Could Your Son Be Struggling in Silence?

There is no safe level of cigarette consumption. It causes lung cancer, heart disease, and many other problems. But there’s something the U.S. Surgeon General claims is even worse for your health: loneliness. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the male loneliness epidemic and how it’s impacting our kids.  Loneliness increases feelings depression, dementia, stroke, anxiety, and cardiovascular illness. Why This Matters Statistically, only about half of men say they are satisfied with their friendships. This trickles down to children as well.  Stats on Loneliness Survey Center on American Life: 1 in 7 men have “no close friends.”Equimundo: Two-thirds of men ages 18–23 say "no one really knows me". Gitnux: 40% of men reported feeling lonely at least once a week.Practical Tools for Dads Building up social skills is a good start, but dads can do even more to facilitate healthy, strong friendships for their sons. Try these: 1. Encourage extracurricular activities like sports or clubs.  2. Invite people over to your home.  3. Encourage “awkward” conversations. 4. Volunteer at their school. Consider starting an All Pro Dad chapter! Important Episode Timestamps 00:00 – 00:55 | Introduction: The Silent Health Threat 00:56 – 02:30 | A Hidden Epidemic for Men and Boys 02:31 – 04:47 | Stories from Isolation 04:48 – 06:51 | Redefining Loneliness 06:52 – 08:58 | Why Married Men Aren’t Immune 08:59 – 12:13 | The Barriers to Friendship: Time, Guilt, and Cultural Pressure 12:12 – 14:52 | Your Sons Are Watching 14:53 – 17:15 | Real Connection Requires Risk 17:16 – 21:30 | Help Your Kids Build Friendships, Too 21:31 – 23:06 | Pro Move of the Week No one is immune to loneliness. Prioritize connection in your life and your son’s life this week. Try to make one new friend this week. Resources:  Episode 62 – How To Raise Emotionally St We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! Connect with Us: Ted Lowe on LinkedIn Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn BJ Foster on LinkedIn Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Get All Pro Dad merch! EXTRAS: Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox. This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store. Get great content for moms at iMOM.com