My son has recently discovered the joys of a couple of new xbox games. And he wants to play them with me, of all people. That has me so excited that I have to permit it frequently. I know, all too soon, playing games with dad will be something to avoid.

While we play, I'm talking with him, laughing with him, joking around. We are having a great time together, creating memories for both of us.

And in the process, I'm being a positive influence in his life.

And that's what I want to talk about in Episode 7 of The DadCast!

The other day I was having a fun conversation with one of my sons.  We were being goofy, really.  I was asking him what some of his favorite things were, his favorite food, favorite activity, favorite thing to do, and so on. He was trying to tell me why a certain Wii game was the best game ever.  I was playfully arguing with him, and picked a different game.  In the middle of this conversation he made this statement:  "You're the best dad I've ever had!" I had to laugh at that, especially since I'm the only dad he's ever had! But in that thought, he said something very profound.  He sees me as the best dad ever because he sees me trying to be the best dad ever.   And the implications of that idea are what Episode 6 of The DadCast is all about! 

You know that drained feeling you get from being a parent?  We've all experienced it.  But it's not something we can live with for long.  We must refuel ourselves if we want to become great dads. As dads, we continually pour out ourselves into the lives of our families.  And we should.  But you can only pour out for so long until the vessel is emptied. If you're not doing anything to replenish yourself, sooner or later, you're going to run empty.  And that's what Episode 5 of The DadCast is all about! 

In this episode of The DadCast, I want to talk about a simple thing thing that you can do that will impact your kids tremendously. Take walks. I want to take a brief look at two different aspects of this simple concept of taking a walk.  I want to discuss the benefits of walking together as a family.  And I want to discuss the benefits of taking a walk with just your wife, and how that impacts your family life. Taking a walk is a simple thing to do.  And the benefits are incredible.  First of all, there is a health benefit to this.  But more important are the relational benefits you'll see from implementing this on a regular basis. And that's what Episode 4 of The DadCast is all about! 

In this episode of the DadCast, I want to talk about one of the foundational elements in a dad's life.   Accountability. Several years ago, I read a book  called The Man In The Mirror, by Patrick Morley.  While this isn't specifically a book about dads, it is a must-read for any man to become the man God has created him to be.  And in that regard, it should be required reading for any dad. In The Man In The Mirror, Morley writes a chapter called Accountability:  the Missing Link.  I reread this chapter once a year, usually in October, simply to remind myself just how important it is that I succeed in my role as a Christian, as a husband, and as a father. This episode of the DadCast is loosely based on what I've learned about accountability over the years.

In this episode, I want to talk about taking a day off to spend with your family occasionally. This is crucial for your family, for your wife, and even for you.  And joining me for this episode of the DadCast, my brother Rick is visiting from the midwest.  He and his family, along with our mom, are here in Florida visiting for a week and a half.

Hey Dads! Glad you're here! This is the official first episode of The DadCast.  Two weeks ago, I released episode zero, which enabled me to get my format set up and establish the DadCast with iTunes.  That episode was brief, and only covered an overview of what I want to accomplish with the DadCast. In this episode, the first official, full length episode of the DadCast, I want to talk about something extremely important.  I think this is the perfect topic to launch with.  I'm talking about telling your kids you love them.  Not just showing them, although that's important as well.  But saying it... frequently.

Welcome to The DadCast! 

This is a podcast designed to help deds be deliberate!  With tools, resources, and ideas on how to be the best dad you can be, the DadCast is a weekly or bi-weekly production.

This episode serves as a brief introduction and preview of what is to come!

Be deliberate dads!