Fathering Our Future

Has your kid ever been down because of an issue with friendship? Of course you deal with it in the moment but there’s more you can do to help your kids. This week I want to give you some advice on teaching your kids about friendships. Four reminders to tell them:There are lots of people in the worldFriendship takes timeFocus on being friendlyBest friends find each otherPlus a couple of other things you can focus on to help them make friends and see what friendship should truly look like. —Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

If you are a dad with a younger son and you find yourself wondering if your son actually likes you – you are not alone. In fact, a dad reach out to me with his concerns regarding his relationship with his 4-year old son and I think my advice will benefit you too.I will give you my timeless piece of advice that will be critical for your relationship with your son but I will specifically address:Why does my son only like his mom?Why does he not want to play with me?Why does he ignore me?What do I do if he never wants to talk?If YOU have specific questions about fatherhood, please send me an email at fatheringourfuture@gmail.com.—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff. 

Time and love are a couple of things we think about a lot as dads. So I’ve got a fresh perspective to share on time and 4 tips to help you succeed at loving your children.With kids we find ourselves not having enough time, wishing we had more time, and running out of time.When it comes to loving our kids we that’s what we are supposed to do but that doesn’t always come natural.After being separated from my family for a few weeks, I started to see time differently. There’s nothing profound here, just a fresh perspective. When it comes to loving your kids, I’ve got four things for you to do that will make this easier—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff. 

Just a few weeks ago I was alone and isolated from my family. I thought this may have been a time where I would be ultra-productive but I was wrong. The isolation was painful but one simple thing made the difference.We live in a world where we are constantly told to look forward and to stop looking back. This week I share how looking back helped me during my period of loneliness and brought happiness to my soul. We should look forward but we should never stop looking back.—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Last week I talked about things to avoid when it comes to disciplining your kids. This week I want to share one thing you should incorporate in your discipline approach that you maybe haven’t considered. Disciplining kids seems like a serious thing, and it is, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use humor in the process. I want to share a silly simple way I utilize humor in disciplining my kids that’s surprisingly effective and beneficial to both myself and my kids. —Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Disciplining our children is our greatest responsibility as fathers and unfortunately too many think about discipline in terms of punishment and correction. That is a part of discipline, but there is a whole lot more to it.This week I focus on what it means to discipline your kids and I cover three things you need to be careful of or rethink entirely. We are talking about:SpankingSending your kid to their roomReacting—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

When it comes to AI, there are people who love it and people who hate it. Personally, I see it as an incredible tool and resource with amazing potential. However, apparently it possesses the potential to do things I never imagined.I recently read an article about people and their feelings toward romantic companions created by AI, some pornographic. I’ll share that with you and provide:Tips around communityHow you can help your kids with real friendships and relationshipsAdvice surrounding limits to screen time and social media usageHere’s the newsletter referenced in the episode: https://www.morningbrew.com/issues/colder-model?mbcid=41145762.43963&mid=a23d85b97ba2308274ab1869c147ae26&utm_campaign=mb&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=header_signupHere’s my referral link if you want to subscribe to the newsletter: morningbrew.com/daily/r/?kid=754260—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Integrity is a word that we all like to use. We know it is good. We know we want to have it. But the truth is, we sometimes struggle to actually define what integrity is.My goal is to help you understand what integrity is and what it should look like in your life. On this week’s episode, I will:Provide a biblical definition of integrityGive you an analogy that will help you understand integrityOffer some do’s and don’t’s that will help you have greater integrity—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

As dads we want our kids to accomplish great things but we also want it to be perpetually known that we are the greatest. That’s a problem because both things cannot be true.Our mission is to equip and disciple our kids to be a part of God’s mission in a greater capacity than ourselves. We need to keep that desire for our kids to accomplish great things while accepting that we will not always be the greatest. This episode will:Justify why we should want our kids to surpass ourselvesHelp you understand how you can accomplish thatExplain that your value as a dad is not predicated on your performance—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Sometimes life doesn’t pan out the way you expected it to. Sometimes life throws you curveballs when everything appears to be going great. Life is unpredictable and brings change.Things are changing for me personally. Our family is making a move across the country. While I have been processing this change, I have observed a few things that I think can serve dads when big changes present themselves. I want to offer you:Advice for decision makingA reminder about timeA perspective on taking things for granted—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Becoming a dad is one of the greatest things that happens to men but with this change often comes fear and discomfort. I want to help take off the edge a bit and offer some advice as a father of four.I share tips from my book, Cut the Crap, that dads need to focus on, as well as some items that are must have when you have kids. You’ll get:My recommended itemsThe right perspective on having kids5 focuses for fathersEncouragement for the journey aheadIf you would like a physical copy of Cut the Crap, get it here: https://amzn.to/40BZgWXFor a list of the recommended items visit: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/08/03/items-you-actually-should-buy-when-you-have-kids/ —Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Over the last decade a term has been popularized in Christian circles: deconstruction. The premise is essentially dismantling one’s faith one brick at a time. For Christian dads, this should propel us to focus on properly teaching and living out biblical truths to our kids. I’m joined today by Pastor Nicholas McDonald, author of The Light in Our Eyes, to talk more about deconstruction. You’ll learn:How to think about deconstruction 4 phases of deconstructionAncient practices that can help establish a strong faithCheck the link to get your copy of The Light in Our Eyes: https://amzn.to/4lpNJSD—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Have you ever said:• You should be ashamed of yourself• Stop acting like a baby• It’s my way or the highway• Because I said soIf you have not used these, you have probably used something similar. While there are wonderful things we can learn from our parents and glean from previous generation, there are particular phrases that we can think back on that no parent should ever say.I want to help you identify these phrases and provide a more Christ-honoring approach. We are going to focus on 10 phrases that have been commonly used by parents that are wrong for any parent to use.—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

