

The Daily Dad
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 15, 2024 • 3min
This Is The First Step
Discover how fostering a love for reading at home can shape your child's creativity and empathy. The discussion highlights the impact of surrounding kids with great literature and demonstrating the joy of reading. Anecdotes illustrate how sharing professional successes can inspire pride and connection between parents and children. The importance of intentional parenting shines as they emphasize the responsibility of nurturing a reader to open up a world of imagination and life lessons.

Mar 14, 2024 • 2min
You Have To See What’s Really Going On
Explore the importance of understanding the root causes of children's behaviors. Instead of reacting to frustration, parents are encouraged to pause and reflect. Through effective communication, they can strengthen connections and address emotional needs. Delve into the significance of recognizing overwhelming feelings and the need for support in children's lives. Discover how a Stoic mindset can help navigatethe chaos and connect on a deeper level.

Mar 13, 2024 • 4min
This is The Cure
Parenthood transforms everything, shifting priorities and perspectives. The humbling experience of raising children reveals what truly matters in life. Personal anecdotes illustrate how the challenges of parenting can overshadow former aspirations. The connection between self-importance and the innocence of children is explored, showcasing how their needs can reframe adult concerns. Ultimately, it's about realizing that life’s most significant moments often lie in the mundane joys of family.

Mar 12, 2024 • 3min
Easy Like Sunday Morning
Why is family life often filled with stress? Morning routines and mealtimes can turn into battles, but they don't have to be. Discover how adopting a more relaxed approach can transform your home atmosphere. Imagine a day that flows easily, like a Sunday morning. Embrace simplicity and make space for joy in your family life. Plus, learn about a challenge that can help you tidy not just your home but also your mind and relationships, guiding you toward becoming your best self!

Mar 11, 2024 • 3min
You Don’t Have To Like It, But You Should Try
A father struggles with his teenage step-daughter's love for Nirvana, leading to a clash over music and identity. Tegan candidly shares her emotional journey and how she grappled with her own identity while navigating her father’s disapproval. Their music-filled reconciliation highlights the importance of embracing what our children love, even when it differs from our own tastes. A powerful reminder that understanding and acceptance can deepen parental bonds.

10 snips
Mar 9, 2024 • 12min
You Are Your Kids Biggest Fan
Explore the joys and challenges of parenting while discovering the importance of being your child's biggest fan. A heartwarming tale unfolds during a car ride, emphasizing meaningful conversations that deepen connections. Engage in your children's interests to strengthen your bond, with personal stories highlighting how shared experiences, like music, create lasting memories. It’s all about embracing active involvement and celebrating the adventure of parenthood!

Mar 8, 2024 • 4min
They’re The Only Ones In There
Dive into the importance of recognizing a child's autonomy! The discussion emphasizes how children understand their own feelings and preferences better than we often assume. It encourages parents to listen and respect their kids' unique experiences. Additionally, the concept of 'inner child work' is explored, highlighting the need for personal growth and breaking free from past parenting patterns. This insightful conversation challenges us to rethink parental assumptions and nurture individuality.

5 snips
Mar 7, 2024 • 4min
They Need You To Do This For Them
Discover how calmness can transform stressful parenting moments with inspiring insights from a story about Queen Elizabeth II. The discussion highlights the art of redirecting energy and providing gentle support instead of reprimanding. It's all about offering a distraction or a calming presence to help kids navigate their emotions. Learn how developing discipline can benefit both parents and children, creating a positive environment for growth and success. Embrace the power of kindness and emotional intelligence in your parenting journey!

Mar 6, 2024 • 4min
Your Future Is What You Make It
Explore the connection between your choices today and the future you envision with your family. Discover how prioritizing mental health plays a crucial role in effective parenting. Reflect on your long-term relationships with your children and the activities you hope to share. Consider how your present habits impact those dreams. It's a call to action: the way you live now shapes not only your own happiness but also the bonds you'll have in the years to come.

Mar 5, 2024 • 5min
What Will Your Kids See?
Explore how early experiences shape children's character and future behavior. Discover the powerful influence of adult examples over mere words or teachings. Engage with the modern challenges posed by technology and social media on young minds. Understand the importance of being a role model, as children are more perceptive than we often realize. Join the conversation on setting a strong foundation for parenting through practical examples.