In this episode our Father Feature highlights Ken Cocoran. He’s a dad of two daughters and his mission is to get youth girls wrestling sanctioned as a sport in schools across the nation. Plus, kids tend to get two main “talks” when it comes to sex. John Van Arnam things there should be a “Third Talk”….
In this episode we have a Father Feature as we meet “Brad the Dad.” He can teach you and your daughter to dance… but he says it’s more than just the time on the dance floor that’s special. It’s the timeless way it can open up conversations. Plus, if you’ve got kids that love to drive you to your last nerve…
We recorded this podcast before the COVID-19 pandemic began truly affecting our nation. But the topic might have been the most appropriate. With most of our kids now spending time at home and not in school, you may have noticed that requests for screen time have gone up. We talk to Isaac who created a way for you “help” your kids get of their apps and get moving…
While, as a nation, we are behind the times when it comes to paid parental leave, there is a company in West Michigan that gets it. Fifth Third Bank offers an incredible parental leave policy that has many wondering why others aren’t doing the same. On this podcast, we speak with Fifth Third Bank’s Regional President Tom Welch who knows a thing or two about having kids… Read More
This episode of the DADUP podcast brings in the big brains. Join hosts Todd, Jimmy, and Jason as they interview Yale University’s Dr. Kyle Pruett. He’s a practicing child psychologist who sees firsthand how positive the effects of an involved father can be. Read More
The first episode of the DADUP podcast starts in the toilet. Well, technically that’s where we want it to end up. Join hosts Todd, Jimmy, and Jason as they dive right into the world of potty training. Believe it or not, there are professionals that can help you if you’re running into some resistance when it comes to the porcelain throne. We talked to Allison Jandu, a potty training consultant who really knows her… Read More
It’s time to DADUP with these five things we encourage you to include in your parenting every week (if not every day.) They are easy to do…and easy to forget to do. So remember to DADUP and be involved with your daughter(s).
D is for Dine. Want to know why you’ve heard for decades that eating together around the ta
ble is good for your family? Because it’s fact. They’ve done the research. (Short story: It lowers the risks of obesity, substance abuse, eating disorders, and even increases the chance of graduating from high school.) The bad news is that the frequency in which families are doing this is declining. We know. You’re busy. But if you can squeeze in at least one family meal a week, it’s a start. Oh, and NO electronics. This is anti-screen time.
A is for Applaud. OK, you don’t literally have to clap your hands here. Maybe we could use the word affirmation? Basically, send her positive reinforcement for her good behavior, accomplishments at school, stellar sticker skills…whatever. A father’s praise is like gold glitter to a young daughter.
D is for Discuss. A recent survey stated that only 4.1% of teenage girls in America feel that they can approach their fathers and discuss a serious problem. That’s not a typo. That’s four point one percent. If you aren’t talking with her now – one on one (that’s key) – she won’t feel she can approach you when it really matters. Carve out 15 minutes with just her and show interest in who she is and what she’s talking about (even if it’s Justin Beiber).
U is for Unwind. Daddy Daughter Time is all about spending time together doing fun stuff. Just as important? Chill time. Literally. Do something that requires very little effort or something that helps you relax. Include her. Whether it’s a walk in the park or just catching a (kid) flick on Netflix, sometimes just being in the same place while you both just chill can bring you closer together.
P is for Participate. The opposite of unwinding. Get up off the couch or away from the laptop and dive into her world. Sure, you’ll be at her soccer game or band concert… but what about when she’s playing with her toys or doing homework? This is your chance to be a kid again. I mean, you didn’t really want to grow up anyways, right?
Active and involved fathering isn’t all that tough. Use these reminders and DADUP!
Have you checked out our D.A.D.U.P. program? It’s a monthly (and sometimes more often) reminder for Dads to help them remain active and involved in their daughters’ lives. The #dadvice we give out at each event is based on 5 traits: Dependability. Approachability. Devotion. Understanding. Patience. You can learn more about it here.