Feeling overwhelmed as a father? Like you’re constantly reacting instead of leading with intention? Maybe you lose your temper more than you’d like or feel like you’re just running a daycare with someone you used to date. You might even wonder if you’re failing as a dad.

In this episode, we get honest about the struggles of fatherhood and explore how simple, consistent habits can shape the atmosphere of your home. From bedtime liturgies and breath prayers to marriage rhythms and boundaries around technology, we unpack small yet meaningful habits — often formed through our own failures and weaknesses — that have become tools of spiritual formation in our families.

The truth is: we become our habits, and our children become us. The routines and rhythms in your home aren’t just daily tasks; they’re shaping the hearts and minds of your family. You already have habits unfolding — responses, defaults, routines. The question is whether you’re being intentional about them. In moments of conflict or chaos, these habits often determine your reaction. So how do we practice our way into something more grounded and loving?

God isn’t waiting outside the mess of our homes — He’s right in the middle of it. The gospel lives in the ordinary friction and beauty of parenting. These small habits, practiced with consistency and grace, can begin to rewire how we love our spouse, our kids, and the God who’s with us in it all.

These rhythms won’t change God’s love for you — but God’s love for you should change your rhythms. So be intentional.

Scripture Mentioned: 1 Peter 3:7

Book Mentioned: Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Whitmel Earley

Resources Mentioned: Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting Resource, Hang 10 Movement + Digital Rule of Life PDF

Bedtime Liturgy:

Father: Do you see my eyes?

Child: Yes.

Father: Can you see that I see your eyes?

Child: Yes.

Father: Do you know that I love you?

Child: Yes.

Father: Do you know that I love you no matter what bad things you do?

Child: Yes.

Father: Do you know that I love you no matter what good things you do?

Child: Yes.

Father: Who else loves you like that?

Child: Jesus.

Father: Rest in that love.

Submit Questions: Send a voice recording to [email protected], mentioning your name and where you’re from.

Intentional Fatherhood Website (for Diagram of Framework)

Follow @intentionalfatherhood_ on Instagram

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Intentional: Website + Instagram

Justin Whitmel Earley: Website + Instagram