A few weeks back I was joined by Dr. Meg Meeker to talk about the necessity of a dad for daughters. This week I want to take things a step further and help you see that your daughters do not just need you but they truly want you.I came across a letter from my wife’s grandmother where she wrote about her testimony. Much of the emptiness and distress she mentions was due to her relationship with her dad. I want to share this reflective insight to help you realize the desire your daughters have for you and the need for you to turn your attention to them as well.Be sure to check out my interview with Dr. Meg Meeker if you missed it here: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/06/02/the-undeniable-influence-dads-have-on-their-daughters-with-dr-meg-meeker/ —Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

I grew up with teachers and leaders telling me that video games were a waste of time and that they offered no benefit to me. The truth is, video games can offer benefits. And yes, they can also come with some terribly negative effects. What’s important for us as dads is that we understand the benefits and dangers.I am joined by Scott Novis, creator of GameTruck. With over 30 years in the gaming industry, Scott reveals some things about the gaming industry that we must be aware. We talk about:* What games are designed to accomplish* The impact they have on our brains* How video games can be used for goodLearn more about Scott by visiting: www.scottnovis.comBook recommendation: The Anxious Generation - https://amzn.to/3IahGYw—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Loving your children seems like a universally understood idea but there is a correct way to love them. How do we do that? We observe and experience love and then we replicate it.1 John 4:19 tells us that “We love because He first loved us.” This verse not only explains why we are to love but how we are able to love. I want to focus on the how and ask you one question that will determine if you are loving your kids the way you need to.—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fatheringourfuture.com/support/

We live in a busy culture. There is the hustle to obtain financial security. There are all of the long distance trip to make family gatherings. There are all of the practices, games, concerts, performances, and extracurricular activities that our kids are involved in. Add on to that all of the personal efforts to stay physically healthy and mentally sharp. And don’t forget about your marriage. It’s no wonder why time is one of the greatest struggles dads contend with.If this sounds like you, you probably feel like your home is hemorrhaging and relationships are suffering. You are doing all of the stuff you think you are supposed to be doing at the expense of the one thing you are supposed to be doing it all for. Things have to change.I want to offer some advice to you on how to prosper your family by protecting your time. We are talking about:Overcoming FOMO (Fear of missing out)Saying “No”How many activities your kids need to be involved inHow much time you realistically have with your kids—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fatheringourfuture.com/support/

We all want to make an impact on our children. We want to be influential in their lives. We want to leave a legacy behind that continues to benefit and serve them for the years to come. But how?I am joined to day by Warren Mainard, the National Director of IMPACT Players. Warren shares his knowledge and experience on various areas of fatherhood and how we can become men of impact in our homes. We discuss:Teaching adult childrenEmpty nestingCommunityMain factors for growth in menTo learn more about Warren and IMPACT Players checkout:www.impactplayers.orgwww.linkedin.com/in/warren-mainard/—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/4lkchwq Get your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fatheringourfuture.com/support/

It can be very easy to get carried away with our authority as dads. We can lose our identity as a dad and start to act like we are the one who sits on the throne with ultimate dominion.   We must always remember that we are not God and we need to be careful to not father our children like we are. To assist you in maintaining your proper identity as a dad I want to discuss:   How we should understand our place and authority Why it’s important to allow our kids to ask questions The difference between fear and reverence — Get your FREE 7-day devotional download: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/   Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father: https://amzn.to/45m9ldR   Get your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book): https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/   MERCH: https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products   Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads: https://fatheringourfuture.com/support/

As dads we have no better example than our Father in heaven. He is the one we are to learn from and emulate. However, if we really look at our Father, we might be surprised by what we find.   For this Father’s Day, I want to help you see our Father and His most outstanding quality. God is many things but there is one thing that rises to the top, and that is the one thing we should focus on.   I always ask people what their best piece of advice for dads is. This week I want to share my best piece of advice for dads.   —   Get your FREE 7-day devotional download: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/   Get your copy of the new devotional for dads, Following Our Father: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=VA6KP8OJ9Nh6EJM8xkhLDg1exkXKTtM9kswBjBoKxmD (Amazon options: https://amzn.to/427aK4L)   Get your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book): https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/   MERCH: https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products   Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads: https://fatheringourfuture.com/support/