Authentic Parenting Inner Work for Fathers with Charles C. Daniels Jr., PhD
Jun 30, 2025
Charles C. Daniels Jr., PhD, co-founder and CEO of Fathers’ UpLift, discusses the significance of inner child work in empowering fathers. He highlights how understanding one's emotional needs helps fathers reconnect with their children. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of father absence and its effects on mental health, especially in communities of color. Daniels encourages men to process trauma and embrace their vulnerabilities for healthier parenting. He also challenges stereotypes about absentee fathers, emphasizing their active roles despite societal barriers.
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Childhood Loss of Father
- Charles Daniels Jr. recalls waiting excitedly for his father's blue pickup visits until age 10 when they stopped abruptly.
- This absence profoundly impacted his mental health and sense of worth, leading to suicidal ideation in his mid-20s.
Reunion Reveals Father's Dual Life
- Charles met his half-siblings through his wife's efforts, but their different experiences with their father created a rift.
- Siblings living with his father described him as a great dad, contrasting with Charles's absence experience.
Church Stands In For Father
- At his baptism, Charles felt supported when the congregation stood for him even though his father was absent.
- This moment of community support gave him a sense of worth and saved his life repeatedly.