On average, men switch jobs every four years, but one role guys will never outgrow, is dad. It’s a serious responsibility that lasts a lifetime and comes with h...
Almost everyone needs it, asks for it, gives it, but almost nobody takes it. What is it?Advice. Here’s some great advice that’s backed by research: Tell your kids some jokes. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how dads who use humor in parenting have better relationships with their kids. Why This MattersA study conducted by Penn State University revealed that people whose parents used humor generally viewed their upbringing positively and tended to have a better relationship with their parents when they became adults. Key TakeawaysHumor Matters: A parent's use of humor directly impacts the quality of their relationship with their children.“Good” Parents Tell Jokes: 63% of individuals with good parent relationships reported their parents used humor. Researcher’s Opinion: “My hope is that people can learn to use humor as an effective parenting tool, not only to diffuse tension but develop resilience and cognitive and emotional flexibility in themselves and model it for their children,” said Benjamin Levi, professor of pediatrics and humanities at Penn State College of Medicine.Important Episode Timestamps(00:00 - 00:54) Introduction & Meet the Hosts(00:54 - 02:08) Big Question: What’s Your Best April Fools’ Memory?(02:08 - 05:32) Family Pranks & Classic April Fools’ Jokes(05:32 - 07:17) The History of April Fools’ Day(07:17 - 09:06) Famous April Fools’ Hoaxes(09:06 - 12:33) Why Humor is Essential in Parenting(12:33 - 14:44) How Laughter Builds Stronger Relationships(14:44 - 18:07) Funniest Family Traditions & Inside Jokes(18:07 - 24:25) Practical Ways to Add More Laughter to Parenting(24:25 - 26:42) Pro Move of the Week: Pull a Fun Prank on Your KidsAPD Pro Move:Try some humor this week. Learn a new dad joke or pull off a prank. Try to bring some joy to your home through humor and see what happens. Resources:All Pro Dad Jokes VaultKnock Knock Jokes20 Great Riddles For KidsWe 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 EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
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26:50
Grab Your Brackets! March Dadness Is Here
Get your brackets ready! In honor of the wildly popular annual NCAA basketball tournament, this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast is all about having a little fun. Host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to discuss the top-performing All Pro Dad podcast episodes from 2024. It was surprising to learn which topics stuck out to dads. We fill out a bracket with what dads called the most impactful episodes from last year. You can follow along with your own bracket. You’ll find a downloadable version here.Why This MattersThere’s always room to have fun as a dad. The All Pro Dad podcast covers fun, yet serious topics every week. Sometimes, we are surprised by what topics resonate most with dads. Key TakeawaysPodcast episode stats were pulled from many sources: We crunched the numbers from YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Dads listened to the more serious topics most frequently.2024 was the debut year of the All Pro Dad podcast.Important Episode Timestamps● (00:00) Welcome to the All Pro Dad Podcast● (00:30) Introducing the Topic: March Dadness 2025● (03:45) Round of 32● (17:55) Round of 16● (25:50) Round of 8● (30:50) Top Podcast Episode of 2024 RevealedAPD Pro Move:Make childhood fun. What’s the best movie? Which candy is king? Build your own brackets with your kids and make memories with them this month. All Pro Dad Resources:5 Benefits of Doing a Family Bracket ChallengeThe Final Four Fundamentals Dads NeedMarch DADnessListen Again:Episode 04 – How Can I Avoid Parenting to Please Others? Episode 10 – What Are Some Good Habits Dads Need to Start?Episode 30 – What Small Moves Can Improve Your Marriage?Episode 44 – 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 EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
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34:55
What Are Some Dangerous Thoughts Children Battle?
Our kids are facing battles in their minds. Everything from school pressures and expectations to personal identity and relationships are weighing on them. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the mental load kids are carrying and how dads can help them manage it well. **WARNING** We do mention and discuss suicide in this episode. If this topic is triggering for you, skip the portion from 29:33–31:20.Why This MattersKids who are burdened by too many negative thoughts begin to see a dip in confidence, self-esteem, and motivation. Key TakeawaysAll kids battle their thoughts: Children commonly struggle with intrusive thoughts like "No one likes me," "I'm stupid," and "I can't do it.”Intrusive thoughts have a source: Often intrusive thoughts result from developmental limitations, environmental influences, and past trauma or modeling. Parents can help kids combat dangerous thoughts: Help them practice open communication and positive thinking.Important Episode Timestamps● (00:00 - 00:00:54) Introduction & Meet the Hosts ● (00:54 - 01:14) Big Question: What Are Some Dangerous Thoughts That Kids Battle? ● (01:14 - 03:32) Childhood Negative Thoughts● (04:05 - 05:41) The Five Most Common Dangerous Thoughts in Kids● (05:41 - 07:52) Social Media is Reinforcing Negative Thoughts ● (07:52 - 10:17) Recognizing When Kids Are Struggling● (11:14 - 12:59) The 'Fred in Your Head' Strategy● (14:10 - 18:00) Dads Can Create a Safe Space for Kids to Share Their Feelings● (19:34 - 25:50) Modeling Positive Thinking for Kids ● (31:20 - 32:52) Pro Move of the Week: Ask This Question APD Pro Move:To help combat persistent or severe intrusive thoughts or behaviors in your children, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or mental health professional. All Pro Dad Resources:Episode 62 – How to Raise Emotionally Strong Boys5 Thoughts That Are Dangerous For KidsWe 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 EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
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33:22
How Should I Talk to My Kids About Sex?
