Do You Have a Favorite Kid? Research Suggests You Might.
Do parents have favorites? Even if you say you don’t, research shows you probably do. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about dads showing favoritism, even unknowingly, harms everyone in the house. Why This MattersSiblings who receive less favored treatment tend to have poorer mental health and more strained family relationships.Key Takeaways· You probably DO have a favorite kid: A BYU study shows 80% of parents show preferential treatment· Behavior is a factor: The American Psychological Association says “agreeable and conscientious” kids are usually favored. · Sorry, boys: Both mothers and fathers are more likely to favor daughters.Action Steps for DadsPerception is reality, so avoid even appearing to have a favorite kid by doing these things:1. Analyze yourself.2. Avoid unfair assignments and punishments.3. Examine your wallet.4. Divide your time as evenly as possible. 5. Schedule regular check-ins. 6. Hear them out. Important Episode Timestamps00:00 – 03:40 | Who’s the Favorite?03:40 – 04:32 | Research on Parental Favoritism04:32 – 06:11 | Why Easier Kids Get the Edge06:11 – 08:27 | Daughters and Favoritism Trends08:27 – 11:13 | Long-Term Impact on Sibling Bonds11:13 – 15:18 | A Teenager’s Perspective15:18 – 18:20 | Time, Perception, and Fairness18:20 – 26:38 | Avoiding Unfairness in Parenting26:38 – End | Pro Move Think about how you might be favoring one kid over the other. Make a plan to even things out so that there is harmony in your home.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 37: “Have I Taken the Time to Get To Know My Kid For Who They Are?”Episode 63: “How To Help My Kids Navigate Their Emotions”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
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34:48
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34:48
How Do I Make the Social Media Algorithm Work For Me?
One click and the social media algorithm starts to study you. It begins suggesting things it thinks you’d like. It starts pushing you in new directions. It’s trying to serve you, but also trap you. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about that pesky social media algorithm and how to make it work FOR you, not against you as a dad. Why This MattersAlgorithms try to keep your attention and steal your time away from what matters most. Define ItThe social media algorithm is the behind-the-scenes brain that sorts through all the noise and tries to deliver a personalized feed of content it thinks you'll like.Things Social Media Algorithms DoExplore your potential interests: They analyze popular trends and feeds them to you in an attempt to broaden your horizons.Move you beyond your immediate network: By suggesting posts from accounts you don't follow, platforms help content “go viral."Steer you toward high-engagement content: If a post is getting a lot of likes, shares, and comments in a short amount of time, the visibility gets boosted to a wider audience.How To Train Your Algorithm1. Engage authentically.Only like, share, and comment on content you genuinely care about.2. Follow intentionally.Be mindful of who you follow, because algorithms assume you like similar things. 3. Explore mindfully.Using ‘Explore’ or ‘For You’ search aids collects data about your interests. 4. Watch the clock.The longer you spend viewing content, the more social media algorithms assume you’re interested. Don’t linger.5. Use platform features.Block, mute, or hit ‘not interested’ to refine your online experience.Important Episode Timestamps00:00 – 00:21 | Kicking Off the Conversation00:21 – 02:20 | Instagram and Pornography02:20 – 05:23 | What Are Algorithms Really Doing?05:23 – 07:45 | Algorithms Get Smarter Every Year07:45 – 09:35 | Screen Time by Generation09:35 – 11:13 | Problems with Social Media Algorithms11:13 – 14:40 | Personal Reflections on Algorithm Impact14:40 – 19:13 | Training the Algorithm to Work for You19:13 – 23:59 | Boundaries, Self-Discipline, and Accountability24:00 – End | Pro MWe 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
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27:36
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27:36
What's the Best Part About Raising Boys?
