Ever tried to have a quiet conversation with your wife while a toddler was around? Good luck. We love kids, but they sure can get in the way sometimes. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the threats parenting presents to marriage. Why This MattersMarriages change after you have kids. Men must prioritize their relationship with their wives in order to weather the challenges that parenting presents. Common Threats to Marriage After Becoming a Dad· Exhaustion: Kids wear us out physically, emotionally, and mentally. That impacts your marriage. · New areas of conflict: Arguments can get us thinking “me” not “we.”· Losing sight of each other: Don’t live like roommates. Set aside intentional time to connect with your wife. · Mis-ordered priorities: Our wives’ needs should always come before kids’. · Forgetting you’re a team: Work together with your wife to raise kids well. Important Episode Timestamps00:00 – 02:03 | Anniversary Plans Gone Wrong02:03 – 05:15 | When Kids Interrupt Everything05:15 – 07:02 | Life Before and After Kids07:02 – 09:20 | The Big Question: What Threats Do Kids Bring to Marriage?09:20 – 13:31 | Threat #1: Exhaustion13:31 – 17:12 | The Power of Prioritizing Date Night17:12 – 22:13 | Threat #2: New Arenas for Conflict22:13 – 26:33 | Threat #3: Living Like Roommates26:33 – 33:15 | Threat #4: Misordered Priorities33:15 – End | Pro Move of the Week: Put your wife first this week. Plan a date. Schedule quiet time together. Remind her that she is your top priority.All Pro Dad Resources:Episode 70 – What Do Happily Married Couples Think About?Episode 48 – How Do I Overcome Challenges in My Marriage?5 Threats Parenting Presents to Marriage5 Barriers to Fun in Your Marriage9 Ways to 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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41:45
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41:45
What Phrases Should Dads Stop Using?
“Money doesn’t grow on trees! Pull my finger!” Some dad phrases are goofy. But others? They can be quite hurtful, even if we don’t mean for them to be. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about common phrases we need to cut out.Why This MattersWords aren’t neutral with our kids. They are either helpful or hurtful.Phrases That Make Kids Feel Small and Unheard1. "Stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about." Instead, try: "It's okay to feel sad/frustrated/scared. Tell me what's going on." 2. “What’s wrong with you?”Instead, try: "That choice wasn't like you. Help me understand what happened. Phrases That Can Hurt Our Connection With Our Kids3. "When I was your age…" Instead, try: "You are growing up in a different world than I did. Explain it to me like I’m a martian. 4. “You are making me crazy.”Instead, try: "I’m feeling really frustrated right now. I need a minute, and then we can talk about.” Phrases That Can Mess Up How Our Kids See Authority and Even God5. "Because I said so." Instead, try: "Focus on natural consequences and clear boundaries: "If you don't pick up your toys, they'll be put away for a week."6. “I’m disappointed in you.”Instead, try: "I'm disappointed with that choice you made, and I know you can do better."Important Episode Timestamps 00:00 – 02:36 | Dad Phrases We All Say02:36 – 04:09 | Southern Sayings and Dad Humor04:09 – 05:08 | The Big Question: What Should Dads Stop Saying?05:08 – 08:52 | “Stop Crying or I’ll Give You Something to Cry About”08:52 – 10:00 | “What’s Wrong with You?” and “What Were You Thinking?”10:00 – 13:05 | “When I Was Your Age” and “You’re Making Me Crazy”13:05 – 17:52 | “Because I Said So” and the Problem with Authority17:52 – End | “I’m Disappointed in You” and the Weight of WordsAPD Pro Move:This week, before you correct, question, or even joke with your child, pause for just one second and ask yourself, 'Is what I'm about to say hurtful or helpful for my kid?All Pro Dad Resources:Episode 61 – What ProbWe 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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24:45
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24:45
Should Dads Be Worried About the Manosphere?
