Diapers are hard. Terrible twos are no picnic. Middle and high school? Prepare for battle, Dad. It seems like every phase of parenting presents its own unique challenges. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the hardest age to parent. If your kids are little, you may be wondering if parenting ever gets easier. It depends on the kids and depends on their age. The truth is, no matter how tough today feels, your role as a dad is important during every age and stage of your child’s life. So, show up and give it your all, even on the hardest days. Why This MattersEvery season is hard. Embrace today’s challenges because your children need you. Key TakeawaysIt All Goes FastStages Don’t Last ForeverFind People To Help YouRemember the 3 Ls: Kids are Limited, then Learning, then LeavingImportant Episode Timestamps 00:00 – 00:55 | Introduction & Big Question of the Week00:55 – 03:16 | The Hardest Phase? The One You’re In03:16 – 05:11 | The "Dark Ages" of 0–405:11 – 07:12 | The Teen Years: Logic, Emotions & Everything In Between07:12 – 09:02 | Finding Joy in the Middle of the Hard09:02 – 12:00 | Letter to the Dad Who’s Struggling12:00 – 14:11 | The 3 L's of Childhood: Limited, Learning, Leaving14:11 – 16:53 | Don’t Do It Alone: Finding Support in Tough Seasons16:53 – 20:26 | Survival Tips: Self-Care, Small Wins & Staying PresentAPD Pro Move:Remember that you’re doing better than you think. All Pro Dad Resources:8 Tips For Traveling With Toddlers and Preschoolers5 Lies We Believe About Our Teens3 Ways to Raise Adults In TrainingListen Again:Episode 65: Are Your Expectations Crushing Your Teens?Episode 55: Problems Middle Schoolers Run IntoWe 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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23:09
Why Is It Important To Listen To Our Kids?
Is your kid a chatterbox or tight-lipped like a vice? No matter how often your son or daughter opens up, one thing is true—they really want you to listen. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to break down why parents should listen to their child.Why This MattersListening well is the key to effective communication between kids and dads.What Happens When We Listen?1. You show them their words have value2. You encourage emotional expression3. You promote confidence and self-worth4. You get to hear their needs or concerns5. It improves their problem solving skills6. it strengthens their emotional regulation7. It fosters respect and empathy8. It prevents miscommunication… sometimes. Important Episode Timestamps00:00 – 00:55 | Introduction & Big Question of the Week00:55 – 02:23 | Who Listens to You? The Power of Feeling Heard02:23 – 04:00 | Why Dads Struggle to Listen04:00 – 06:05 | Listening Builds Trust, Connection & Emotional Safety06:05 – 08:12 | Listening Boosts Confidence & Self-Worth08:12 – 10:24 | What Active Listening Looks Like10:24 – 12:17 | Helping Kids Process Emotions Through Listening12:17 – 14:16 | Teaching Respect, Preventing Miscommunication14:16 – 15:53 | Playbook Time: 5 Easy Questions to Spark ConversationAPD Pro Move:Ask your kid some questions this week—fun, serious, curious—and listen intently. Leave us a comment on this episode and share how it went!Listen Again:Episode 37 – Have I Taken the Time to Get to Know My Children For Who They Are?All Pro Dad Resources:10 Ways to Know You’re Really Listening to Your KidsWhy Becoming a Good Listener Will Make You a Better DadBest Conversation Starters For TeenagersiMOM: Are You Listening to UndersWe 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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17:19
How Can I See the Best in My Kid?
Getting straight As. Winning an award. Making the team. We all want our kids to accomplish great things. But what they do is not as important as who they are. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about seeing the best in our kids. Why This MattersKids are sponges. They soak up our compliments. When you see the best in them and verbalize it, they gain confidence and feel safe with you.Practical Tools for Dads1. Eye Contact. Research shows this creates empathy in your brain for the person you’re looking at. 2. Laugh at their humor. It’s a big for connection, so laugh with your kids. 3. Ask them questions. Not just any questions, but open-ended questions peel the layers back on your kids and set the stage for connection. 4. Point out their strengths and praise their character.5. Remember your own journey.Important Episode Timestamps00:00 - 00:44 | Introduction & Big Question of the Week00:44 - 03:03 | Who Saw the Best in You Growing Up?03:03 - 04:43 | Why Kids Gravitate Toward Encouraging Adults04:43 - 07:09 | Step One: Look Your Kid in the Face07:09 - 08:52 | Step Two: Laugh at Their Humor08:52 - 13:19 | Step Three: Ask Open-Ended Questions13:19 - 15:16 | Start Young, Save the Memories15:16 - 20:08 | Step Four: Point Out Their Character Strengths20:08 - 22:53 | Step Five: Remember Your Own Journey22:53 - 24:48 | Pro Move of the WeekAPD Pro Move:Focus on just one of these 5 things this week and put it into practice with your kids. Show them you believe in who they are and who they’re becoming.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 Character Traits to Affirm in Your Kids12 Honest Questions to Ask Your Kids Every YearListen Again: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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24:52
How Can I Improve as a Dad?