When you talk with your kids about sex matters. How you do it is just as important. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by renowned family expert Jim Burns, founder of HomeWord, to pinpoint when the right time is to bring up the topic of sex with your kids and how to handle such a touchy subject. We get it. This can be intimidating for dads, but conversations about sex must be handled well. We know this can be uncomfortable, but if we don’t tackle this topic with our children someone else surely will. You may not like what they teach your kid! As Ted and Jim discuss, it’s important for dads to take the lead in this area.Why This MattersThere are many competing voices trying to influence our children about sexual topics. Dads need to prepare for this and teach kids about sex with their family values in mind. Timing and Approach: The discussion focuses on finding the appropriate age and approach for these conversations, tailored to each child's individual development and maturity level.Building Trust and Relationships: The episode stresses the importance of building a strong parent-child relationship based on trust and open communication as the foundation for healthy discussions about sex.Important Episode Timestamps· (00:00 - 02:15) Introduction & Guest Speaker Dr. Jim Burns· (02:15 - 04:18) Meet Dr. Jim Burns: A Passion for Family & Parenting · (04:18 - 05:11) Big Question: How & When Do I Talk to My Kid About Sex?· (05:11 - 07:52) Why Parents Struggle to Talk About Sex· (07:52 - 11:59) The Right Age to Start the Conversation · (11:59 - 14:10) The Influence of Culture & Social Media on Kids’ Views on Sex · (14:10 - 18:00) Dads as Safe Spaces: Encouraging Open Conversations· (18:00 - 21:02) Addressing Pornography & Sexual Curiosity in Kids· (21:02 - 24:37) Practical Strategies for Having ‘The Talk’· (24:37 - 27:48) Pro Move of the Week: Ask This Simple Question APD Pro Move:Ask your kids, "What do you think about ______?" with no planned response. "Kids want your wisdom, not your lecture." – Jim BurnsAll Pro Dad Resources:10 Questions Your Son is Afraid to Ask YouWe 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 EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
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28:18
Are Your Expectations Crushing Your Teen?
Expectations can lead to pressure, which grows into stress, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth for kids. This is a problem dads can help with. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how expectations are crushing our kids, especially our teens. They dive into the unique challenges kids are facing and how parents don’t always make things easier. Key TakeawaysBrain Development: Teen brains are still developing, particularly the frontal lobe responsible for executive function. This can make it difficult for teens to plan, prioritize, and remember future tasks.Sleep Patterns: Teenagers naturally have different sleep-wake cycles than adults, often leading to difficulty falling asleep early and waking up for school.Creating a Safe Environment: Parents should strive to create a safe and supportive environment for their kids, focusing on guidance and encouragement rather than constant pressure to achieve.Practical Tools for DadsEngage in a meaningful conversation with your kids. Ask them to identify the biggest source of pressure they are currently experiencing, then follow these steps:1. Let your kids share their perspective.2. Verbalize your support.3. Offer guidance.Important Episode Timestamps· (00:00 - 02:15) Introduction & Hosts' Backgrounds · (02:15 - 03:04) The Big Question: Are Parental Expectations Crushing Teens? · (03:04 - 04:46) Understanding Teen Brain Development · (04:46 - 06:36) Why Teens Argue & How It Benefits Them· (06:36 - 10:36) The Pressure of Expectations vs. The Power of Guidance · (10:36 - 14:08) Boundaries vs. Expectations: What’s the Difference? · (14:08 - 18:17) Curfews, Consequences & Real-World Lessons · (18:17 - 20:55) The Identity Crisis: How Teens Navigate Different Worlds · (20:55 - 23:22) How Dads Can Reduce Pressure & Create a Safe Space · (23:22 - 25:30) Pro Move of the WeekAPD Pro Move:Ask your child, “What is the biggest source of pressure you are currently experiencing?”Sponsor:The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. LeaWe 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 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
On average, men switch jobs every four years, but one role guys will never outgrow, is dad. It’s a serious responsibility that lasts a lifetime and comes with highs, lows, and a ton of questions. It’s okay not to have all the answers… but the most committed dads are always chasing them. The All Pro Dad podcast helps men navigate their toughest parenting problems. Experienced dads discuss what has worked for them, tackle scary topics, and learn to love their kids well. We do it all with a combination of humor and humility. If you have more questions than answers, this is the place to be. Today’s the perfect day to become an All Pro Dad.
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