How Do I Support My Kids Without Fighting All Their Battles?

Modern dads are around their kids much more than men were a generation or two ago. We see their struggles more and have opportunities to fix them, but should we? In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about supporting our kids without fighting all their battles.  Why This Matters One of the best ways we can support our kids is to stand beside them as they fight their own battles.  Key Takeaways ·      Modern dads are more involved: Research shows dads now spend 3–4x more time with our kids than men did in the 1970s.  ·      But more involved can become “too” involved: More time gave rise to helicopter, lawn mower, bulldozer, and drone parents.  ·      Kids will always need support: It will change during every stage, but dads will always play a role in their kids’ lives.  Action Steps for Dads 1. Know When To Step In 2. Step In vs. Step Back 3. Really Listen.  4. Helping Them Process. 5. Be Their Biggest Fan. 6. Letting Them Struggle. Important Episode Timestamps 00:00 – 00:43 | Parenting Has Changed Drastically 00:43 – 02:12 | Helicopter, Lawnmower & Bulldozer Parents 02:12 – 03:38 | The Dawn of the “Drone Parent” 03:38 – 07:03 | Tracking, Tech, and Emotional Helicoptering 07:03 – 09:12 | Fixing vs. Helping: When Parents Do Too Much 09:12 – 12:27 | The Big Question: Support or Interfere? 12:27 – 16:40 | Knowing When to Step In: Safety, Severity & Seasons 16:40 – 23:03 | Helping Kids Process Challenges Without Taking Over 23:03 – 28:32 | Pro Move of the Week This week, when you are tempted to jump in, pause and see if your kid can do it on their own.  More Resources: Episode 88 – Could Your Son Be Struggling in Silence? Episode 95 – What Challenges is Generation Alpha Facing?  3 Reasons Your Child Needs to Struggle 5 Areas Where Your Teen Needs to Struggle 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