, with one dad admitting he wrestles more with his son than his daughter because she tends to get emotional more quickly. This leads to a thoughtful exploration of modern masculinity – how do we raise emotionally balanced boys who can still embrace traditional strengths? The group ponders whether "toughening up" is ever appropriate, concluding there's a healthy middle ground between dismissing emotions and teaching resilience.
In a moment that perfectly captures the podcast's authentic nature, Brian casually mentions being his high school prom king, leaving the other dads completely floored by this nonchalant revelation of royalty in their midst. The discussion weaves through scrambled egg techniques (apparently a serious matter) before settling into reflections on how children play outside today compared to previous generations.
The conversation takes a more serious turn when exploring political polarization and how it affects families. The dads share their struggles with maintaining relationships across political divides, questioning why voting preferences have become such defining personal characteristics. They conclude with thoughtful perspectives on teaching their children to form independent opinions rather than inheriting political biases, emphasizing that respect and human rights should transcend party lines.
Join us for this raw, unfiltered conversation about the challenges of raising emotionally balanced children in today's complex world. Whether you're wrestling with when to console your kids or navigating family political discussions, you'll find both wisdom and comfort in knowing you're not alone. -
When joey's seven-year-old daughter Murphy asked him "What is life?" at bedtime, it sparked a profound journey into how we navigate our children's biggest questions. This thought-provoking episode delves into the challenges of explaining concepts like death, existence, and meaning to young minds still forming their understanding of the world.
Following a family therapy session, joey shares a fascinating approach to helping children with "labyrinth minds" - those who bounce between big questions seeking answers that may not exist. The therapist's brilliant strategy involves "board meetings" where parents and children write down questions, brainstorm possible answers, and use a "thermometer" to find responses that feel right, even when they're not 100% certain. This acceptance that life's biggest questions rarely have definitive answers becomes a valuable lesson for both children and parents.
The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as the hosts reflect on breaking generational cycles in parenting. Growing up in homes where emotions were often suppressed, these dads are consciously creating space for emotional expression and vulnerability with their own children. Joey's newfound comfort in saying "I love you" to his ailing father demonstrates how these shifts in parenting approach can heal across generations.
Of course, no episode would be complete without the hosts' trademark humor. A heated debate about toast preferences (is level four too crunchy?), the drama of the "matching plate era," and the race against time when milk hits cereal all provide comic relief while reinforcing the podcast's authentic approach to fatherhood.
Whether you're wrestling with how to explain mortality to a curious child or just trying to survive breakfast with kids who suddenly care deeply about plate colors, this episode offers both wisdom and solidarity. Because sometimes the most meaningful parenting happens not in having all the answers, but in being willing to explore life's biggest questions together.
What questions are your children asking that leave you searching for the right words? We'd love to hear your experiences in the comments or on social media. -
That moment when your tween doesn't want you hovering nearby during basketball with friends anymore - it's a parenting milestone that catches many dads off guard. The guys dive deep into how children's growing independence challenges us emotionally even as we recognize its importance to their development.
From potty training adventures (complete with questionable aim) to first-time babysitting gigs, the dads share candid stories about their kids' journeys toward autonomy. Mark celebrates his 12-year-old son successfully completing a babysitting course and taking responsibility for his siblings, while Dave laments his toddler's determination to pee standing up despite his anatomical challenges.
The conversation turns thoughtful as they explore how today's grandparent relationships differ from their childhoods. Where once grandparents were central figures in daily life, today's connections often feel more scheduled and formalized. They wonder how they'll approach grandparenting themselves someday and hope they'll maintain close bonds with their adult children.
One particularly resonant topic emerges around intentional independence-building: how sending a 7-year-old into a restaurant alone with cash or having kids order their own food creates confidence-building opportunities. The dads acknowledge their own anxieties often hold children back from these formative experiences that develop crucial life skills.
As your kids grow, how do you balance protection with freedom? At what age did you start letting them spread their wings? Join the conversation and share your own parenting journey. -
What happens when we stop immediately saying "no" to our kids and instead take a moment to understand the reasoning behind their choices? This episode dives deep into a parenting approach that might revolutionize how your children develop decision-making confidence.
The dads share a revealing story about a snowy day boot selection that sparked an important realization: constantly meeting children with "no" teaches them their decision-making abilities are flawed. This pattern often follows them into adulthood, creating hesitant adults afraid to make wrong choices. By simply asking "Why did you pick those boots?" or "What made you choose that?" we acknowledge our children as thinking beings with legitimate perspectives.
