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.

If you want to know who your kids are, you have to listen to what they say. Take note of how they respond to things. The more you listen intently, the deeper your relationship will go and the more likely you build trust. When you do this consistently, good things start to happen.

Why This Matters

Listening well is the key to effective communication between kids and dads.

What Happens When We Listen?

1. 1. You show them their words have value.
2. 2. You encourage emotional expression.
3. 3. You promote confidence and self-worth.
4. 4. You get to hear their needs or concerns.
5. 5. It improves their problem solving skills.
6. 6. It strengthens their emotional regulation.
7. 7. It fosters respect and empathy.
8. 8. It prevents miscommunication… sometimes. 
9.  

Questions You Can Ask Your Kids

1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
2. What’s one thing that made you happy today?
3. What’s one thing you could change about school?
4. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
5. What’s something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of?

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 00:55 | Introduction & Big Question of the Week
Ted, Bobby, and BJ dive into why listening to your kids matters more than we think.

00:55 – 02:23 | Who Listens to You? The Power of Feeling Heard
The hosts reflect on the people who made them feel truly listened to—and how it shaped them.

02:23 – 04:00 | Why Dads Struggle to Listen
Exploring stereotypes and habits that keep fathers in “fix-it” mode instead of connection mode.

04:00 – 06:05 | Listening Builds Trust, Connection & Emotional Safety
How empathy, presence, and patience create lifelong bonds with your child.

06:05 – 08:12 | Listening Boosts Confidence & Self-Worth
When kids are heard, they feel important—and that fuels their belief in themselves.

08:12 – 10:24 | What Active Listening Looks Like
From eye contact to setting down your phone, small actions that signal full presence.

10:24 – 12:17 | Helping Kids Process Emotions Through Listening
Letting kids talk through emotions out loud helps them learn to self-regulate and problem-solve.

12:17 – 14:16 | Teaching Respect, Preventing Miscommunication
Modeling listening teaches empathy, reduces assumptions, and opens up honest dialogue.

14:16 – 15:53 | Playbook Time: 5 Easy Questions to Spark Conversation
Fun and thoughtful prompts to get your kid talking—without the pressure.

15:53 – 17:15 | Pro Move of the Week: Ask Just One Question
Pick one question from the show notes, ask it, and let your kid know you’re truly listening.

APD 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!

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.