In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson are joined by Jason Hinson from Victory Mission for a lighthearted yet deeply practical conversation about raising children to be independent. From toddler chore charts to the complexities of launching adult children, the trio explores what age-appropriate responsibility looks like across different life stages.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of knowing each child's personality, offering guidance without micromanaging and modeling life skills like financial literacy, technology use and emotional regulation. Jason shares stories of parenting kids ranging from preschool to post-high school, highlighting that developing independence is not about pushing kids out but preparing them thoughtfully for what's next.

Episode Highlights

[01:22] "We have a chore chart… they get $5 if they've done their chores for the month… give, save, spend."

[06:00] "I watched my son… it took him five minutes to take out the trash, but I feel like he had a sense of accomplishment."

[08:12] "Be curious about behavior… you're trying to understand what they're doing and guide them."

[12:23] "Over the course of your days, you did a part-time job on your phone."

[17:26] "What if you're coming back at 24 now because you forced them out and they weren't ready for that independence?"

[20:18] "Just because you're 18 doesn't mean I quit caring… things change."

[28:11] "Think of yourself as a guide… you get a front row seat to watching that human become the best version of themselves."

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