One of the most powerful things that’s happening in our world these days is that parents are seeing the need for deeper connections with their children. They’re looking further down the road than they used to be, considering what they want their legacy on their children’s lives to be. Dads in particular are coming around a bit more slowly than moms, but it’s happening. Today’s guest, Jeff Hay, is very aware of the need for Dads to be powerfully present in the lives of their kids and is doing what he can to encourage that sort of action. On this episode, David has a candid conversation with Jeff about that topic, and you’re going to be the one who benefits.

The powerful role Dads have in their kids’ lives.

Dads are the essential model of manhood that their children need. Nobody else can have the impact of a Dad who takes his role and his presence seriously. This conversation opens the door to many of the issues involved in Dads taking a more proactive role in the lives of their children, and today’s guest, Jeff Hay, has lots to share about how Dads can reclaim some ground in the lives of their children or ensure that the mistakes many Dads have made are not carried out in your life. Be sure you listen. This is a powerful conversation.

Your daughter will evaluate every future man, based on who you are.

That’s one of the gold nuggets Jeff Hay leaves with us as he talks about the impact that dedicated Dads can have on their children. He draws out the reality that a Dad is the context by which his sons and daughters learn what manhood is and what it should be. Dads, make sure you take that seriously. You don’t want to set a standard that your children will be disappointed with, or worse, one that leads them to accept something far less than what they could have or be. This conversation is very intriguing and powerful, so be sure you take the time to soak in the goodness of what Jeff Hay has to share.

The first thing parents should do if they want to connect with their kids.

Turn off the cell phone. Put away the computer. Take the time to really focus on the moments you have with your children right now. You won’t get the moments or the years back once they are gone, so make sure you’re doing the best you can with what you have. Today’s guest, Jeff Hay, has begun his own private movement to encourage Dads to take on their role with more seriousness and more intentionality. You can find out more about Jeff and this mini-movement, on this episode of Crank It Up.

What you can do to rebuild bridges with your children that have long been burned.

If there have been painful interactions between you and your children, the first thing you need to know is that it’s not too late. You don’t have to settle for things as they are. But if you are going to move forward, it will require a great deal of courage and humility on your part as the parent. You’ve got to be willing to approach the sore spots, speak to them honestly, and admit your wrongs in what has happened. That’s the only hope you have of getting your kids to listen to what you have to say from that point forward. Listen to Jeff Hay’s counsel about repairing the burned bridges, on this episode.

Outline of this great episode

[1:47] David’s introduction of his guest and the setting.

[2:59] How David came to meet today’s guest.

[3:20] What the father/daughter dance is and how it came about.

[6:09] The changes that happen in life and how they impact relationships.

[10:26] The unique situation where Jeff and his wife separated – and why.

[12:11] The difficulties experienced by couples who have parted ways.

[17:30] The powerful role of Dads in their children’s lives.

[21:07] Things men can do to build the bond with their children.

[25:01] The first thing parents should do if they want to connect with their kids.

[29:00] What you can do now to be who you want to be ...