
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
Dec 17, 2019 • 3min
Always Think About How Other People Are Doing
Explore the divine lesson from a biblical story where triumph can overshadow others' suffering. The importance of empathy during our successes is highlighted, reminding us to be aware of those facing struggles. The discussion emphasizes instilling compassion in children, ensuring they grow up understanding that not everyone shares the same fortune. It's a call to acknowledge the complexities of victory and maintain kindness amidst our achievements.
Dec 16, 2019 • 3min
Teach Them It's Figureoutable
Dive into the power of curiosity and problem-solving! Discover how inquisitive children can become creative thinkers, inspired by their father's guidance to seek answers and embark on adventures. Learn about the importance of exploration—whether through libraries or conversations with wise neighbors. The magic lies in teaching kids that everything is figureoutable, encouraging them to love the journey of learning and discovery.
Dec 13, 2019 • 2min
Don’t Just Protect Yours
Exploring the essence of fatherhood, the discussion emphasizes collective responsibility for all children, not just biological ones. Traditional views of loyalty can create unhealthy norms like nepotism. The conversation urges listeners to think beyond their immediate families, advocating a communal approach to nurturing future generations. Drawing on Stoic wisdom, it highlights the importance of caring for everyone’s kids to foster a stronger, more just society. Together, we can create a better world for all.
Dec 12, 2019 • 3min
There Are Things Better To Just Not Think About
Emily Oster challenges traditional parenting advice with a data-driven perspective. She advocates for selective ignorance, urging parents to focus on joy rather than obsessing over every little decision. This approach helps reduce anxiety and enhances the fun of parenting. A memorable anecdote reveals how sometimes the best response to worries is simply not to think about them. The conversation highlights the balance between being informed and enjoying the parenting journey.
Dec 3, 2019 • 3min
Teach Them to Choose
Fathers play a crucial role in teaching kids how to make decisions. By allowing children to choose simple things—like what to wear or what to eat—they gain experience and confidence. This skill is vital for navigating bigger choices later in life, like college or careers. Empowering kids to make their own choices helps them become independent and resilient. It's all about giving them the freedom to decide, even if they stumble along the way. After all, every choice is an opportunity for growth!
Dec 3, 2019 • 3min
Don’t Give Them an Ego
In this discussion, the challenge of balancing praise and accountability in parenting takes center stage. Listeners explore why excessive flattery can be harmful, leading to inflated egos in children. The importance of honest communication and teaching resilience is emphasized, urging parents to foster self-awareness in their kids. Drawing wisdom from Seneca, the idea of exposing children to the truth, even when it's uncomfortable, is presented as essential for their growth and character development.
Dec 3, 2019 • 3min
Your Kid is Not a Status Symbol
The podcast dives into the fascinating world of parenting in the age of social media. It questions why some parents, like DJ Khaled, treat their children as status symbols rather than individuals. Through a critical lens, it emphasizes the importance of allowing kids to develop their identities instead of being exploited for adult validation. The conversation highlights the need for clear boundaries in parenting, advocating for nurturing your child's unique journey rather than using them to impress others.
Dec 3, 2019 • 2min
They Don't Feel as Old as They Look
Reflecting on childhood, the hosts discuss how the perception of age can be deceiving. They explain the universal feeling of inadequacy we all face, regardless of how mature we may seem. This struggle isn’t just for adults; children often feel just as lost and insecure. They emphasize the need for parents to recognize and support their kids through these doubts. Reassurance and love are vital as kids navigate their own journeys of self-discovery.
Dec 3, 2019 • 2min
Let ‘Em See You Work
In this discussion, the importance of letting children witness hard work is emphasized. Fathers are encouraged to share their professional experiences, bridging the gap between work and family life. By involving kids in their routines, dads can teach valuable lessons about work ethic and responsibility. This approach challenges the typical work-life silo, making the workplace a place of inspiration for their children, whether they're CEOs or stay-at-home dads. After all, kids learn best by seeing their parents in action.
Dec 3, 2019 • 2min
Who Cares What That Idiot Thinks?
This discussion dives into the humorous struggles of parenthood, from embarrassing dance moves to cringe-worthy jokes. It tackles the judgment we feel from our younger selves, reminding us that those critical standards are often misguided. The conversation encourages embracing authenticity in parenting, celebrating the messy, wonderful aspects of raising kids. Ultimately, it highlights the deeper understanding of what truly matters in life, freeing us from the need to care about others' opinions.