
The Daily Dad
The audio companion to DailyDad.com’s daily email meditations on fatherhood, read by Ryan Holiday. Each daily reading will help you find the wisdom, inner strength, and good humor you need in order to be a great dad. Learn from historical figures and contemporary fathers how to do your most important job. Find more at dailydad.com.
Latest episodes
Mar 20, 2020 • 2min
You’ll Want Them To Come To You With Problems
Discover how your response to your child's mistakes shapes their willingness to share concerns with you. Explore the crucial role of trust and open communication in parenting. Learn why being approachable and calm encourages kids to come to you with their fears and dilemmas. Reflect on your own childhood experiences to understand the importance of listening without judgment. Ultimately, find out how to create a loving environment that promotes connection and honesty.
Mar 19, 2020 • 3min
What Are They Learning From How You Carry Yourself
The discussion dives into the deep impact parental role models have on their children. It highlights how Bruce Springsteen's experiences shaped him, showcasing the contrast between his father's struggles and his mother's resilience. Personal anecdotes illustrate the importance of demonstrating positive values through everyday actions. The idea that children learn not only from words but also from witnessing their parents at their best—and worst—is emphasized. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder of the lessons we impart just by being ourselves.
Mar 18, 2020 • 2min
They Feel Bad Enough Already
When kids mess up, parents often want to yell, but is that really effective? The discussion emphasizes maintaining calmness to foster understanding and accountability. It challenges the notion that anger teaches lessons, suggesting that a gentle approach and open conversation can help kids learn from their mistakes. By modeling how to handle errors thoughtfully, parents show children how to behave in their own future relationships, ensuring valuable lessons stick. It's a reminder to trust in the goodness instilled in them.
Mar 17, 2020 • 3min
Give Them Access To This Wisdom
Explore the ancient art of fables as a powerful tool for teaching children timeless truths. Discover how stories from Aesop, the Bible, and Da Vinci hold valuable lessons that transcend their dark or quirky details. Learn why it's crucial to share these narratives at home, whether through reading, storytelling, or discussions. Dive into the wisdom behind tales like the Fox and the Stork, and understand the importance of nature and consequences in our lives. Revive this rich tradition to enrich your parenting and your child's understanding of the world.
Mar 16, 2020 • 5min
You’d Trade Anything For This, Yet…
The podcast delves into the priceless value of family time, urging parents to reflect on their choices amidst life's distractions. It uses the poignant story of a legendary NBA champion, who would trade his great achievements for just one more day with his daughters. The discussion also redefines fatherhood, presenting it as a coaching role that requires adaptability and understanding to meet each child's unique needs. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to prioritize what truly matters in life.
Mar 13, 2020 • 3min
The Trade Off Is Worth It
Fatherhood transforms your life in unexpected ways. You trade spontaneity and energy for joy and fulfillment. Society often highlights the costs, but the happiness found in ordinary moments—playing in the yard, cozy family time, or even the chaos of morning wake-ups—can be truly profound. Discovering peace amidst the disruption is a delightful surprise. It’s about cherishing the little things that make parenting worth every sacrifice.
Mar 12, 2020 • 2min
If You Feel Upset, Do This
Stressed from work or life? Spending just a few moments with your kids could be the antidote you need. This conversation emphasizes how children’s innocent perspective can help melt away adult worries and pressures. By reconnecting with their joy and simplicity, you can gain clarity on your challenges. Instead of being weighed down, find fun and reminder of life's unburdened moments with them. You'll return to your problems refreshed, ready to tackle them one at a time with renewed perspective.
Mar 11, 2020 • 2min
Raise Them To Be a “Why” Child
Explore the idea of raising a 'why child' who thrives on curiosity and questions. Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald, this discussion highlights the importance of nurturing a child's inquisitive spirit. Discover how encouraging endless questions fosters deeper understanding and lifelong learning. Rather than shying away from the annoyance that comes with constant inquiries, embrace it as a pathway to enlightenment. Cultivating curiosity may lead to a more engaged and knowledgeable individual.
Mar 10, 2020 • 3min
Don’t Let Them Get Discouraged
Struggling with new skills is a universal experience, often leading to discouragement. The discussion highlights how critical encouragement is, especially for children navigating their own challenges. By comparing personal growth to bamboo and ice cubes, we learn that progress often happens beneath the surface before any visible success emerges. Fathers play a pivotal role in helping children recognize their incremental achievements, fostering resilience and a growth mindset for future endeavors.
Mar 9, 2020 • 3min
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Feeling overwhelmed as a parent? You're not alone. The discussion highlights how modern fatherhood has evolved, urging dads to focus on their own journey rather than comparisons. With access to resources and presence in their children's lives like never before, today's fathers are more engaged than past generations. Reflecting on the past, it's clear that the commitment and care exhibited now far surpass what was common before. Celebrate the strides made in parenting, and recognize that you're doing better than you think.