The Real Dad Podcast
Each week, these four fathers cover a wide range of "Dad" related topics, from the joys of watching your child grow up to the challenges of balancing work and family life. With their unique blend of humor and authenticity, Dave, Joey, Brian, and Mark provide a refreshing perspective on what it means to be a dad in today's world.
Tune in for the laughs, stay for the heartfelt conversations about the struggles and triumphs of parenting. Whether you're a seasoned dad or a soon-to-be father, "The Real Dad Podcast" is the perfect place to connect with other dads and get the support you need.
Join us on this journey of fatherhood, and subscribe to "The Real Dad Podcast" today!
The Real Dad Podcast
The "Art" of Parenting, Why Your Child isn't a Blank Slate
The age-old debate of nature versus nurture takes center stage as we explore Dr. Russell Barkley's fascinating perspective that children arrive in this world with over 400 psychological traits waiting to emerge—traits completely independent of parental influence. This revelation challenges the modern parenting culture that places enormous guilt on parents who believe they must engineer perfect outcomes.
"Your child is not a blank slate on which you get to write," Barkley reminds us. "You are a shepherd. You don't design the sheep." This powerful metaphor resonated deeply with all of us, prompting reflection on how we sometimes push our values onto our children rather than recognizing and nurturing their inherent qualities. We share personal stories of discovering our children's unexpected strengths—like Cooper's natural spatial reasoning abilities that surprised his parents who had worried about his academic development.
The conversation takes a lively turn as we dive into the art of wrestling with our kids. From bedtime roughhousing rituals to bathroom door challenges ("You want to go?" my daughter asks while I'm on the toilet), we explore how physical play creates unique bonds between fathers and children. We laugh about the different "powers" our kids imagine during these wrestling matches and how our partners often approach physical play differently than we do.
Perhaps most touching is our discussion about acknowledgment—that moment when a parent walks through the door after work. Some children rush to greet dad with excitement, while others barely look up from their activities. We consider how our own behaviors might influence these reactions and share a touching story about a family where everyone chants the father's name upon his arrival home.
Whether you're wrestling with your toddler, discovering your child's unique talents, or simply hoping for a warmer welcome when you return from work, this episode offers both practical wisdom and emotional reassurance for the parenting journey. Remember—sometimes the most powerful thing we can do as parents is not to shape our children, but to witness, support, and celebrate who they naturally are.