When I was invited to host the All Pro Dad Podcast, I had a lot of reservations. Doesn’t being a podcast host suggest you are a subject matter expert? I certainly have a lot of parenting miles on me and have learned a lot of dad lessons. I have 4 kids ranging in ages from 14 to 24, but does that make me an expert or just tired?
When the podcast launched, my so-called friend confirmed my concerns. He texted, “Oh, so now you’re a professional dad?” My son’s girlfriend sincerely asked, “So are you the All Pro Dad?” That would be a big no to both questions. While none of us on the All Pro Dad Podcast claims to be an expert, we do our research and learn from each other. Here are 8 huge dad lessons I’ve learned from hosting the All Pro Dad Podcast.
1. Dads are trying hard.
Most of us were never taught how to be a dad. From learning to install a car seat to teaching a kid to drive, we want what is best for our kids. It’s important to stop and say to yourself, “Hey, I’m not perfect, but I’m trying really hard to be a good dad.”
2. Being a dad should make us laugh.
If you are like me, I can get too serious and concerned about being a dad, wondering if I’m doing it right. But oh man, when I breathe and remember to listen and watch my kids, I see how truly funny they are. No Hollywood writer could think of the things that come out of their mouths. It’s important to enjoy our kids’ comedic bits. It amps up the joy in our homes.
3. No dad gets it right every time.
Regardless of what Facebook and Instagram suggest, no dad is perfect. Despite our best efforts, there are times when our tones, responses, reactions, attention, and/or approaches are not what our kids need. We need to remind ourselves that neither we nor our kids will get it right every time.
4. We can’t control our kids.
We can give our kids boundaries, advice, love, encouragement, and affection, but we can’t make them do anything. I’ve learned my most frustrating and ineffective parenting happens when I’m trying to control my kid.
5. We can control ourselves.
The good news is that we can choose our words and actions. Again, we are not going to get it right every time. But we can learn better ways, and we can choose to live them out.
6. Being intentional matters.
Perhaps my favorite thing about the podcast is the intentionality it brings to dads.
For instance, setting your mind on how you want to respond the next time you get angry almost guarantees a better response. We are all better dads when we are deliberate dads.
7. There is help.
Like their dad, two of my kids struggle with anxiety. When it first started happening, my wife and I felt lost and alone. We were not. There are experts, books, articles, counselors, organizations, and podcasts to help. In fact, our organization, Family First, the organization that brings you this podcast and countless other resources, has a sole mission of helping families love well.
8. Our kids need us more than we can imagine.
Kids are bombarded by images, distractions, and the constant push to be enough. Our influence, love, encouragement, and affection matter, even when our kids suggest it doesn’t. Dads, we can do this. We just must do what we hope, pray, and learn is the right big or small next step.
Sound off: What are some dad lessons you have learned recently?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What is one important thing you have learned about being a kid this year?”