All Pro Dad Podcast

8 Unhealthy Things Kids Are Doing in 2026

EXTRAS:

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5 Unhealthy Behaviors Kids Are Doing Today Oct 26, 2026

Show notes

Every generation has had its unhealthy trends. We had smoking, hitchhiking, not wearing seatbelts—and plenty of other things we probably wouldn’t let our kids do today. But our kids have their own challenges. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about some of the unhealthy behaviors they’re seeing and talk through ways dads can help their kids.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Dads need to help kids understand why some things are unhealthy and point them toward better behaviors.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

-Every generation has unhealthy trends. This isn't about dumping on today's kids. Our generations had plenty of unhealthy behaviors too.

-Some modern trends are driven by influence and comparison. Influencer culture and looksmaxxing can cause kids to imitate unhealthy behaviors or become overly focused on appearance.

-Avoidance doesn't make kids stronger. Cancel culture, avoidance, and ghosting can teach kids to escape uncomfortable people, ideas, and conversations instead of learning how to navigate them.

-Kids need healthier alternatives. Instead of simply taking something away, dads can point their kids toward meaningful activities, real-life role models, character development, and healthy relationships.

-Kids need to learn how to handle discomfort. Difficult conversations, disagreement, awkwardness, and failure are part of life. Learning to navigate them builds resilience.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR DADS

Talk with your kids, not at them. Ask what they're seeing among their peers and online. Find out what they think about these behaviors before immediately telling them what to think.
Help them find something worth committing to. Instead of resume stacking, encourage kids to find one or two activities they genuinely care about and stick with them over time.
Point them toward real-life role models. Instead of allowing influencers and celebrities to become their primary examples, talk about people you know personally who demonstrate character, integrity, kindness, and other qualities you admire.
Focus on character instead of appearance. Instead of obsessing over looks, help kids grow in knowledge, character, social skills, and their ability to take an interest in other people.
Teach kids how to disagree. They don't have to agree with everyone. But learning to sit with someone who sees the world differently—and have a respectful conversation—is an important life skill.
Don't let avoidance become the default. When your child faces an awkward or difficult social situation, help them work through it instead of immediately escaping it. Share your own stories of social failures and uncomfortable conversations.
Let kids experience some discomfort. Empathize with your kids when they're struggling, but don't always rush in to remove the discomfort. A child who knows what it feels like to be left out may become more aware of someone else who is standing alone.

IMPORTANT EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] What Are Some Unhealthy Things Kids Are Doing Today?
The dads acknowledge that every generation has done unhealthy things. The goal with our kids is to help them, not criticize them.

[01:11] Resume Stacking: When Impressive on Paper Means Burned Out in Real Life
Ted explains how kids are loading up on extracurriculars to boost college applications, and BJ points out that colleges can spot it quickly and value long-term commitment over a long list.

[03:16] Influencer Culture and Why Kids Treat Famous People Like Experts
Bobby makes the case that kids assume someone famous must be brilliant on every topic, while BJ reflects on how many influencers are younger and still learning about the world.

[07:15] Looksmaxxing: When Self-Improvement Turns Dangerous
BJ breaks down the trend of young men going to extreme lengths to maximize their appearance and the dangers that presents.

[09:18] The 15-Year-Old Who Said “If I Have a Heart Attack at 30, Oh Well”
Bobby shares the CBS News story of a teen taking steroids to look good now and contrasts it with his own college protein shake mistakes.

[11:14] Cancel Culture: Teaching Kids That Disagreement Isn’t a Reason to Cut Someone Off
Ted explains how canceling has moved from the internet into kids’ real relationships.

[13:35] Why Friction Makes Us Sharper: Moving From “Safe” to “Curious”
BJ says kids need to shift from needing to feel safe to being curious, making the case that we get sharper through friction and not through avoiding it.

[14:37] Avoidance and Ghosting: Why Kids Are Skipping Hard Conversations
Bobby introduces ghosting as a pattern that raises anxiety, and Ted explains how texting helped an entire generation avoid difficult face-to-face conversations.

[16:52] What Dads Can Do Instead: Replace Each Unhealthy Habit With Something Better
The dads walk through healthier alternatives for kids.

[21:15] This Week’s Pro Move: Ask Your Kids What They’ve Seen in Their Friends
Ask your kids about these behaviors and if they see it happening with their peers, and how they feel about them. Then ask them if they have ever engaged in any of these.

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 95 – What Challenges Is Generation Alpha Facing?

4 Unhealthy Beliefs Our Kids Confuse for Truth

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!

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5 Ways to Vet Your Kids’ Friends

EXTRAS:

How Can Dads Help Their Kids Build Friendships? Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

For some kids, friendships seem to happen naturally. For others, making friends can be incredibly difficult—and heartbreaking for parents to watch. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about why friendships matter, why some kids struggle to make them, and what dads can actually do to help.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Friendships are an important part of growing up. They teach kids how to communicate, navigate disagreements, and work through awkward and difficult moments.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

-Kids don't need dozens of friends. A few deep, healthy friendships can be far more valuable than a large social circle.

