Lessons of Accountability and Respect

Have you ever asked yourself:

• "How do I teach my kids accountability when I'm not always perfect myself?"
• "Does admitting my mistakes actually make me a weaker dad?"
• "What does it truly take to build unbreakable trust with my children?"

If these questions resonate, get ready for a raw and honest conversation that dives deep into one of the most vital lessons dads can teach: extreme ownership.

Larry Hagner and his son Ethan Hagner share unfiltered stories from their family's journey—moments of frustration, tough conversations, heartfelt apologies, and the profound vulnerability that comes with admitting when you're wrong. Together, they explore why modeling accountability as a father doesn’t diminish your credibility; it fundamentally builds trust and earns lasting respect.

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In this powerful conversation, we dig into:

1. The Counterintuitive Power of Apology: Larry recounts difficult parenting seasons, including struggles with anger and the immense pressure to be a "perfect" dad, and how genuine apologies transformed those moments.
2. A Son's Perspective on Accountability: Ethan offers a candid view on how his father's apologies and moments of ownership directly shaped his own character and understanding of responsibility.
3. Taking Responsibility in Real Life: Ethan shares valuable examples of how he's learned to embrace ownership in his own life, both at home and in the classroom, providing relatable lessons for parents and teens alike.
4. Beyond Perfection: Why the goal of fatherhood isn't about never making mistakes, but about how you respond when you do.
5. Building Unbreakable Trust: The direct link between a father's vulnerability, owning his flaws, and fostering deep, secure trust with his children.

This episode delivers authentic wisdom and reassurance, reminding every dad (and future dad) out there that perfection isn't the goal—connection and growth are.

Here's what research and observation highlight about parental accountability and child development:

• Children whose parents model admitting mistakes and apologizing have 40% higher levels of empathy and a stronger sense of personal responsibility.
• Parental vulnerability and honesty in moments of error significantly increase a child's trust in their parents, leading to 35% more open communication.
• Adolescents with fathers who consistently practice accountability show a 25% lower likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors.

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