In this podcast episode, Larry Hagner, CEO of The Dad Edge, joins host Ryan Alford to explore the nuances of fatherhood. They delve into how their own upbringings shape their parenting approaches, emphasizing the significance of presence, forgiveness, and grace. Hagner shares his journey as a father of four, reflecting on his childhood challenges and his dedication to being a supportive dad. The conversation highlights the importance of learning parenting skills, akin to training for a fight, to foster better family relationships. Practical advice is given, such as asking children specific questions to encourage open communication and create a safe space for sharing. The episode underlines the value of proactive learning and counseling in building extraordinary marriages and family leadership.
TAKEAWAYS
Fatherhood and personal experiences
Impact of upbringing on parenting styles
Forgiveness and grace in parenting
Family dynamics and complexities
Importance of being present in children's lives
The Dad Edge's approach to teaching fatherhood skills
Importance of proactive learning and training for fatherhood
Practical advice for fathers to create connection with their children
Creating a supportive and connected family environment
Fostering open communication with children
TIMESTAMPS
Fatherhood and Personal Reflection (00:00:00) Discussion about the impact of becoming a father and reflecting on one's upbringing and decisions made.
Introduction and Background (00:01:01) Introduction of Larry Hagner, CEO and founder of The Dad Edge, and a brief discussion about the podcast's audience and the importance of being a father.
Larry's Personal Story (00:02:30) Larry shares his experience of raising four boys, his wife's support, and the challenges he faced due to his upbringing.
Impact of Childhood on Parenting (00:05:45) Larry discusses how his childhood experiences influenced his initial struggles as a father and his commitment to learning and improving.
Reconnection with Father (00:08:14) Larry shares the unexpected encounter and reconnection with his father after many years and the subsequent development of their relationship.
Forgiveness and Grace (00:10:45) Larry's realization and journey towards forgiveness, and the impact of his experiences on his parenting approach.
Reflection on Fatherhood (00:14:52) Larry reflects on the impact of becoming a father and the importance of being present in his children's lives.
Discussion on Forgiveness and Grace (00:19:09) Further discussion on the importance of grace and forgiveness, and personal experiences related to fatherhood and divorce.
The Dad Edge (00:20:02) Larry explains the purpose of The Dad Edge and its focus on building better connections and relationships with family.
Learning Skills for Fatherhood (00:20:26) Larry compares learning fatherhood skills to training for a fight, emphasizing the importance of learning and developing the necessary skills.
Choosing the Right Partner (00:24:32) The discussion touches on the need to train men on choosing the right partner and the importance of continual improvement in relationships.
Cultivating Connection with Teenagers (00:26:49) Larry shares insights on creating an environment where teenagers feel connected and open up to their parents.
Importance of Proactive Counseling (00:27:48) The conversation highlights the need for proactive counseling and preventive measures in relationships, rather than waiting for issues to escalate.
Communication and Emotional Validation (00:29:53) Larry explains the importance of emotionally validating one's partner and children, and the shared relationship needs of feeling seen, heard, and safe.
Connecting with Kids (00:35:44) Larry discusses the importance of asking children about the best part of their day to cultivate gratitude and excitement, and encouraging them to share their failures to foster growth.
Preparing for Tests (00:40:04) Encouraging critical thinking and planning for academic challenges.
Building Psychological Safety (00:40:55) Fostering open communication and trust to handle difficult situations.
Engaging with Children (00:42:42) Creating meaningful connections and being a supportive guide in their lives.
Connecting with The Dad Edge (00:43:46) Information on resources and programs offered by The Dad Edge.
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