Former Socceroo captain and social justice champion Craig Foster discusses the core tenets of his parenting, shepherding his kids through the teenage years, and the commonality created by parenting. He advocates for father figures mentoring kids in the multicultural community. They also talk about their love for surfing and playing football, the importance of diet, and course correcting parenting mistakes.
Positive role models can come from various sources, not just biological parents, and have a significant impact on children's development.
Multiculturalism and intercultural communication are crucial for creating a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Parenting involves constant learning and adapting, prioritizing the safety, happiness, and autonomy of children while maintaining open communication and support.
Deep dives
Coaching and Mentoring: Craig Foster discusses his role in coaching and mentoring young kids in the community
Craig Foster shares his experiences as a coach and mentor for young kids in the community. He emphasizes the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to grow and develop. Foster believes that his role is not just about maximizing their talent in sports, but also helping them become secure and confident individuals. He encourages kids to be comfortable in their own skin and emphasizes the value of empathy, respect, and care in building positive relationships.
Being a Role Model: The significance of role models in shaping children's lives
Craig Foster highlights the importance of role models in children's lives and the impact they can have on their development. He believes that role models can come from various sources, not just biological parents. Foster emphasizes the role of teachers, coaches, and other adults in children's lives and the responsibility they have in shaping values and characteristics. He encourages adults to be positive role models and to promote qualities like empathy, kindness, and fairness.
Multiculturalism and Intercultural Communication: Fostering unity and understanding across cultures
Craig Foster discusses the importance of multiculturalism and intercultural communication in today's diverse society. He highlights the common values shared by people from different cultures and emphasizes the significance of building connections and breaking down barriers. Foster believes that by fostering understanding and respect across different cultures, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious society. He encourages individuals to stand up for one another and to challenge ignorance and discrimination.
Parenting Challenges: Navigating the complexities of parenting
Craig Foster acknowledges that parenting is a journey filled with challenges and constant learning. He emphasizes the importance of keeping children safe, happy, and loved while allowing them to become their authentic selves. Foster shares his experiences in adapting his parenting style over time and being open to feedback from his children. He encourages parents to have open and honest conversations, maintain a supportive environment, and be willing to course-correct when necessary.
Empowering Teenagers: Encouraging autonomy and self-advocacy in teenagers
Craig Foster discusses the importance of empowering teenagers and encouraging their autonomy and self-advocacy. He shares his experiences in supporting his daughter's growth and independence while ensuring their safety and well-being. Foster emphasizes the value of open communication, active listening, and allowing teenagers to express themselves. He encourages parents to create a supportive environment that fosters confidence and self-expression in their teenagers.
Craig Foster - former Socceroo captain, legendary sports broadcaster, social justice champion… but his most important job? You guessed it… Good 'ol Dad!
As a compassionate and thoughtful leader who spends much of his time helping those who don't have a voice, Craig talks about why justice and fairness are core tenets of his and how this informs his parenting. Fozz also discusses shepherding his kids though the teenage years and the almost comical lengths he’s gone to keep a watchful eye. And as a leading advocate in the multicultural and refugee space, he speaks quite beautifully about the commonality created by parenting, and that when you strip things back, what we all indisputably share as parents is a deep desire for our kids to be safe, happy and loved. We told you he was thoughtful!
Craig’s CV is long, varied and representative of his desire to make a positive impact. He’s got an AM for humanitarian services, nominated as Australian of the year, a member of The Australian Multicultural society, an Adjunct Professor of Sport and Social Responsibility and an author. Oh, and 2022 he was named Father of the Year, which as he describes to Hamish, he views as an opportunity to advocate for kids and parents in the multicultural community and the huge benefit that father figures can have mentoring kids who are not their own, something that Craig does a lot of himself.
Huge thanks to Fozz for coming on and talking so honestly, passionately and with such thoughtfulness. What a treat for us. And what a wonderful leader to have in our community
—-
Our Hertz and Merch Comp is still running! For your chance to get your hands on a Polestar EV for the weekend and some very special YETI How Other Dads Dad Tumblers head to hertz.com.au/hoddev - Terms and conditions apply and are available at the website, entries close Dec 4 2023. Big thanks to Hertz for making it all happen.
——
If you wanna drop us a note, we bloody love hearing from you. You can do so at howotherdadsdad.com - thanks so much for all the correspondence we get.