If your son has a TikTok or Instagram account, he’s likely aware of the manosphere. Even if he’s off social media, his friends probably aren’t. The world of hyper masculine, misogynistic, anti-feminist content is becoming increasingly popular with young men, but why? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the dangerous content of the manosphere and how it’s resonating with boys and young men.Why This MattersThere’s nothing beneficial about the manosphere, so we should learn how to help our family avoid its poison. What Do Most Boys Want?Kids, especially boys, are asking themselves these questions:1. “Who am I?”Boys are looking for identity.2. “Where do I belong?”Boys want to fit in.3. “How do I influence the world?”Boys are looking to leave their mark. Important Episode Timestamps00:00 – 02:03 | What Is the Manosphere?The hosts define key terms and unpack how online communities shape men’s beliefs about masculinity.02:03 – 04:11 | The Good, the Bad, and the ConfusingThe dads tackle the mixed messages the manosphere sends.04:11 – 06:32 | When Men Feel UnseenMany men turn to the manosphere when they feel misunderstood by culture.06:32 – 09:15 | Influencers and Echo ChambersCertain voices online gain power by amplifying anger and oversimplifying manhood.09:15 – 12:05 | Real Strength vs. Online PosturingAuthentic masculinity is marked by service and humility.12:05 – 15:12 | Why Young Men Are VulnerableLoneliness, fatherlessness, and social media pull teens into toxic content.15:12 – 18:37 | Calling Dads to EngageFathers must teach boys what real manhood looks like.18:37 – 22:43 | Modeling Healthy MasculinityThe dads share stories and practical ways to show strength through gentleness and integrity.22:43 – End | Pro Move: “Ask your son who he is following on social media. Ask him if he’s heard of the manosphere, incels, and “red pills” and find out what he thinks about it.”All Pro Dad Resources5 Ways We Want Our Sons to Rethink Manhood5 Destructive Messages We Send Our 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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33:08
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33:08
Dr. Chinwé Williams: How to Build Resilience in Children
The rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm have been steadily increasing for the last decade. The COVID-19 pandemic did nothing to slow it down. If anything, it made it worse. How are dads to deal with their kids’ mental health? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by Dr. Chinwé Williams to talk about how to raise emotionally resilient kids.Why This MattersEmpathy is powerful, but a lot of us are bad at it. Learning to be a more empathetic father makes us a better father. Key Takeaways· Our kids need help.· Anxiety is the No. 1 mental health issue.· Cyberbullying and harassment are common.Practical Tools for DadsIf you’re feeling overwhelmed or wondering how to help your kids build emotional resilience, start with these steps:1. Know the red flags.Sleep disturbances, changes in food intake, mood shifts, and avoidance of friends are all signs dads can look for that indicate kids may be struggling with their mental health. 2. Stay calm-ish. “You actually don’t have to feel calm to be calm.” – Dr. Williams3. Initiate a pause or break. Pausing for 10–90 seconds gives you a long enough break to make a wise decision, have calm-ish reactions, and keep you from saying things you may regret with your kids. 4. Emotional connection matters. If we want emotionally resilient kids, we must be emotionally present with them. “It sounds squishy or soft… but it really is powerful.” – Dr. Williams. Important Episode Timestamps00:00 – 01:13 | Introducing Dr. Chinwé Williams01:13 – 02:17 | A Personal Story of Panic Attacks02:17 – 03:55 | The Power of Empathy03:55 – 05:04 | Why Resilience Matters05:04 – 09:04 | What’s Behind Rising Anxiety09:04 – 12:31 | The Role of Social Media and Global Stressors12:31 – 15:30 | Spotting Behavioral Red Flags15:30 – 19:41 | Calm-ish Parenting and the Power of Pause19:41 – 26:47 | Emotional Connection Over Perfection26:47 – End | Pro Move: Ask your child, “What would be your best day ever?” Then start thinking of ways to make that happen and put it on the calendar.All Pro Dad Resources:Episode 86 – Kathleen Edelman: Learn and Leverage Your Kids’ Natural WiringWe 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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34:35
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34:35
What's the Best Part About Being a Girl Dad?
Search “songs about daughters” on Spotify. There’s no shortage of lyrics about a dads’ love for his little girls. That bond is worth singing about! In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the responsibility of being a girl dad and all the fun, challenges, and joys that come with it.Why This MattersThrough their behavior and intention, dads demonstrate to daughters how they should be treated, valued, and loved. Key Takeaways· National Institute for Health: “Girls report higher levels of self-esteem when they perceive their dads as active and helpful.”· Institute for Family Studies: “Well-fathered daughters are less likely to get pregnant as teenagers.”Truths about Dads and Daughters1. Girls will see Dad as the male standard2. Girls tend to be sweeter than boys 3. They open up a new world4. Being the protector and comforter 5. Girls make you a better man6. It’s fun to be their cheerleaderImportant Episode Timestamps00:00 – 00:43 | Butterfly Kisses and Dad Emotions00:43 – 02:21 | Music, Memories, and Growing Up02:21 – 04:44 | Little Moments That Hit Hard04:44 – 06:20 | Daddy-Daughter Dance Memories06:20 – 09:11 | Our Daughters’ First Love09:11 – 11:42 | Setting the Standard for Relationships11:42 – 13:49 | Protector and Comforter13:49 – 16:24 | Sensitivity and Emotional Intelligence16:24 – 19:05 | Daughters Change Dads19:05 – End | Pro Move of the Week:Set aside 1-on-1 time this week with each of your daughters. Let them set the agenda and just enjoy being with your girl.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:How to Have An Adventure With Your Daughter7 Father–Daughter Bonding ActivitiesDaddy–DWe 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.
South Africa