Teaching kids how to fish. Throwing the baseball in the yard. Helping with homework. Dads do a lot, but there’s more to being a good dad than just offering life lessons and perfectly grilled hot dogs. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by Bobby Lewis to talk about what makes a good dad.If you’re struggling with finding the right combination of discipline and encouragement, you’re not alone. Dads must wear many hats while raising kids. How do we know if we’re doing it well? Check in with trusted people who will tell you the trust. Who are they? Ted and Bobby discuss. Why This MattersThe importance of a dad’s role in the life of his kids can’t be overemphasized. Dad impact every area of their kids’ lives, so being involved matters. If you want to know how you’re doing with your kids…Check in with them. Check in with the people who know you best. Check in with yourself. Check in with coaches or teachers. Sometimes, check in with a pro. Important Episode Timestamps00:00 - 00:54 | Introduction & Big Question of the Week00:54 - 02:34 | A Snapshot of Fatherhood Today02:34 - 04:11 | Why Dad Involvement Matters—Big Time04:11 - 07:09 | The Check-In Hack: Asking Your Kids07:09 - 09:28 | Ask Your Spouse or Trusted Friend for Feedback09:28 - 11:05 | Self-Check: Journaling, Prayer & Pausing11:05 - 12:53 | Don't Just Assume You're Crushing It12:53 - 14:34 | Teachers & Coaches: Valuable Outside Perspective14:34 - 16:13 | Talk to a Pro: Counseling Is a Power MoveAPD Pro Move:Choose one of the 5 check-ins and get a gauge for where you are as a dad. Listen Again:Episode 24 – Who Do I Ask to Help Me Be a Great Dad?All Pro Dad Resources:What Are You Good at as a Dad?10 Ways to Know You’re a Good FatherHow to Be a Good Dad When You Had a Bad DadWe 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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18:10
What Your Wife Really Wants For Mother's Day
Moms tackle mountains of housework, cook great dinners, and organize the family calendar with the precision of a surgeon. They do so much for their families. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to acknowledge moms and discuss how we as dads can lighten their load. Mother’s Day is coming. How can you involve your kids in the day and make sure it’s a memorable one? Here’s a helpful hint: Breakfast in bed is never a bad idea. Let’s talk about some Mother’s Day ideas for your wife, and how we can continue to serve her after the holiday ends. Why This MattersMoms are important, and not just on Mother’s Day. Key TakeawaysUnequal distribution of the mental load in marriage leads to resentmentMoms carry an “invisible load”: Episode 47 of the iMOM Podcast breaks this down very well.Practical Tools for Dads1. Acknowledge the invisible load moms carry in the home. 2. Step up without being asked, to lighten the load on your wife. 3. Reframe household chores as teamwork. It’s all about partnering with your wife. 4. Teach kids to contribute. 5. Make Mother’s Day and every day meaningful. Important Episode Timestamps00:00 - 00:54 | Introduction & Big Question of the Day00:54 - 02:07 | The Invisible Load of Motherhood02:07 - 05:11 | Real-Life Examples of Mom’s Hidden Work05:11 - 06:06 | Jimmy on Relationships Video Clip06:06 - 09:13 | It's Not About the Spa—It’s About the Mental Load09:13 - 12:13 | Teaching Kids to Help Lighten the Load12:13 - 15:03 | Sharing Household Roles Without Being Asked15:03 - 18:00 | Stop Assuming—Start Participating18:00 - 22:00 | 5 Ways to Lighten the Load Year-RoundAPD Pro Move:Choose one task that can be taken off your wife’s plate. Do it this week and stick with it. All Pro Dad Resources:9 Easy Ideas for a Mother’s Day PlanWhat Moms Really Want for Mother’s DayMother’s Day anWe 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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