Today we speak with Anna Yudina, an expert on play and toys: it’s literally her job at the Toy Association! (www.toyassociation.org). Anna shares actionable tips about screen dependence, dives deep into STEM toys, discusses the difference between structured and unstructured play, and More! Redefine your understanding of play and discover how us dads can make the most of these precious moments. Dad On!

Get a grandparent's perspective! Today we chat with Greg Payne, the voice behind the "Cool Grandpa Podcast." Discover the nuances of long-distance grandparenting, the magic of family traditions, and the art of blending old and new customs. This episode delves deep into the importance of open communication between parents and grandparents, ensuring boundaries are respected and understanding how to voice concerns if grandparents aren't as engaged as hoped. Whether you're a dad looking for ways to connect your kids with their grandparents or seeking guidance on maintaining family harmony, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the journey from being a dad to embracing the role of a grandpa.

Join us on this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, where we speak with Sara Peterson, author of the enlightening book, "Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture." Sara gives advice on parenting in the age of social media, offering ideas on building supportive communities. From sharing stories of mothers pushing boundaries to discussing the roles of stay-at-home dads, we're taking a fresh look at 'ideal' parenthood. Peterson encourages us to redefine parenting roles beyond traditional stereotypes and equips us with tools for open communication within domestic partnerships. Learn how we can model a more balanced and inclusive approach to parenting, ensuring our kids grow up understanding that parenthood isn't about fitting into a specific 'mom' or 'dad' mold but rather about nurturing and guiding them as parents. Dad On!

On this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, we're thrilled to bring you the acclaimed clinical psychologist and child discipline expert, Dr. Thomas Phelan​. Discover the secrets behind Dr. Phelan's revolutionary and award-winning approach to managing children's behavior, famously known as '1, 2, 3 Magic.' Stripping away the complexity and confusion surrounding parenting, he presents a surprisingly simple method that has helped countless families worldwide​. In this exciting exchange, Dr. Phelan reveals the three pillars of successful parenting: controlling obnoxious behavior, encouraging positive behavior, and bonding with your children. Nail these, and you're on your way to becoming a great parent​. Dad On!

On this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, we're excited to have Catherine Topham Sly, a seasoned psychologist, relationship expert, and the founder of ⁠InsightConnection.  We cover a lot during this conversation. Highlights include: Relationship Check: Kids changed your love life? Catherine's got practical tips to keep that spark alive. 🔥💕Dad Feels: Being a dad is a rollercoaster, right? Will and Catherine talk about raw emotions and staying cool through the loops. 😎🎢Talk It Out: Communication is key, but how? Unlock the secret to talking like a pro with your partner and kiddos. 🔐🗣️Find Your Tribe: Parenting is a team sport! Catherine shares how to buddy up with other parents. 🦸‍♂️🤝Kid Decoder: What's going on in those little noggins? Get into the kiddo mindset for smoother sailing. 🧒🔍You Time: You're a parent, but you're also you. Self-care tips that won't make your head spin. 🛀💙 Enjoy this wide-ranging talk!

On this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, we're thrilled to bring you a conversation with Dr. Will Cole, a top functional medicine practitioner, health advisor to Gwyneth Paltrow, and a New York Times bestselling author. Through a career dedicated to applying skepticism to nutritional trends, Dr. Cole teaches the importance of listening to our intuition. We explore the fascinating world of the gut-brain connection and its implications on our health. Dr. Cole shares his insights about how our gut and brain are inextricably linked from our earliest developmental stages and how this relationship influences everything from our mood to our immune system. He brings attention to the significance of inflammation as a silent communicator of chronic issues developing in our bodies. As a bonus, we also discuss Dr. Cole's new book, "Gut Feelings," where he demystifies the gut-brain connection and provides a framework to repair the relationship between what you eat and how you feel. This podcast episode might reference resources and strategies that require professional guidance. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personal health questions.

In this episode of "A Dad's Path Podcast," Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the world's longest study on happiness, shares insights on parenthood, relationships, and the secret to a fulfilling life. We delve into how marital satisfaction often dips after the birth of the first child and rebounds when the last child leaves home (there's hope, haha!). We also touch on the role of sacrifice in fatherhood, the importance of facing challenges with a loved one, and more! Take advantage of this thought-provoking conversation.

Join us as we dive deep into the world of parenting with a focus on raising emotionally intelligent kids. In this episode, we have a conversation with Allison Edwards, child psychotherapist, speaker, author, and owner of All the Feels Company. With over 20 years of experience working with children, Allison shares her expertise on emotional intelligence and strategies to help your kids manage their big emotions. We discuss how a simple yet effective tool, like feeling cards, can make a difference in your child's emotional health. Hear about the importance of early intervention and prevention in your child's mental well-being. Tune in as we explore the connection between emotional intelligence and future success, and learn how to prioritize emotional health in your child's life. Don't miss out on this invaluable episode packed with insights and actionable tips for dads everywhere!

