The Dad Was Right There... But Didn't See: Lessons from Netflix's 'Adolescence' (Part 2)

11 snips

May 9, 2025

The discussion dives into the subtle yet significant emotional disconnect between fathers and their children. It explores how busyness can lead to mistaken notions of connection, prompting reflections on an impactful conversation with an 11-year-old. The host emphasizes the dangers of assumptions about kids’ behaviors and the importance of intentional engagement. Simple daily practices for fostering authentic connections are shared, along with the value of family dinners as a tool for deeper conversation and emotional safety.

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INSIGHT

Isolation Is Not Safety

Kids alone in their rooms are not necessarily safe due to the reach of digital bullying.
Isolation with devices can conceal emotional struggles and online attacks.

ADVICE

Regular Emotional Check-ins

Regularly check in with your kids by knocking on their door and asking about their day.
Use times like bedtime to have meaningful conversations and catch subtle emotional signals.

ANECDOTE

Real Conversation with Son

Larry Hagner noticed his 11-year-old son's distant behavior and asked gently about it.
The son opened up about school friend issues, illustrating the power of intentional, empathetic questioning.

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We often wear busyness like a badge of honor. Providing, building, grinding. But what if all that hustle is costing us the one thing our kids truly need—connection?

In this episode, I break down episode three of Netflix’s Adolescence and the subtle ways fathers like Jamie’s dad, Eddie, lose emotional ground with their kids. Not through abuse. Not through neglect. But through the quiet drift that happens when we mistake physical presence for emotional connection.

I opened up about a real conversation I had with my 11-year-old, and why I almost missed the emotional signals he was sending. We’ll talk about how to stop measuring parenting by grades, games, and screen time—and instead, start showing up in the moments that matter.

This episode isn’t about blaming busy dads. It’s a challenge to become more intentional, emotionally available, and tuned in to what’s really going on beneath the surface.

Become the best husband and leader you can: www.thedadedge.com/mastermind

In this episode, I share:

Why “he’s just in his room” might be the most dangerous assumption we make
How busyness and good intentions can still lead to emotional neglect
The exact conversation that helped me reconnect with my 11-year-old
Why isolation isn’t the same as safety—especially in the age of devices
Simple ways to create connection daily (without needing big moments)
How to spot the quiet warning signs that your kid is drifting
Why dinner table conversations are a secret weapon for emotional check-ins
The psychological effects of low emotional connection between dads and kids

Here's what research supports about the power of action and intention:

Studies show that couples who engage in regular, small acts of kindness report a 28% increase in relationship satisfaction.
Research indicates that setting specific, shared goals increases the likelihood of improved communication and intimacy by 35%.
Prioritizing quality time has been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness in relationships by 20%.

If you're ready to stop waiting for motivation and start actively building a stronger, more connected marriage, this episode is for you. Let's take that first step together.