Guest, Maggie Dent, one of Australia's most trusted voices on raising kids and helping families, shares practical advice on parenting. They discuss being present in the little moments, challenges faced by new dads, learning from past issues, men's processing of grief and trauma, nurturing the spark in children, and expressing gratitude.
Creating a team approach to parenting and actively participating in shared responsibilities strengthens the father's role in the child's development.
Maintaining a strong connection with teenagers through regular dad dates and consistent expression of love and support is essential during their transformative years.
Open communication, vulnerability, and seeking support from partners and other dads are vital for navigating the complexities of parenting and building lasting connections with children.
Deep dives
Building a Team Approach to Parenting
Creating a team approach to parenting is crucial for new dads, as it can be challenging to find their place in the early stages. By establishing a warm, connected relationship with their partner and actively participating in shared responsibilities, dads can play a significant role in their child's development. This includes taking on tasks such as nighttime feedings and finding unique ways to bond with their children. Open communication, mutual support, and cherishing the small moments can help strengthen the team dynamics and overcome the obstacles that arise.
Navigating the Challenging Teenage Years
As children enter their teenage years, they often go through significant changes and seek independence, which can create distance between parents and teens. However, it is crucial for dads to maintain a strong connection with their children during this transformative period. One effective strategy is to continue having regular dad dates or special bonding activities that create lasting memories. Additionally, dads should ensure that they express their love and support consistently, even if their teenagers seem to push them away or exhibit challenging behaviors. By staying engaged and present, dads can foster healthy relationships with their teenagers and provide the emotional support they need.
Embracing Vulnerability and Honesty in Parenting
Parenting requires vulnerability and honesty, not just from moms but also from dads. It is important for dads to share their insecurities, fears, and challenges with their partners, as this vulnerability can strengthen the couple's bond and create a safe, understanding space. By opening up about their experiences, dads can find support and reassurance from their partners rather than feeling isolated. Furthermore, connecting with other dads and building a network of support can also provide valuable insights and advice. Through honesty, vulnerability, and seeking support, dads can navigate the complexities of parenting and create lasting connections with their children.
Importance of taking time to revisit issues
One key insight from the podcast is the importance of taking time to revisit issues and conversations with our children. The speaker emphasizes that it is common to rush through challenging moments and move on without properly addressing them. However, by allowing for a 12 to 24-hour pause, we can give ourselves the opportunity to reflect on the situation, understand our emotions, and gain clarity on what really matters. This pause enables us to come back to the conversation with a better perspective, deeper insights, and the ability to make significant changes in our relationships with our children.
The power of silliness in parenting
Another main idea discussed in the podcast is the power of silliness in parenting. The speaker highlights how being silly, lighthearted, and unpredictable in our interactions with our children can strengthen the bond and build connection. Silliness is a powerful tool that creates a positive atmosphere in the home and helps children feel loved, accepted, and understood. It is through play, humor, and non-verbal connections that deep connections are formed, and children's emotional well-being is nurtured. Prioritizing play and embracing the simplicity of light-hearted moments can have a profound impact on our relationships with our children.
Hold on, it’s another Wild Rule Breaking Episode, this time with an EXPERT MUM! The legendary Maggie Dent, one of Australia's most trusted voices on raising kids and helping families.
Last season, Hamish made some bold statements about not having experts on this pod, unless it’s ones he really likes, like Maggie Dent for example. Well, blow me down… Maggie got in touch and said she’d love to have a chat (and a weak almond cap with one).
So, we feel very lucky to bring you some practical advice and words of wisdom from a mother of 4 sons, author of heaps of books, and someone who has spent years talking to parents about how a common sense approach can strengthen a family and help raise happy, healthy kids.
Maggie hosts one of the very best parenting podcasts, Parental as Anything and has got a brand new one called The Good Enough Dad (Hames pops up in an episode). She’s also got a fantastic treasure trove of resources available at her website www.maggiedent.com/ - We encourage you to have a look, there is some really helpful stuff for common issues.
Big thanks to Maggie for making the time to chat and distil down her many years of research and wisdom.
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Big thanks for HERTZ - our exclusive season 2 sponsor. Thanks to Hertz, we are able to bring you all these great conversations. And just like us, Hertz are all about making memories and having adventures. So if you need a great car to complete your next family getaway, head to hertz.com.au/hodd for a great discount. Terms and conditions do apply. See the website for details on these, as some exclusions do apply.
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If you want to get in touch you can drop us a line at howotherdadsdad.com - We really love hearing from you and really appreciate the funny, heartfelt and moving stories you guys share. Big thanks.
