Dad Tired From Toddlers to Teens: Staying Connected as a Dad- Ep 481
Aug 11, 2025
Discover the hidden power of everyday moments in parenting. Jerrad Lopes shares his journey from toddler tantrums to the emotional rollercoaster of raising teens. He emphasizes that true connection often develops in the mundane, rather than the grand. With insights from the Bible, he illustrates how small interactions can shape both kids and parents. Learn why nurturing relationships is crucial as children grow, and find out practical ways to engage with kids at any age.
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Early Parenting Exhaustion
- Jerrad remembers being exhausted with two very young kids and trying to share nighttime duties.
- A pastor told him parenting would get harder, which later proved true as kids aged.
Emotional Difficulty Grows With Age
- Parenting gets harder emotionally as children become preteens and teens.
- Practical caregiving eases but relational complexity increases with age.
Moving Out And A Mother's Grief
- Jerrad recounts moving out at 18 and his mother's deep grief at sudden empty nest.
- He now imagines the pain a parent feels when a child leaves abruptly.
