All Pro Dad Podcast

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Being a great dad isn't about doing something extraordinary. It's about consistently winning the “everyday” moments. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, Ted Lowe, BJ Foster, and Bobby Lewis break down six key moments in a dad's life so dads can start winning the everyday. 
Why This Matters
Dads can become so focused on the big picture—providing for their families, raising good kids, planning for the future—that they miss the small moments happening right in front of them. 
Key Takeaways
The most important moments of fatherhood often look completely ordinary.
Small, consistent touchpoints throughout the day communicate to your kids that they matter to you.
You don't have to win every moment. Pick one area where you're struggling and make a plan to win it.
Practical Tips For Dads

1. Win your first ten minutes. 
Many people reach for their phones almost immediately after waking up. Instead, consider starting your day with something that puts your mind in a better place—stretching, exercising, reading, praying, or connecting with your spouse.
2. Win getting out the door.
Morning chaos is inevitable, but dads can create margin and rituals that make leaving the house a positive experience. Prepare lunches the night before. Wake up a little earlier. Say goodbye to each child individually. Create a family phrase or tradition that reminds your kids you're on the same team.
3. Win the midday check-in.
You may be physically separated from your kids during much of the day, but that doesn't mean you have to be disconnected. Send a funny text. Ask about something they're doing. Send a GIF. Leave a lunch note. If possible, have lunch together or bring them along on an errand. Small, consistent communication says, “We're apart, but we're not separated.”
4. Win dinner time.
Family dinner doesn't have to mean an elaborate meal or an hour around the table. Create a consistent opportunity to eat together—even if that means breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, or another family meal because evenings are packed.
5. Win the bedtime routine.
Don't rush bedtime simply so you can get on with your night. Bedtime closes the chapter on the day, creates a sense of safety, strengthens the bond between dad and child, and prepares kids emotionally for tomorrow.
6. Win the final hour before sleep.
The final hour of the day is an opportunity to slow down. Put away the technology. Be quiet. Be slow. Create an environment that allows your mind and body to prepare for sleep instead of filling the final moments of the day with more stimulation.
Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] How Do We Win the Everyday Moments With Our Kids?
[00:31] Everyday Wins the Guys Have Had Recently
[03:47] Moment One: What You Do in the First Ten Minutes You’re Awake
[07:10] Moment Two: Getting Out the Door Without the Morning Chaos
[11:21] Moment Three: The Midday Check-In
[13:48] Moment Four: Dinnertime and Why It's Worth Fighting For
[19:37] Moment Five: The Bedtime Routine Is Your Final Impression
[23:30] Moment Six: Your Final Hour Before Sleep
[25:20] This Week's Pro Move: Pick One of the Six Moments and Win It
Ted wraps up by challenging dads to identify which of the six daily moments they're currently losing — waking up, getting out the door, midday check-in, dinner, bedtime, or the final hour — and focus on winning just that one this week.
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. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.
All Pro Dad Resources
3 Mistakes Dads Make Every Day
Harvard: The Benefit of Family Mealtime
Sleep Foundation: Bedtime Routines for Adults
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:
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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.

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We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!
Some days your kids are motivated and ready to take on the world. Other days, they can’t figure out where to begin. What gives? 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 can help their kids become self-starters by letting them make mistakes and own their responsibilities.
Why This Matters
Our goal as dads isn't simply to raise kids who do what they're told. We want to raise adults who can recognize what needs to be done, take responsibility, solve problems, and take the first step without waiting for someone to push them. Self-starting is not just a personality trait—it's a skill kids can develop through practice, responsibility, appropriate freedom, and learning from failure.
Key Takeaways
· Kids learn initiative partly by watching us. Before asking whether our kids are self-starters, we should ask whether we're modeling initiative, perseverance, and responsibility ourselves.
· Kids need increasing control and ownership. When we constantly remind kids, solve their problems, or do things for them because it's faster and cleaner, we may unintentionally prevent them from developing initiative.
· Kids need room to fail, learn, and try again. Mistakes and natural consequences aren't necessarily problems to eliminate; they can become opportunities for kids to develop grit, self-control, problem-solving skills, and confidence.
Practical Tips for Dads
1.    Give your kids something to own. Instead of assigning individual tasks that require constant reminders, give your child responsibility for an area of family life. Don't just say, “Take out the trash.” Give them ownership of making sure the trash doesn't overflow.
