Resolving Dad

In this episode of Resolving Dad, Daron and his co-host discuss their experiences at the annual Big Camp in Jindabyne, Greater Sydney, featuring special guests Brenda Walsh and Chuck Hagele from the USA. Brenda Walsh, known in the Adventist community for her work with children and families, shares powerful stories about the importance of praying for children with faith and authenticity. Chuck Hagele, who runs Project Patch, talks about building resilience in troubled kids. The conversation covers key parenting topics such as shame-free parenting, effective communication, and the significance of modeling behavior for children. Both guests emphasize the transformative power of prayer and introduce new resources to support parents in their journey, including a 15-part series called Life Ready Families and Brenda Walsh’s prayer tool, Passionate Prayer Promises. The episode concludes with the overarching themes of the importance of authenticity in parenting and the impact of sincere prayer.

In this episode of ‘Resolving Dad Now,’ hosts Daron and Justin discuss the challenges and joys of being present fathers. They reflect on Father’s Day celebrations and delve into the significance of being a present and authentic father. The discussion covers the impact of fathers’ presence on children’s mental health and brain development, referring to research and literature. They also emphasise the importance of maintaining boundaries, demonstrating unconditional love, and supporting one’s marriage. The episode concludes with Daron offering seven actionable tips for being a good father.

Justin Boyd and Daron Pratt continue their conversation on authentic fatherhood, introducing a new segment called Dad Hacks with lighthearted parenting solutions (like using zip ties or balloons as emergency hair ties). The main focus of the episode is the book The Power of Showing Up by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. They unpack the “Four S’s” of parenting—Safe, Seen, Soothed, and Secure—emphasizing that children don’t need perfect parents, but present ones. They discuss practical ways dads can make their kids feel noticed, understood, and comforted, even in small everyday moments. The episode stresses that it’s never too late to start showing up for your children, whether they’re young or already adults, and challenges dads to find intentional ways to be present in their kids’ lives this week.

In Episode 3 of Resolving Dad, Justin and Daron explore the idea of “showing up” for your kids—not in a perfect way, but in a consistent, authentic way that helps build trust and emotional connection. Drawing from The Power of Showing Up by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, they emphasize that parenting isn’t about the amount of time you spend, but the quality of that time. Even short, intentional moments—like putting your phone away and being fully present—can make a deep impact on your child’s development and sense of security.

The episode focuses on the first of four key parenting needs: helping your child feel safe. Safety isn’t just physical; emotional safety matters just as much. This means being a calm, predictable presence your child can turn to without fear of judgment or shame. The hosts share practical ideas like using reflective listening (“uh-huh, really, tell me more”), showing up for small moments, and apologizing when you get it wrong. These consistent habits build emotional resilience and healthy attachment. The episode ends with a challenge for parents to reflect: How am I showing up today?

In the debut episode of Resolving Dad, pastors and fathers Justin Boyd and Daron Pratt launch a heartfelt and down-to-earth conversation about modern parenting. Framed as a space for all caregivers—not just dads—they explore what it means to be an authentic parent in a world where screens dominate childhood. Set against the backdrop of their personal experiences as dads, granddads, and spiritual leaders, the hosts aim to bring honesty and encouragement to parents navigating today’s challenges.

This episode centers on the impact of screens and technology on family life, particularly how children’s relationships with devices begin early and often become all-consuming. The hosts draw from Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation, discussing how shifts in society—from the loss of neighborhood community and outdoor play to the rise of screen-based interaction—have fundamentally changed the way children grow up. They reflect on the tension between embracing technology and protecting childhood, encouraging parents to stay present and informed in their children’s digital worlds.

What makes Resolving Dad refreshing is its tone: practical, non-judgmental, and real. Justin and Daron don’t pretend to have all the answers, but they do model intentional parenting—where connection, balance, and presence matter more than perfection. With humor, candor, and a shared commitment to meaningful family life, they offer listeners both challenge and comfort as they unpack what it means to raise resilient, grounded kids in an age of smartphones and social media.