Discover the secrets to nurturing confidence in both parents and children in this compelling episode of the Dad's Path podcast. Will engages in a heartfelt and informative conversation with renowned life coach Homaira Kabir, author of the new book Goodbye Perfect. Together, they discuss the importance of fostering a healthy sense of self-worth in kids while embracing the evolving role of dads in caregiving and breaking away from traditional gender roles. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to raise confident, self-actualizing individuals and become the best dad you can be.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Cameron Staley discusses how to approach the topic of pornography with both adults and children. By understanding the nature of pornography and its role in society, individuals can be more aware of its potential adverse effects on their perception of relationships and sexuality. Dr. Staley stresses the importance of viewing pornography as a symptom rather than an addiction, pointing out that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, might be the underlying cause of someone's struggle with pornography. When discussing pornography with children, Dr. Staley emphasizes the need for age-appropriate conversations and acknowledges that kids may be exposed to sexual images at a younger age. He encourages parents to be open to discussing the topic and to normalize the feelings and reactions children might experience when exposed to such images. To assist people in overcoming their concerns about pornography, Dr. Staley has created resources such as the Life After Pornography online program and the Life After Pornography Coach app. These tools aim to help individuals address the underlying issues that may be contributing to their struggles with pornography.

In this eye-opening episode, we talk with Nanci Smith, a collaborative divorce attorney and author of Untangling Your Marriage. Nanci shares her insights on the importance of psychological readiness, managing emotions, and maintaining respect during the divorce process. Discover the benefits of a collaborative approach compared to traditional divorce and learn how prioritizing communication can lead to healthier family dynamics in the long run. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that could change your perspective on divorce and help you navigate tough times more effectively. Highlights from our conversation include: Unveiling Collaborative Divorce: A Kinder, Gentler Option for FamiliesLong-term benefits of collaborative divorce for your kidsEmbracing Intentionality on your divorce journeyThe emotional feelings of grief and loss in divorceRewriting your narrative and looking towards a healthier future as co-parents and friendsThe evolving perspective on fathers in the legal system and the importance of advocating for oneself

In this episode of A Dad's Path podcast, Will Braunstein speaks with Kim Hopkins, Director of Outreach at Lives in the Balance, about Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS), an evidence-based model of care for children. Kim talks about how CPS helps caregivers identify the problems that cause children's behaviors and collaboratively solve them. The importance of addressing and understanding the root of challenging behaviors Moving away from adversarial parentingFostering self-sufficient kidsThe three-step model for solving problems with childrenDifferences in parenting approaches between co-parents and how to address themKids' desire to do the right thing and the role of skills in motivation and behavior. Enjoy this episode!

In this episode of A Dad's Path podcast, host Will Braunstein talks to Kevin Spainhour, author of the book "Dads, Leaders, & Father Figures." They discuss the importance of vulnerability, establishing non-negotiables, and creating golden times with your children.  Kevin, a father of four, has been an educator for over 20 years and is in his 11th year as a high school principal at a large public school. The conversation revolves around the themes and takeaways from his book and his experience as a father and a leader.  Highlights of the conversation include: Non-negotiables and how to utilize them as new dadsHelping children deal with depression, anxiety, and fearThe significance of having golden times and quality time with your childrenThe importance of vulnerability and authenticityDeveloping critical thinking skills in children from a young ageRecognizing children's spirit and individualityFinding creative ways to spend quality time with children. Enjoy this episode!

In this episode of A Dad's Path, host Will Braunstein explores the concept of peaceful parenting with Sarah Rosensweet. Sarah, a certified peaceful parenting coach, speaker-educator, and host of the top-rated parenting podcast, the Peaceful Parenting podcast, shares her knowledge on parenting superpowers and how to use them to guide parenting. Will and Sarah delve into balancing autonomy and control in parenting young kids and discuss the importance of giving children enough independence to develop decision-making skills while still maintaining safety and well-being. They also explore the topic of consequences in peaceful parenting, discussing the difference between consequences and natural consequences and how peaceful parenting uses natural consequences to teach children without making them feel bad. Top Topics for Dads: Parenting superpowers and how to use them in guiding parentingBalancing autonomy and control in parentingThe use of natural consequences in peaceful parentingImportance of addressing the root cause of child behaviorDevelopment of decision-making skills in childrenThe benefits of positive reinforcementThe limitations of traditional forms of punishmentEmpathy and kindness in child-rearingImpulse control in childrenThe relationship between how people want to be treated and how to treat children.

