The 'Why, Dad?' Podcast

🔑 What We Talk About:
👴 Parenting for 40, not just for 18
⚖️ Punishment vs. consequences — and why they're not the same
🧠 Why the best parenting moments happen after the meltdown
🎯 How to raise kids who love learning and trust their own reasoning
📚 What we get wrong about grades, homework, and school
🤐 Why discipline in the moment usually fails
💬 How to model curiosity and emotional regulation as a parent

📚 Resources & Mentions:
Jon’s Book: Punishment-Free Parenting

Jon’s Site: wholeparentacademy.com

Viktor Frankl – Man’s Search for Meaning

Topics touched: gentle parenting, emotional development, AI and learning, curiosity in education

💥 This Week’s Challenge:
Try not reacting in the moment.
Instead of disciplining during a meltdown, wait until everyone’s calm — then connect, ask questions, and parent from a place of intention.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Find Why, Dad? on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with a friend or fellow parent.

In this episode, Paul and Andrew dig into one of the most powerful (and often under-discussed) parenting skills: teaching our kids how to think. From silly moments like mistaking cows for horses to deeper reflections on autonomy and identity, they explore how critical thinking shows up in everyday parenting—and how easy it is to accidentally shut it down.

You’ll hear personal stories, lots of questions, and practical ways to help raise thoughtful, independent kids in a world full of easy answers.

What We Talk About:

• Why “those are cows” might not be the best response
• The difference between teaching kids what to think vs. how to think
• Why asking questions matters more than giving answers
• How to stay curious (especially when you feel triggered)
• Using play (like checkers and chess) to build logical thinking
• The difference between opinions, beliefs, and convictions
• The value of letting kids be wrong—and figure it out for themselves

Resources & Mentions:

• Socratic Method overview (Wikipedia)
• Checkers and chess — discussed as tools for developing consequence-based decision making and critical reasoning

This Week's Challenge:

This week, try replacing one correction with a curious question. Instead of “That’s wrong,” ask, “Why do you think that?” — and see where it leads.

Share your stories with us on Facebook or Instagram 

Be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
Leave a rating if you’re enjoying the show — it helps more dads join the conversation.

Disclaimer: Please don't close your eyes as instructed if you are driving or doing anything else dangerous. In this episode of the Why, Dad? Podcast, we explore the transformative power of gratitude and how it shapes us as fathers. "Putting the Gratitude in Attitude: The Power of a Gratitude Mindset" dives into the essential role gratitude plays in our lives, from strengthening our parenting to improving our personal well-being. Join us as we discuss practical ways to embrace a gratitude mindset, the lessons we’re passing on to our children, and why this mindset isn’t just a feel-good word—it’s a life-changing habit. Whether you’re new to the podcast or a regular listener, you won’t want to miss this enriching conversation on living with intention, positivity, and thankfulness. ...

Disclaimer: expect some minor audio issues due to one of our hosts calling in from a remote location. In this episode, Paul and Andrew dive into a thought-provoking clip from a popular parenting influencer, where the idea that parents shouldn’t teach their kids "what" to learn, but instead create an environment where they can discover "what they want to learn," is explored. This leads to a deep discussion about the role of fathers in guiding their children. Should we just get out of the way and let kids figure it all out, or is there a balance between giving them autonomy and imparting essential life lessons? Join the guys as they reflect on the nuanced idea of parenthood — sharing their thoughts on humility, the power of learning through guidance, and how to cultivate curiosity while instilling values. Whether you're a father, aspiring dad, or simply contemplating what it means to raise children in today’s unpredictable world, this episode offers insightful perspectives on being the best version of yourself as a parent. Don't miss out on this candid conversation about growth, wisdom, and the fine art of letting go. Let us know how you approach teaching your kids and creating that balance in your own lives! ...