-Dads can create opportunities for friendship by making their homes welcoming places for kids to gather.

-Phones and excessive specialization can become barriers to the in-person interaction where friendships develop.

-Kids need to see their dads modeling healthy friendships—not just hear lectures about how to be a good friend.

-Not every friendship lasts forever. Kids need to learn that relationships change as they grow through different stages of life.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR DADS

1. Be THAT house.

Make your home a place where kids want to spend time by inviting people over, stocking the pantry with snacks, and making your house as welcoming as possible.

2. Aim for 3 friends, not 30.

The goal isn't to have the biggest social circle. Teach your kids to look for quality rather than quantity.

3. Take the phones away.

Phones can sometimes be a conduit for friendship, but they can also become a barrier to real connection.

4. Discourage specialization.

Encourage your kids to have multiple interests and participate in different activities. Variety gives kids more opportunities.

5. Model good friendships.

Your kids need to see you having friends, too. Don't just tell your kids what a good friend looks like. Show them.

6. Help them understand that friendships change.

Not every person will remain a close friend forever. Kids will go through different seasons and not everyone stays close through change.

IMPORTANT EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] How Do We Help Our Kids Make Friends?
Ted shares that nearly 1 in 5 parents say their child has no friends or not enough and sets up a conversation about what dads can actually do to help.

[00:32] What Does Friendship Actually Look Like at Different Stages?
Bobby defines a friend as someone you enjoy being around and have chosen to share parts of your life with, while the guys reflect on how friendship looks different throughout childhood.

[04:08] Why Friendship Matters So Much
Friendship is essential to kids’ development. It’s where they learn forgiveness, empathy, and how to navigate conflict.

[05:52] The Real Reasons Kids Struggle to Make Friends
University of Michigan research identifies the most common barriers to friendship — shyness, lack of time, established peer groups, too few places to gather, and peers who are simply mean.

[09:16] When Dad Becomes the Friend
Ted shares how his wife recognized their daughter needed them to step into the friend role during her isolated senior year and how that friendship is still thriving.

[15:55] Make Your House THE House
Bobby reveals his parents made deliberate investments to make their home a cool gathering place where real friendships could grow.

[18:15] Kids Don’t Need 30 Friends, They Need 3 Good Ones
Pew data shows most adults have 1 to 4 close friends. Ted makes the case that helping kids identify who sticks around through the hard seasons is one of the most valuable friendship lessons a dad can teach.

[20:32] What to Look For in a Good Friend
Bobby explains how to guide kids toward friends who celebrate their wins, handle disagreements with maturity, and stay loyal through difficulty, while BJ shares a touching story about a young man grieving a lost friendship because he had hoped he’d found “his BJ.”

[23:14] Discourage Friend Specialization
Ted and Bobby make the case for keeping kids from putting all their social eggs in one basket — sports teams, church groups, theater, etc.

[29:22] APD Pro Move:
Ask your kids what qualities make up a good friend. Praise them for the ones they are currently displaying. Try to set up a time for your kids to spend time with others 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

5 Signs Your Child’s Friends Are the Worst

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!

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5 Things Dads Need to Have a Vision For

EXTRAS:

Do You Have a Vision for Your Family? Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

Does your family have a clear vision? Knowing where you're going helps you move with confidence. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster, and Bobby Lewis to talk about why benefit from a family vision and how dads can create one.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Having a vision helps dads make decisions based on what matters most rather than whatever feels urgent in the moment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

-Vision starts with deciding where you want to go. Without direction, even a busy family can drift.

-Dads need vision not only for their families but also for the people they and their kids are becoming.

-A family vision should shape relationships, purpose, values, and everyday decisions.

-The goal isn't controlling who your kids become. It's helping them think intentionally about character, virtues, purpose, and the kind of people they want to be.

-Vision isn't just something you write down. It should influence the decisions you make every day.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR DADS

1. Create a vision for yourself.

Write down the attributes and virtues you want your life to be about and put them somewhere you can see them regularly.

2. Create a vision for your family.

Involve your family in the vision building so they can help shape and own it.

3. Help your kids think about the people they want to become.

Get kids thinking about character and purpose rather than simply accomplishments and careers.

4. Create a vision for your relationships.

Think intentionally about the relationships you want to have—with your spouse, kids, friends, and others.

5. Create a vision for your purpose.

Help your kids recognize their gifts, talents, interests, and ways they can contribute to the world and serve others.

IMPORTANT EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] How Can We Create a Vision for Our Families?
Ted challenges dads to think beyond daily life and ask where their family is actually headed.

[00:33] Why Families Without Vision Get Lost
BJ tells a story of an NFL player who swam nine miles to safety because he knew which direction to go.

[04:31] Step One: Start With a Vision for Who You Want to Become
The dads challenges listeners to ask themselves what kind of man they want to be in five years and then start living toward it daily.

[05:41] What Do You Want People to Say at Your Funeral?
Bobby explains that the best filter for any decision is asking whether it will matter in four minutes, four weeks, four months, or forever.