Throughout the conversation, we contrast modern parenting styles with the "blissful ignorance" our parents enjoyed—a time when kids roamed neighborhoods unsupervised and many worries remained unspoken. Today's parents carry information overload and heightened awareness that leads to constant anxiety, something our children sometimes actively resist. One fascinating observation reveals how children intentionally slow down when parents rush, their way of saying "your anxiety isn't my problem."
The episode balances philosophical insights with practical advice on developing patience, repairing communication after heated moments, and understanding the unique parent-child dynamics that develop in every household. We explore how the different strengths between parenting partners can create complementary approaches to childcare routines like bedtime or tooth-brushing.
Whether you're struggling with a defiant toddler or trying to build more respect-based communication with older children, this conversation offers both validation and actionable strategies to shift your approach. Subscribe now and join our growing community of parents navigating the beautiful chaos of raising humans who feel confident in their decisions. -
The age-old debate of nature versus nurture takes center stage as we explore Dr. Russell Barkley's fascinating perspective that children arrive in this world with over 400 psychological traits waiting to emerge—traits completely independent of parental influence. This revelation challenges the modern parenting culture that places enormous guilt on parents who believe they must engineer perfect outcomes.
"Your child is not a blank slate on which you get to write," Barkley reminds us. "You are a shepherd. You don't design the sheep." This powerful metaphor resonated deeply with all of us, prompting reflection on how we sometimes push our values onto our children rather than recognizing and nurturing their inherent qualities. We share personal stories of discovering our children's unexpected strengths—like Cooper's natural spatial reasoning abilities that surprised his parents who had worried about his academic development.
The conversation takes a lively turn as we dive into the art of wrestling with our kids. From bedtime roughhousing rituals to bathroom door challenges ("You want to go?" my daughter asks while I'm on the toilet), we explore how physical play creates unique bonds between fathers and children. We laugh about the different "powers" our kids imagine during these wrestling matches and how our partners often approach physical play differently than we do.
Perhaps most touching is our discussion about acknowledgment—that moment when a parent walks through the door after work. Some children rush to greet dad with excitement, while others barely look up from their activities. We consider how our own behaviors might influence these reactions and share a touching story about a family where everyone chants the father's name upon his arrival home.
Whether you're wrestling with your toddler, discovering your child's unique talents, or simply hoping for a warmer welcome when you return from work, this episode offers both practical wisdom and emotional reassurance for the parenting journey. Remember—sometimes the most powerful thing we can do as parents is not to shape our children, but to witness, support, and celebrate who they naturally are. -
Parenting doesn’t just change your life—it changes who you are. This week, we break down the biggest ways fatherhood shifts relationships, from communication struggles to learning how to actually support your partner (instead of just thinking you’re helping). We also tackle the challenges of balancing marriage, work, and kids, plus the unexpected ways our wives and children have shaped us. And if you’re planning a wedding while raising kids… good luck, Mark’s got some cautionary tales.
-
Very Special Guest Mike Holmes Jr. joins the party via shaky satellite uplink and it's Holmes on the Homies of the Dad Den! Birth Stories! Relationship Advice! Being parented by a famous dad! All right here, right now, on The Real Dad Podcast!
-
We're just regular Dads without super powers; four guys who get colds when it's cold out and don't know the exact words for what the surface around a pool is called, so sometimes it drives us a little nuts when the kids JUST WON'T LISTEN!
-
The dads wrestle with growing up and growing old: Joey's therapist helps him process grief, Dave's son gets his babysitting certification and Mark struggles with basic vocabulary.
-
The Dads check in with some podcast heavy-hitters (via Dave's data plan) to discuss growing out of lay-downs, tracking cellphones, and how our boomer parents (tried to) show their love. But does any of it even matter if your Numerology is wrong and your kid is meant to be your sworn enemy?
-
Brolaw Brother-in-law Ian joins the Dads (minus Mark) to talk kids with unique brains, how growing up has changed, and how to run your family like an all star sales team!
-
As Winston Churchill once said: "Never give in—never, never, never, never..."
But did he ever have to drag his four year old, kicking and screaming to get a hair cut? -
What are you saving up your fatherly experience points for? Are you going to be a Car Dad and learn how make that HEMI purr? How about a BBQ Dad so you can master the fine art of smoking a sausage? Or perhaps, you just want to be able to do a Rubix Cube real good...
-
It's good that our kids aren't scared of the adults anymore, right? Right?... RIGHT!?
- Visa fler