2.    Give them control—even when it makes your life harder. Let kids make age-appropriate decisions, solve problems, and experience the natural consequences of their choices. A little mess, inconvenience, or failure today can help build independence for tomorrow.
3.    Focus on what they learn, then gradually step back. Ask what your child learned from a challenge rather than focusing only on the result. Teach them how to manage the task, stand beside them while they learn, and then gradually stop being the person who starts them.
Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] How Can I Help My Kid Become a Self-Starter?
[00:38] Are the Guys Self-Starters — and Were They Growing Up?
[04:07] Why Modeling Matters — and Why None of Them Are Perfect at It
[07:31] Why Raising Self-Starters Actually Matters for Your Kids' Future
[11:50] The Marshmallow Study
[15:33] Give Kids Control and Then Get Out of the Way
[18:27] Let Kids Make Mistakes and Resist the Urge to Step In
[22:30] The Contract That Changed Ted's Son Overnight
[27:41] Training Kids for Self-Starting: Chore Charts, Ownership, and Natural Consequences
[32:26] This Week's Pro Move: Give Your Kid Something to Control
Ted wraps up by challenging dads to identify one thing they currently control that they can hand off to their kid this week — and trust them to own it.
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. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.
All Pro Dad Resources
Episode 48 – How Do We Inspire Motivation in Our Kids?
Episode 71 - Tony Dungy: Am I Building My Children’s Autonomy?
4 Things Kids Learn When We Do Things for Them
5 Questions to Ask When Your Child Won’t Act Responsibly
How to Raise a Fragile Child
5 Things That Kids Can Do for You
Fathering Your School Aged Child
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 would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!
Sports gambling is no longer relegated to casinos in Las Vegas or Atlantic City. It’s in your pocket, available to everyone—including kids—through apps, websites, and even online video games. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to discuss the potential impact of early exposure to gambling and what dads can do to help their kids understand the risks.
Why This Matters
Kids need to understand how gambling works, why the odds favor the house, how gambling can become compulsive, and why hiding gambling or chasing losses can damage trust and relationships.
Key Takeaways
1. A study from Common Sense Media found that 36% of boys ages 11–17 reported gambling in the past year.
2. Early exposure can normalize gambling and make risky behavior seem like harmless entertainment.
3. Dads can help by talking openly about gambling, teaching how the odds work, paying attention to what kids are doing online, and creating an environment where kids can tell the truth.
Practical Tips For Dads

1. Start the conversation before there's a problem. Don't wait until you discover your child has placed a bet.
Ask questions like:
“Have you ever seen a sports betting ad?”
“Do any of your friends talk about betting?”
“What do you think about sports gambling?”
“Have you ever seen gambling in a video game?”
The goal isn't to interrogate your child. It's to make sure they know they can talk to you.
2. Teach your kids how gambling actually works. Explain probability, odds, and the fact that gambling companies are designed to make money.
3. Pay attention to what your kids are doing online. Know what games they play, what apps they use, what they're watching, and what their friends are talking about.
4. Create an environment where your kids can tell the truth. Your child needs to know that if they make a bad decision, they can come to you.
Important Episode Timestamps:
[00:00] Are We Raising a Generation of Gamblers?
[00:57] How Accessible Gambling Has Become
[04:31] Kids’ Developing Brains Make Gambling Especially Dangerous
[07:16] Where Are Kids Actually Gambling and Do Dads Even Know?
[09:35] The Real Consequences: Financial Damage, Shame, and Secrecy
[13:40] Gambling Rewires the Brain and Even Losing Becomes a Hook
15:43] Why Shame and Secrecy Are the Hidden Dangers Behind the Addiction
[17:07] Start the Conversation Before It's a Problem
[20:42] The House Always Wins
[23:51] This Week's Pro Move: Have a 10-minute conversation with your kids about gambling this week. Don't make it a lecture. Ask what they've seen, what their friends are doing, and what they think about sports betting. Then tell them: “You will never be in trouble for coming to me and telling me the truth.”
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. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.
If you or your child has a gambling problem, call or text 888-Admit-It (236-4848) for help. 
Gambling Help
All Pro Dad Resources
Are We Raising a Generation of Gambling Addicts?
Do You Have a Gambling Problem?
Common Sense Media – Betting on Boys: Understanding Gambling Among Adolescent Boys
Gambling Commission – 2025 Headline Statistics
Journal of Gambling Studies – Predicting Problem Gambling in Young Men
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 would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!
