All Pro Dad Podcast

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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.

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

-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.

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.

[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. 

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?

5 Things Dads Need to Have a Vision For

4 Questions to Answer When Creating a Family Vision Statement

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

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!

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. 

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. 

• 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.

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.

[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

3 Mistakes Dads Make Every Day

Harvard: The Benefit of Family Mealtime

Sleep Foundation: Bedtime Routines for Adults

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

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!

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?

4 Things Kids Learn When We Do Things for Them

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

[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

Are We Raising a Generation of Gambling Addicts?

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

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

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!

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?

Dan Orlovsky: 5 Times Dads Must Battle Through

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

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

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!

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

5 Ways to Make Sure Your Kids Know You Like Them

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

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

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!

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.

All Pro Dad Resources:

Learn More about the All Pro Dad Chapter program

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

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!

The most important part of your child’s day is often the way it ends. Bedtime can easily become rushed. Not because it doesn’t matter but because dads get tired or have other things on their minds. How can we make those final few minutes memorable? In this episode of the All Pro Dad podcast Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to explain why the bedtime routine matters so much and how dads can make those moments count.

Why This Matters

Kids may not remember everything that happened during the day, but they'll remember how they felt when Dad said goodnight.

1. Bedtime is an emotional landing strip.
This part of the day offers children the chance to process emotions, feel secure, and strengthen their connection with Dad.

2. Connection matters more than efficiency.
Rushing bedtime may get kids to sleep faster but slowing down builds memories they'll carry for years.

3. Intentional routines create lasting impact.
Simple, repeatable bedtime traditions communicate safety, consistency, and unconditional love.

1. Slow things down.
Build in an extra 10 minutes, put your phone away, and avoid treating bedtime like another task to complete.

2. Create one repeatable connection point.
Read together, pray, ask one meaningful question, develop a special handshake, or create a family tradition your kids will anticipate every night.

3. Let older kids talk when they're ready.
Teenagers often open up late in the evening. Even if they're too old to be tucked in physically, they still need to be tucked in emotionally.

[00:00] How Can I Make Bedtime Matter?
[00:42] Did You Have a Bedtime Routine Growing Up?
[04:32] What Bedtime Looks Like in the Dads' Homes Right Now
[08:37] When Bedtime Gets Hard: An Honest Confession About Getting It Wrong
[13:55] Why Bedtime Is One of the Most Important Moments of the Entire Day
[16:35] The Science Behind Bedtime Routines
[20:45] What Dads Get Wrong at Bedtime
[26:48] Why the Goal of Bedtime Is Connection, Not Efficiency
[30:37] Practical Steps to Make Bedtime Matter Starting Tonight
[34:07] This Week's Pro Move
Tonight, don't leave your child's room feeling rushed; sit down, slow your breathing, and stay an extra two minutes after the routine ends.

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

Meaningful Bedtime Routines With Your Kids

 15 Statements to Encourage Your Kids at Bedtime

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

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!

Have your kids ever ignored you? Disobeyed you? These can be challenging moments for dads. We all want our kids to listen to us. What happens if they stop? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to dive into how dads can become the kind of people their kids trust and listen to consistently. 

Why This Matters
Kids are far more likely to embrace a father's wisdom when they trust his character.

Key Takeaways
1. Credibility is built through consistency.
Kids notice when our actions don't match our words. Living out what we teach earns trust, while hypocrisy quickly destroys it.

2. Influence grows when we listen more than we lecture.
Children are much more receptive when they feel heard. Asking thoughtful questions and genuinely listening often teaches more than lengthy speeches.

3. Trust is strengthened by honesty, humility, and conviction.
Being truthful, admitting when we're wrong, holding healthy boundaries, and respectfully engaging differing viewpoints make dads the kind of leaders kids naturally want to follow.

Practical Tips for Dads

1. Listen before you teach.
Ask questions, seek to understand your child's perspective, and resist the urge to immediately lecture or solve every problem.

