What it Means to be Present As A Father in Your Children's Lives ft. Michael Rothman

Oct 3, 2025

Michael Rothman, entrepreneur and co-founder of Fatherly, shares his insights on modern fatherhood. He emphasizes that being present as a father is about intention rather than perfection. The discussion dives into the importance of secure emotional attachment, particularly during critical early years, and how marriage dynamics influence children. Rothman also addresses the risks of oversharing kids' lives online and advocates for creating a nurturing community to combat negative influences. His reflections offer valuable lessons on leading with strength and vulnerability.

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ANECDOTE

How Fatherly Began

Michael Rothman started Fatherly before becoming a dad after seeing Thrillist's audience age into parenthood.
His volunteer work with Big Brothers and Career Gear also shaped his mission to serve fathers and families.

ANECDOTE

Cross-Country Ride For Kids

Michael biked New York to Los Angeles to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The ride was sparked by a mentee's gang involvement and the need to fund support services and adoption efforts.

INSIGHT

Kids Seek Tribe Where Fathers Are Absent

Father absence often creates instability and a search for belonging that can lead kids toward gangs.
Consistent adult community and accountability can redirect that search toward healthier belonging.

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In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Michael Rothman—entrepreneur, father, and co-founder of Fatherly—to talk about what it really means to show up for your family with intention and presence in a rapidly evolving world.

Before he ever became a dad, Michael was shaping the conversation around modern fatherhood. Now, with a toddler at home and a lifetime of service under his belt, he reflects on how being a present father isn’t about perfection—but about presence, community, and character. We dive into powerful insights on building secure attachment with your kids, the risks of oversharing online, how marriage impacts your children more than you think, and what dads can do to lead with both strength and vulnerability.

TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:25] – Why “wife care” is often harder than baby care

[4:22] – The origin of Fatherly and Mike’s shift from single men’s media to parenting

[7:20] – How Mike’s dad inspired a life of service

[10:44] – The awkward “birds and bees” talk and learning from what wasn’t said

[15:10] – Mentoring kids without fathers and the deep need for stable male figures

[19:15] – Why kids seek connection in gangs, screens, or wherever they’re accepted

[20:30] – What it means to build a secure emotional foundation for your kids

[23:47] – Attachment theory and the critical role of ages 0–3

[26:41] – Presence vs. proximity: how dads can show up without distraction

[31:00] – How kids absorb emotional tension in marriage

[34:01] – Should you stay in a marriage just for the kids?

[36:09] – The hidden dangers of exposing your kids’ lives online

[38:34] – The AI risk: voice spoofing, facial recognition, and digital breadcrumbs

[41:21] – What Tinybeans does differently for family privacy

[45:00] – The mission behind Fatherly, Tinybeans, and The Dispatch

[46:55] – Encouraging respectful debate and deeper understanding through The Dispatch

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Presence Is More Than Just Showing Up

Kids feel when we’re distracted. Being physically there isn’t enough—our full attention is the greatest gift we can give.

2. Secure Attachment Starts Early

The first three years are foundational. Love, encouragement, and consistency build the confidence kids need to thrive later in life.

3. Your Marriage Sets the Emotional Tone of the Home

Children sense tension. Investing in your relationship with your partner creates the safety your kids deeply crave.

4. Be Cautious With Digital Sharing

The internet remembers everything. What you post about your kids could be used in ways you can’t predict. Protect their digital footprint.

5. Leadership Starts With Community

Dads can’t do it alone. Leading your family includes building community around you—because your kids benefit from seeing other strong, grounded men too.

LINKS & RESOURCES

The Dad Edge Alliance (Join Us) – https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner – https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
Dad Edge Podcast Website – thedadedge.com/1383

If this episode gave you insight or encouragement, rate, review, and share it with another dad who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss the wisdom and real talk we bring every week. Let’s keep leading our families with presence, power, and purpose.