Will interviews Rachel Rainbolt, host of the popular Sage Family podcast. They delve into topics such as clearing away the mental clutter of shoulds and should nots in parenting, the art of parenting, and the importance of connecting with your child. They also discuss the challenges of managing anxiety in kids, the importance of co-parenting, and what makes for successful parenting focused on personal growth and well-being. Join them as they explore the ins and outs of parenting and the role of being a parent in today's world. We discuss: Balancing your intuition with your child's needsArt of parenting and seeking help when neededImportance of being aware of emotions and investing in personal growthCo-parenting and establishing boundaries and common valuesAcknowledging children are born wholeSupporting children in dealing with anxiety and expanding their worldBeing a successful parent through personal growth and well-being.

In this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, host Will Braunstein sits down with Virginia Tompkins, a professor of psychology at The Ohio State University, to discuss the importance of social cognitive development in early childhood. They discuss the progression of mental states that children can understand over the years and how it's difficult for young children because those mental states are often invisible or unseen. They also touch on the importance of parental involvement in theory of mind development and how asking more questions can help children grow and develop. Finally, they explore the impact of parental stress on children's development, including the importance of self-care for parents and the effects of household stress on children. Highlights of our conversation include: Difficulties with invisible or unseen mental statesThe relationship between language skills, story comprehension skills, and theory of mind skillsCapitalizing on your child's interests to keep them motivatedThe difference between modeling and teachingImpact of parental or household stress on children's developmentParenting as a united front

In this episode of A Dad's Path podcast, Will Braunstein interviews Maria Sanders, a licensed social worker, and PCI-certified parent coach. Maria explains how she helps dadss navigate parenting challenges and emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself and communicating with one's partner to establish a sense of partnership and shared goals.  She also highlights the importance of giving yourself and your child time to cool off before having a healthy conversation and what to do in a situation that requires immediate attention (e.g., one child is hitting another)  Maria also talks about some of the challenges she sees in relationships and encourages dads to move away from the perspective of "I am right, and he/she is wrong." Other highlights of our conversation include: 1. Some ideas for finding the balance between work and family. 2. How to help parents feel good about their interactions with their children. 3. The importance of advocating for yourself and communicating with your partner to establish a sense of partnership and shared goals. 4. The importance of a safe space for couples to talk so you can work together to find solutions and openly communicate. 5. Be curious, not furious: Instead of getting angry, stay calm and bring in curiosity 6. The importance of taking a pause and asking yourself, "I wonder what could be going on here?" 7. Instead of just reacting to problems, look for patterns and try to understand the root cause

In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jon Wood, a devoted dad and husband who has worked hard to overcome struggles with anger while parenting a child with extreme ADHD. Jon shares his story and offers valuable insights and tips on how to manage anger and find ways to cope with parenting challenges.  We discuss the role of expectations in frustration and anger, the importance of being empathetic and understanding your child's perspective, and the need to recognize and manage triggers. We also talk about the helpfulness of therapy, medication, exercise, and finding ways to cope with stress and anger. Finally, we discuss the importance of honesty with your partner and seeking support from them, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. Tune in to hear more from Jon as he shares his wisdom and experiences on navigating the ups and downs of parenting. ------------------ Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads.

Today we speak with Allen Carter, author of Letters from a Father, a collection of letters Allen wrote his children as they were growing up. This concept of writing your child letters sounds simple, but as you’ll hear, the impact can be tremendous. We discuss: The benefits of writing letters to childrenThe importance of engaging with children in meaningful waysThe value of reflecting on shared experiencesThe importance of self-reflection and self-improvement for fathersThe role of vulnerability and authenticity in communication with childrenThe impact of technology on communication with children Enjoy this conversation!  ------------------ Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads.

Today we speak with Michael Rucker, Author of the upcoming book The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life. Michael is a charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association and has been a follower of positive psychology for years. He realized that chasing happiness can actually make you less happy and can lead to mental illness after losing his younger brother and being told he needed a hip replacement. This inspiring conversation will hopefully get you in the "Fun Habit."  We discuss: Specific ideas to improve your base level of happiness and well-being.How giving your kids more autonomy can help with their joy.How to create "fun habits."The importance of focusing on activities that bring joy rather than seeking happiness directly.The potential negative effects of focusing on happiness during times of change or loss.The psychological research supporting the idea of having a bias toward joyful activities.  ------------------ Find more Dad Podcasts from A Dad's Path, a website for dads.