[07:01] Your Kids Don't Care What You Do — They Care Who You Are
Ted reflects on his own experience with ADHD-driven ambition, crediting a mentor who helped him see that his kids just want him — not his accomplishments.

[09:12] Step Two: Cast a Vision for Who You Want Your Kids to Become
Casting a vision for your kids isn't about controlling them or mapping out their careers — it's about intentionally instilling character qualities like honesty, gratitude, and faithfulness that will shape who they are long after they leave home.

[12:44] What It Looks Like When the Vision Actually Works
Bobby and BJ share recent moments when their kids showed character traits they'd been quietly modeling for years.

[17:25] Step Three: Have a Vision for the Relationships Around Your Family
Ted makes an impassioned case for prioritizing friendship and modeling healthy relationships, explaining that men who don't invest in community are modeling isolation for their kids.

[20:48] Step Four: Know Your Purpose
Bobby challenges dads to move beyond career and money to ask what they're genuinely wired to do.

[26:13] Boil It Down to One Sentence and Invite Your Family Into the Vision
Distill your family vision into a single sentence they can actually measure against.

APD PRO MOVE:

Have a discussion with your family about your vision for your family.

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 109: Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers?

4 Questions to Answer When Creating a Family Vision Statement

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!

Donate your year end gift here to help us help dads: https://donate.allprodad.com/podcast

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3 Mistakes Dads Make Every Day

EXTRAS:

How Do I Win The Everyday? Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

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

Harvard: The Benefit of Family Mealtime

Sleep Foundation: Bedtime Routines for Adults

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!

Donate your year end gift here to help us help dads: https://donate.allprodad.com/podcast

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4 Things Kids Learn When We Do Things for Them

EXTRAS:

Raise a Self-Starter: Helping Kids Take Initiative Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

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?

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

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!

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Are We Raising a Generation of Gambling Addicts?

EXTRAS:

Are We Raising a Generation of Gambling Addicts? Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

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

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

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!

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Dan Orlovsky: 5 Times Dads Must Battle Through

EXTRAS:

5 Things Dads Can Do When They're In Over Their Heads Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

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?

Yes, Parenting is Harder Now and What to Do About It

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5 Ways to Make Sure Your Kids Know You Like Them

EXTRAS:

Your Kids Know You Love Them—But Do They Know You Like Them? Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

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

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

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EXTRAS:

What Changes When Dads Are Involved with Kids Schools? Everything. Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

School-related things have traditionally been handled by Mom, but the research is clear—when dads get involved in a kids’ education, those kids thrive in the classroom. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by National Director of Chapters for All Pro Dad, Jason Hood, and Pasco County (FL) School Superintendent Dr. John Legg, to talk about why everybody wins when dads get engaged with their children’s schooling.

Why This Matters
Kids whose dads are involved in the education process have more success in school, are typically more confident students, and exhibit fewer behavioral problems.

Key Takeaways

·Dads Are Welcome: Dads don’t always plug in at school because they feel uncomfortable, awkward, or uninvited. But dads don't have to be education experts to make a difference. Simply showing up tells your kids that their education matters.

·Presence Creates Connection: Something as simple as driving your kids to school can give dads valuable one-on-one time to listen, tell stories, ask questions, and build a relationship. Consistency matters because those everyday conversations can eventually open the door to deeper conversations.

·Dads Must Be Intentional: Whether it's attending parent-teacher conferences, meeting teachers, helping with school projects, or joining or starting an All Pro Dad Chapter, dads can find simple ways to become a consistent presence in their kids' education.

Practical Tips for Dads

1. Start by showing up. Take your kids to school or pick them up when you can, meet their teachers, attend conferences, and look for opportunities to be physically present at school.

2. Use the time you have to build connection. Don't turn every car ride or school conversation into an interrogation. Tell stories about your own experiences, ask natural questions, listen, and be consistent enough that your kids learn that Dad is genuinely interested in their lives.

3. Find a way to plug in. Look for an All Pro Dad Chapter at your child's school, or ask the school administration about starting one. You don't have to have everything figured out—just take the first step toward becoming more involved.

Important Episode Timestamps
[00:00] What Actually Happens When a Dad Shows Up at His Kid's School?
[00:50] Why So Many Dads Step Out of Their Kids' Education
[03:20] What Happens to Kids When Dads Do Show Up
[06:51] The Simple Act of Taking Your Kid to School and Why It Changes Everything
[09:53] How to Actually Make the Most of That Car Ride
[11:49] Why Dads Need to Share the Mental Load of Education With Mom
[13:39] How Jason Uses His Own ADHD to Connect With His Son on the Way to School
[17:22] What the All Pro Dad Chapter Program Is and How It Works
[20:16] What Dr. Legg Has Seen the Chapter Program Do for Schools
[26:38] This Week's Pro Move: Find out if your kids' school has an All Pro Dad chapter. If it does, join it. If it doesn't consider starting one.

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.

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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!

Donate your year end gift here to help us help dads: https://donate.allprodad.com/podcast

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