2. Live what you believe.
Be consistent, tell the truth—even in small matters—and admit mistakes quickly. Authenticity builds long-term influence.

3. Hold firm convictions with humility.
Maintain clear boundaries, stay open to learning, and disagree respectfully without dismissing your child's thoughts or concerns.

Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] How Do You Become Someone Your Kids Actually Want to Learn From?
[00:34] What Teens Think About Journalists and What That Means for Dads
[02:35] Thing to Avoid #1: Being Inconsistent
[04:37] Thing to Avoid #2: Being Dogmatic
[08:22] Thing to Avoid #3: Lecturing More Than You Listen
[09:35] Thing to Avoid #4: Not Holding Boundaries
[11:00] Thing to Avoid #5: Being Dismissive
[13:36] Thing to Avoid #6: Lying to Your Kids
[14:44] What to Do Instead: Listen, Learn, and Disagree With Respect
[18:07] This Week's Pro Move
Ask your kids their opinion on something important this week. Listen without correcting or lecturing and see what you learn from 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:

Episode 61 – What Problems Do Kids Face Today That We Didn't?

Episode 95 – What Challenges Is Generation Alpha Facing?

Dustin Colquitt: 5 Lessons Our Kids Should Learn From Us 

7 Things Your Daughter Needs to Learn From You

5 Reasons Your Kids Should Learn From Your Mistakes

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.
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This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com.

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Get great content for moms at iMOM.com

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!

Kids aren't dumb—they're developing. But in a world of endless stimulation, many children never slow down long enough to think past the next TikTok craze or YouTube short. In this episode of the All Pro Dad podcast, Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about why thinking deeply matters and how dads can intentionally develop that skill through critical thinking activities for kids.

Why This Matters

Kids who learn to think critically become wiser decision-makers, better problem solvers, and more thoughtful adults.

Key Takeaways

1. Critical thinking develops over time.

Kids naturally think about what's directly in front of them. Development plays a major role, but dads can help move them from simply reacting to actually reasoning through situations.

2. Today's world makes deep thinking difficult.

Constant stimulation, shorter attention spans, fewer kids reading for fun, and the disappearance of boredom all work against developing thoughtful children.

3. Dads can intentionally teach kids to think.

Critical thinking isn't just an academic skill. It helps kids consider consequences, understand different perspectives, solve problems, and make wise decisions throughout life.

Practical Tips for Dads

1. Create a slow-thinking environment.

Reduce constant stimulation, allow boredom, limit screens, and introduce activities like chess, books, and uninterrupted conversations that naturally develop deeper thinking.

2. Ask better questions.

Instead of giving answers, ask open-ended questions like:

• "Why do you think that?"
• "What do you think happened?"
• "What would you do differently?"
  Follow-up questions teach kids how to think, not just what to think.

3. Stretch your child's time horizon.

Help kids connect today's decisions with tomorrow's outcomes. Talk about future goals, long-term consequences, and the kind of person they want to become.

Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Why Don't Our Kids Think Critically and What Can Dads Do About It?
[00:30] Chicken on the Table and Other Signs Your Kids Aren't Thinking
[03:17] Why Kids Aren't Wired to Think Critically Yet
[04:12] The Difference Between Parroting and Actually Thinking
[08:41] What Critical Thinking Actually Means in Kid Terms
[09:36] Teaching Kids to See From Other Angles and Think Things Through
[12:55] What's Getting in the Way of Kids Thinking Critically Today
[16:35] Why Dads Need to Show Kids That the World Is Bigger Than Their Bubble
[19:44] Practical Ways to Build Critical Thinking Into Everyday Life
[23:12] This Week's Pro Move:
Ask your child one thoughtful question this week—and resist the urge to answer it for them. Give them time to think.

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 123 – How to Teach Your Kids Values: 4 Practical Steps for Parents

5 Ways to Prepare Your Teen for an Unpredictable Future

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