
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 3, 2019 • 2min
Curb Sometimes, Spur at Others
The podcast dives into Seneca's philosophies on fatherhood, emphasizing the balance between encouragement and restraint. It discusses the importance of guiding children to avoid arrogance while fostering a sense of freedom. Tailoring parenting approaches to each child's unique needs emerges as a crucial theme. Listeners will find insights on how to motivate kids to strive for greatness while maintaining discipline. It's a thoughtful exploration of the nuances in raising well-rounded individuals.
Dec 3, 2019 • 2min
How to Get Them to Read (Or Do Anything)
Encouraging kids to read is more effective when parents lead by example. A strong message comes through: children often mirror their parents' habits. If you want your kids to embrace reading, make it a visible part of your life. Talk about books, read regularly, and create a home where literature thrives. The influence of your actions extends beyond reading; it applies to kindness, health, and work ethic too. Show them what being a reader looks like, and they’ll be inspired to follow suit.
Dec 3, 2019 • 2min
This is a Fresh Start
Explore the complex legacy of childhood experiences and how they shape parenting. Reflect on emotional wounds and the chance for a fresh start in fatherhood. Discover ways to break harmful cycles and provide what you once needed. This journey emphasizes healing for both parents and children, paving the way to create a nurturing environment. It's about making deliberate choices to foster better relationships and a brighter future for the next generation.
4 snips
Dec 3, 2019 • 2min
Punishment Should Make Them Better
Explore the idea that punishment isn't just about deterring bad behavior, but about fostering growth and improvement. Influential coach Randall Stutman shares insights on how consequences, like extra study sessions or community service, can enhance a child's character. The podcast encourages parents to choose punishments that are constructive rather than punitive, emphasizing thoughtful approaches to discipline that ultimately help mold better individuals.
Dec 3, 2019 • 2min
Is It Really Time to Go?
Discover the art of patience in parenting as the discussion explores the value of allowing children to immerse themselves in their activities. Emphasizing focus and curiosity, it challenges the instinct to rush family moments. Hear insights from Derek Sivers on prioritizing present experiences over strict schedules. The conversation highlights the benefits of letting kids get a little messy and the long-term skills they develop by engaging fully in the moment. It's a refreshing take on modern parenting amidst our busy lives.
Dec 3, 2019 • 2min
Blow Their Nose, and Your Own
Explore the hidden dynamics of parenting, where some fathers strategically feign incompetence to shift responsibilities. The discussion shines a light on the unequal burdens placed on women due to historical gender roles. This manipulative tactic may seem convenient but undermines true accountability in parenting. Embracing responsibilities empowers fathers and sets a positive example for children. Learn why it's crucial to step up and actively participate in family life.
Dec 3, 2019 • 2min
What are Your Rules?
Reflecting on her parenting journey, Rosanne Cash shares her most pivotal rule: no juice after 5pm! Establishing clear household rules is crucial, as they provide structure that children might not appreciate now but will value later. Winging it seems easy, but can lead to chaotic situations. Dads are encouraged to define expectations, enforce them consistently, and explain the reasoning behind each rule. Creating a fair and logical framework paves the way for a positive upbringing, turning chaos into clarity.
5 snips
Dec 3, 2019 • 3min
Your Kids are Not a Reflection of You
Explore the intriguing philosophy of parenting that emphasizes individuality over parental identity. Delve into how a child’s achievements or failures are not a reflection of their parent’s worth. Discover the importance of unconditional love and acceptance, encouraging parents to support their kids as unique individuals. This approach promotes healthy relationships, freeing parents from the burden of associating their identity too closely with their children’s lives.
Dec 3, 2019 • 2min
Help Them Carry the Fire
Dive into the precious moments when kids reveal their inherent goodness, like the pure love they show upon meeting a sibling. Explore how sharing without prompting showcases the natural purity in children. Parenting involves a crucial duty: to nurture and protect this innate goodness. In a world often overshadowed by darkness, fathers are tasked with helping their children 'carry the fire'—a metaphor for hope and light. Embrace these responsibilities daily to ensure that innocence thrives and continues to inspire future generations.
Dec 3, 2019 • 3min
Practice the Pause
Discover the art of 'the pause' in parenting, inspired by French techniques. Learn why it's sometimes better to hold back instead of rushing in when your child cries or falls. This approach encourages kids to navigate their own emotions and experiences, fostering independence. Explore how pausing can also improve interactions with your partner and teenagers, allowing for more thoughtful responses. Ultimately, embracing patience can lead to a deeper understanding and connection in family life.