Dear Old Dads

Lydia Smith, a frequent collaborator and researcher, joins the hosts for a lively discussion on navigating tricky family dynamics. They explore a listener's email about a daughter's surprise marriage to a much older man and the concerns it raises. Humorous anecdotes about ADHD add color, as Eli half-jokingly blames Thomas for his son's diagnosis. The conversation overflows with insights on balancing parental instincts with support, ultimately emphasizing the importance of listening and setting healthy boundaries.

In this lively discussion, the hosts tackle a hilariously awkward listener email about buying a sex doll. Eli's unexpected laughter sets the tone as they speculate on parents' reactions and the emotional fallout of such a conversation. They debate the social implications and community dynamics surrounding sex dolls, while also discussing the differences in male and female sexual subcultures. Practical advice leads to alternatives over expensive dolls, all interspersed with humor and personal anecdotes about parenting and puberty.

The guys have reunited post-Thanksgiving and have plenty of catching up to do! Tom has returned from a hunting trip with other dudes (not our DILFs) and brings some of his observations to the pod to discuss. Most importantly - what are signs as you get older of a good life? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email thedads@dearolddads.com

The hosts dive into the complex world of parenting, sharing their own struggles with their child's social behavior. They discuss the challenges of confronting other parents and the defensiveness that surfaces when faced with potential issues. Highlighting the heartache of social rejection, they explore strategies for fostering better self-control and working with schools for support. The conversation touches on the natural ebb and flow of childhood friendships and the need for understanding and resilience as kids navigate social dynamics.

The hosts dive into a listener's email about their partner's embrace of fictional relationships within the waifu community. They discuss the complexities of kink, identity, and emotional attachment, weighing the boundaries of healthy relationships. The conversation touches on the impact of fantasy on parenting and the importance of transparency in partnerships. The dads debate whether feeling ignored in a relationship is neglect, not just jealousy, emphasizing the need for communication and renegotiation of boundaries. Humor flows as they explore these serious themes.

A soon-to-be dad expresses anxiety over his anger issues and how they might affect his child. The hosts emphasize the importance of therapy and self-reflection to manage emotions. They discuss practical tips like safely stepping away when overwhelmed and the necessity of modeling apologies to children. The discussion also covers the impact of sleep deprivation on anger and the significance of recognizing sensitive responses in kids as signs of safety. They explore how expectations can fuel anger and the benefits of cognitive-behavioral strategies to manage triggers.

A listener's email sparks an engaging chat about how parents can support their kids' interests, even if they don't share them. The hosts discuss techniques to help kids explore new hobbies and why faking enthusiasm can boost their confidence. They also delve into the importance of commitment to activities, distinguishing between healthy boredom and anxiety. Plus, there's a focus on the benefits of trying various things rather than specializing too soon, encouraging kids to be 'joiners' for richer experiences.

Oh, hey! Want to have all of the responsibility and weight of parenthood without any of the legal benefits ensuring you are connected to your kids? Try stepparenting! Tom leads today's chat with the dads as he breaks down the frustrating structure of America's step-parent. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email thedads@dearolddads.com

Today's episode centers on the importance of friendship despite what dude self-help spaces might tell you. Also more hot takes that the dads dig into include: being vulnerable enough to apologize when you've wrongly let a friendship go, and whether or not you can truly build friendships in online communities. No way you get this kind of content from the anti-friendship dude-bros trying to sell you their course on crypto! But first, some brilliant tattoo discussion. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddadsFor comments, email thedads@dearolddads.com

The hosts delve into a TikTok clip about finding a woman who hates men, sparking debates on its implications. They explore how social media amplifies shallow perspectives and how it can exploit male insecurities. A discussion unfolds on the dynamics of earned distrust in dating today, coupled with reflections on how attractive individuals gain unwarranted influence online. The conversation also questions the ethics of anonymity on the internet and whether platforms can be used responsibly anymore.