Tossing the football in the yard. Working on cars in the driveway. Reviewing how to be a gentleman on a date. There are so many cool moments dads and son share that it’s hard to pick the best ones. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the joy of being a dad to sons. Why This MattersSons often grow up to be mini versions of their dads. Building a strong bond today can have generational impact. Key Stat· In a Gallup survey, boys are more likely than girls to report having a strong, loving relationship with their parents (77% versus 61%).“Get To,” Not Have ToHere are a few things dads get to do with their sons:1. Pass down “dad stuff”2. Be rough.3. Be real.4. Be buddies.5. Be a mentor and example.6. Get a future best friend.Important Episode Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Welcome02:02 – Recreating Childhood Memories06:58 – Passing Down “Dad Stuff”10:15 – Being Rough is a Beautiful Pastime12:25 – The Science Behind Physical Play13:25 – Being Blunt is Easier with Boys16:35 – Dads Get Build-in Buddies 19:11 – The “I Get To” Approach22:00 – Pro Move: Set aside 1-on-1 time this week with each of your sons. Let them set the agenda and just enjoy being with your boy.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:Father–Son Bonding Activities5 Beautiful Moments Fathers and Sons Should SharePew Research on Fathers and SonsWe 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
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23:19
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23:19
Is There a Secret to Balancing Marriage and Fatherhood?
Your kids need help with homework. You wife needs you to start dinner. There is a lot of juggling going on. How do dads do it well? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about balancing the roles of husband and father well. Why This MattersIt’s important for men to thrive in both of their crucial family roles.Key TakeawaysMost U.S. men are dads: About 60 percent of men aged 15 and over are fathers. (U.S. Census Bureau)· Millions of U.S. men are married: In 2022, 67.85 million men in the United States were married. · Your wife and kids are gifts: You must balance your time well between them. Action Steps to Split Your Time Well1. Know your duties.2. Identify your distractions. 3. Trim the fat. 4. Establish rigid boundaries5. Stick to those boundaries. 6. Don’t feel guilty over those boundaries. 7. Commit to reevaluating those boundaries in the future. 8. Look for opportunities.Important Episode Timestamps0:00 – 01:09 | Marriage & Parenting Journeys01:10 – 02:00 | The Conflict of Time02:01 – 02:41 | A Dad’s Testimonial on Priorities02:42 – 03:47 | Big Question: Balancing Roles03:48 – 05:21 | Limited Time & Cultural Pressures05:22 – 07:25 | Remembering Family as a Gift07:26 – 10:05 | Action Steps for Balance10:06 – 13:20 | Rituals, Boundaries, and Seasons13:21 – 16:46 | Pro Move of the Week: Find out where you can inject quality time into your relationships and commit to those steps.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:Listen Again:Episode 30 – Tony Dungy: Is Work-Life Balance Even Possible? 5 Things a Real Man Does For His Family4 D’s to Being a Better HusbandWe 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
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18:13
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18:13
Dr. Chap Clark: Raising Kids in Today's World
Raising kids today seems harder than ever. There are so many things weighing them down, from relationships, school demands, social media, and more. Dads need to guide kids through it all. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, Dr. Chap Clark shares wisdom from his years of experience studying teens and their behavior and tells listeners how to better understand and support their kids.Why This MattersKids feel pressure—to perform, fit in, and be liked. This causes friction and tension, but dads can be the steady presence they need. Know the LanguageDr. Clark shares a few terms that may be new to you: Mosaic thinking: It’s harder kids to focus on one thing at a time. Avatar: In order to fit in, kids will build different 'avatars' of themselves depending on the social situation they're facing. Troubles For Modern KidsLife feels very transactional: This leads kids to try to, as Chap says, “perform my way into blessing.” Belonging matters: Dr. Clark says the “power of belonging” is paramount. Kids are looking for a place where they feel accepted. Important Episode Timestamps00:00 – 00:55 | Introduction & Guest Welcome00:55 – 03:47 | The Changing Landscape of Parenting Teens03:47 – 06:55 | The “System” Has Let Kids Down06:55 – 09:32 | A Father’s Role in Restoring Trust09:32 – 12:08 | How Teens Process Identity & Belonging12:08 – 15:50 | The Power of Presence Over Performance15:50 – 19:21 | Building Bridges Through Listening19:21 – 21:54 | Practical Habits to Create Safe Spaces21:54 – 24:17 | Why Kids Still Need Boundaries24:17 – 25:50 | Pro Move of the Week: Strive to be unflappable, have compassion with your kids, and take deep breaths. Listen Again:Episode 61 – What Problems Do Kids Face Today That We Didn’t?Episode 74 – Checking in With Kids: 5 Gauges Dads Need to Know5 Challenges We Need to Help Generation Alpha FaceDr. Clark and 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
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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