Ep. 14 | A Dad's Perspective w/ Special Guest Dave Devine

SUMMARY - In this episode of the Brain First Parenting podcast, Eileen sits down with a very special guest, her husband of 20+ years, Dave Devine. Eileen & Dave have a conversation of what it has been like for Dave, in his role as a father to his now teenage daughter who lives with FASD, a serious neurobehavioral condition, to shift his lens over the years to a Brain First lens. TAKEAWAYS: The experience of Dads are often overlooked in the parenting spaces, leaving a gap in support for them, and this can lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness for these fathers. Their experience is unique and deserves unique support.Dave shares memories of feeling inadequate and ineffective as a dad, especially early on when his daughter's development was not "on track".Seeing his daughter from a behavioral lens and shifting to a Brain First lens was possible with education and support, over time.The question, "What do you need from me, to be a good parent to you?" as been helpful for Dave as he works to parent two kids who have drastically different needs.Curiosity and openness is at the heart of finding success, joy and delight in this parent, specifically the father experience. It takes practice to cultivate this as a dad of a child with a serious neurobehavioral condition.The steepest part of the learning curve for Dave has been to remember that his daughter has an invisible, brain-based difference, especially when her behavioral symptoms are acute.Deeply held beliefs and values will clash with your kids behavioral symptoms. Getting clarity on where and why this is happening is important to be able to parent from a Brain First lens.Why connection and relationship has become highest priority for Dave (in relation to his kids) vs behavioral compliance RESOURCES: Join the waitlist for the Focus on Father Program! 2025 cohort is opening for registration soon! Blog Post: Dads Need Support, Too: Three Ways That Fathers Raising Neurodiverse Kids Struggle, and One Thing They Can Do ======================= If you appreciated this episode, and would like to receive a weekly note from Eileen about the Brain First Parenting journey every Monday, you can subscribe to her free newsletter HERE! You can also check out all the FREE resources Eileen offers for parents, and learn more about all things Brain First at her website: eileendevine.com And of course, find and follow Eileen on social media: Facebook Instagram Pinterest