Whether it's the demands of work, the responsibilities of fatherhood, marriage, or simply facing a situation that feels too big to handle, every dad will eventually find himself overwhelmed. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about what dads should do when they become an overwhelmed parent.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Feeling overwhelmed can become an opportunity. Dads can learn to slow down, acknowledge when they're struggling, and gain new wisdom when parenting gets hard. 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1: When you're overwhelmed, relax and slow things down so fear doesn't take over your ability to think clearly.
2: Admit when you're in over your head. Acknowledging reality isn't weakness, and failure isn't the end.
3: Face the challenge, learn what you need to learn, and ask others for help and wisdom.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR DADS
Relax. Take a breath, step away from the situation, exercise, pray, or do something that helps calm your nerves and restore perspective.
Admit it. Be honest when you're overwhelmed. You don't have to maintain an image of invincibility or pretend you can fix everything yourself.
Face it. Ask, “What am I going to do about this?” Take responsibility for the situation and determine what you may need to change—or say no to.
Learn. Study the problem. Seek information and learn from people who have successfully navigated similar situations.
Ask for help. Seek advice, support, and wisdom from people who have experience. Asking for help isn't weakness; it can help you become a better dad.
IMPORTANT EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] What Should I Do When I'm In Over My Head as a Dad?
[00:26] Times When the Dads Have Felt Completely In Over Their Heads
[04:18] When Your Kids' Struggles Make You Feel In Over Your Head as a Dad
[05:22] Step 1: Find a Way to Relax
[11:49] Step 2: Actually Face What's Going On
[13:02] Step 3: Admit You're Struggling
[16:33] Step 4: Learn From Others
[18:22] Step 5: Ask for Help
[24:30] This Week's Pro Move: Identify Your People and Reach Out
Ted wraps up with one simple challenge — the next time you feel in over your head, think about who your people are and reach out, even if it's just "Hey, can I ask you a question?"
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. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.
ALL PRO DAD RESOURCES:
Episode 124 – Am I Handling My Anger Well?
Dan Orlovsky: 5 Times Dads Must Battle Through
Yes, Parenting is Harder Now and What to Do About It
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 would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode!
Do your kids know you love them? Probably a safe bet that they do. But do they think you like them? That’s a much different question. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the difference between like and love and why dads must make it their mission to ensure their kids know they’re liked. 
Why This Matters
Most dads would say they love their kids. But love and like can feel different to a child. Kids need to know that Dad doesn't simply provide for them, correct them, or show up for their activities—they need to feel that Dad genuinely enjoys being with them. 
Key Takeaways
–Loving your kids and liking your kids are not always communicated in the same way. 
–Kids experience our attention more than our intentions, so distraction and exhaustion can weaken connection even when we mean well.
–Curiosity, laughter, and listening are simple ways dads can communicate, “I like you.”
Practical Tips for Dads
1. Create connection-only time. Choose a moment in the day when the goal is not to correct, teach, or fix—just enjoy your child.
2. Like them out loud. Tell your kids specific things you like about them, such as “I like how your brain works,” “You're really fun to be around,” or “I like hanging out with you.”
3. Be intentional with your facial expressions. Let your face communicate that you're glad to see your child when they walk into the room, come home, leave for the day, or do something they love.
Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] Do Your Kids Know You Like Them?
[01:26] Why You Can't Fake Liking Your Kids and They Know It
[03:34] The Hockey Tryout Embarrassment
[05:09] BJ's Best Dad Moment Followed by His Worst
[07:35] Your Kids Will Go Find “Being Liked” Somewhere Else
[08:26] What Gets in the Way of Kids Feeling Liked
[11:17] Heaping Pressure on Kids Makes Them Feel Liked When They Perform
[12:07] How to Help Kids Feel Liked: Start With Curiosity, Laughter, and Listening
[16:13] Carve Out a Daily Five-Minute Window to Just Like Your Kid
[19:30] This Week's Pro Move
This week, tell your kid one specific thing you genuinely like about them.
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. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.
All Pro Dad Resources
5 Ways to Make Sure Your Kids Know You Like Them
3 Ways to Make Sure Your Kids Know You Love and Like Them
5 Ways to Love Your Tees When You Don’t Like Them
4 Things About Your Child That You Need to Know
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