How to be the Perfect Dad w/ Larry Hagner

In a world where the role of fathers is constantly evolving, Larry Hagner stands out as a beacon of wisdom and guidance. He is the host of the popular Dad Edge podcast and author of "The Spirit of Fatherhood." Larry has spent over a decade exploring the intricacies of modern masculinity and parenting. In today's episode of the Men's Therapy podcast, Larry shares his journey. He offers a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of fatherhood.

Larry's story begins with a tumultuous childhood, marked by divorce and abusive relationships. "I started thinking, I was like, wait a second. Like I know about the birds and the bees and this dude came around when I was four. So like, where did I even come from? I had no idea," Larry recounts. This early experience shaped his determination to break the cycle and become a better father and husband.

Larry's journey to becoming a parenting expert wasn't smooth sailing. He admits to breaking promises he made to himself about being a good father. "I spanked my four-year-old who's 16 now and I did a total anger and a reactionary. I just lost my patience," he confesses. This moment became a catalyst for change, pushing Larry to seek knowledge and resources to improve his parenting skills.

Creating Psychological Safety

Larry emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where children feel safe to be themselves. "We call it an environment of psychological safety where kids can be themselves. They can be fully who they are without fear of blame, pain, judgment, or guilt," he explains. This approach fosters open communication and trust between parents and children.

The Marriage-First Approach

One of Larry's controversial yet powerful insights is prioritizing marriage over parenting. "I'm married first and I'm a father second," he states. Larry believes that a strong marital relationship sets the foundation for effective parenting. It helps to model healthy relationships for children.

Tailoring Parenting Styles

Larry stresses the importance of understanding each child's unique needs. He focuses on adapting parenting styles accordingly. "We have four boys, and all parented differently," he shares. Larry highlights the need for flexibility and observation in parenting.

Power of Connection

Throughout the interview, Larry emphasizes connection's crucial role in parenting and marriage. "Without connection, we have no influence," he explains. Larry underscores the importance of building strong relationships with both children and spouses.

Embracing Spirituality

Larry's journey also includes a deepening of his spiritual life. He credits with enhancing his role as a father and husband. "I finally understood all these things that my kids were asking. All the questions that I had that I didn't know the answers to," he reflects on his spiritual growth.

Conclusion

Larry's journey and insights offer a compelling roadmap for modern fatherhood and masculinity. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, emotional intelligence, and adaptability in parenting. Fathers can nurture their children's growth by building strong connections. Adapting their parenting to each child's unique needs helps meet individual needs. Prioritizing the marital relationship also strengthens the family dynamic. Hagner's story shows that becoming a better father is an ongoing process of self-reflection. It also involves continuous learning and personal growth.

The spirit of fatherhood, as Hagner describes it, is about more than just being present or providing for your family. It's about creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, loved, and guided. This involves being vulnerable enough to admit mistakes. And strong enough to keep learning. It is about recognizing the profound influence fathers have on their children's lives. By embracing these principles, fathers can break negative cycles. They can create a lasting, positive impact on future generations.

Hagner's insights remind us that being a great father isn't about being perfect. It's about building strong connections and growing as a parent. Above all, it's about staying committed to your family. By prioritizing our marriages and embracing spirituality, we can build strong families. Modelling positive behaviours helps raise resilient children. This prepares them to face life's challenges with confidence and compassion. The journey of fatherhood is challenging, but with the right mindset and tools, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences a man can have.

About Larry Hagner

Larry Hagner is the founder of the Dad Edge, host of the popular Dad Edge podcast, and author of "The Spirit of Fatherhood." He has over a decade of experience in the masculinity and parenting space. Larry has interviewed countless experts. He has helped thousands of men become better fathers and husbands. He has done this through his podcasts, books, and coaching programs. His journey into fatherhood education began from a place of personal struggle. Having grown up in a challenging family environment with many divorces and abusive relationships. This background fueled his determination to break the cycle. It made him become a better father and husband than the models he had growing up.

Larry's approach to fatherhood focuses on personal growth and emotional intelligence. It also emphasizes spiritual development. He emphasizes the importance of creating psychological safety for children. He emphasizes prioritizing marriage while parenting. He focuses on tailoring parenting styles to each child's unique needs. Larry's work extends beyond just fatherhood, encompassing marriage, personal development, and spirituality. Larry continues to guide men in their journey to become more present, connected, and effective fathers and partners.

Resources Mentioned

The Dad Edge podcast

The Dad Edge website

"The Spirit of Fatherhood" book by Larry Hagner

Connect With Larry On

Email: larryh@thedadedge.com 

Website: https://linkin.bio/thedadedge/

LinkedIn