The Dad & Daughter Connection

Hey dads, welcome back to Dad Connections in 5—your five-minute guide to building stronger, deeper relationships with your daughter, one moment at a time. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and today we're diving into a season that can feel like uncharted territory for a lot of fathers: How to stay close to your daughter during the teenage years. Let's be honest—this phase is a big shift. The little girl who once wanted to hold your hand at the park may now spend more time in her room, scroll her phone for hours, and roll her eyes more than she talks. But here's the truth that matters most: She still needs you—just in a different way. So today, I'll give you three practical ways to stay emotionally connected to your daughter through the ups, downs, and changes of the teen years. Why the Teenage Years Are Critical These years are full of questions: "Who am I?" "Do I fit in?" "Can I trust myself?" "Do I have value, even when I mess up?" And while your daughter might act like she doesn't want your input, what she really wants is for you to show up—consistently, calmly, and without judgment. When you do that, you teach her: That her voice matters That she can trust herself and her choices That you'll be a steady presence, no matter what Let's look at how to make that happen in everyday life. 3 Practical Ways to Stay Close 1. Shift from Control to Curiosity In the early years, parenting was about protection and instruction. But now? It's about guidance and trust. Instead of: "You need to do it this way," Try: "What do you think is the best next step?" "How did that decision feel afterward?" This keeps the door open without shutting her down. Show her you're more interested in understanding than correcting—and she'll keep coming to you. 2. Create Rituals That Stay Consistent Teenagers crave freedom, but they also need structure and connection. Even if she's busier, you can build in small rituals that anchor your relationship. Weekly coffee runs or lunch dates Friday night walks Driving her to school and using that time to talk—or just be quiet together Sending a text that says "I believe in you" before big moments These habits become a signal: "No matter how old you get, I'm not going anywhere." 3. Be the Calm in Her Chaos The teen years can feel like emotional rollercoasters—and your daughter needs at least one person who stays calm, even when she's not. When she slams the door, gets frustrated, or messes up: Don't match her energy. Don't make it about your disappointment. Instead, offer grace and presence. Instead, say something like: "I'm here if you want to talk." "I'm still proud of you, even when things are hard." "This doesn't change how much I love you." That kind of steadiness builds deep trust—and it lasts a lifetime. Quick Takeaway: Try This Today Here's your challenge: Reach out to your teenage daughter today in a way that feels natural—but intentional. Send her a simple "thinking of you" text Ask how you can support her this week Suggest one small, low-pressure hangout (even if it's just picking up takeout together) She might not always say it, but these gestures send the message loud and clear: "I'm still here. I'm still on your team. And I'm not giving up on staying connected—even when it's hard." That's it for today's Dad Connections in 5. If you're in the thick of the teenage years—or you're about to be—just remember: connection during this season is about being present, patient, and persistent. You've got this. Until next time—keep showing up, keep trusting the process, and keep being the dad she'll always know she can count on. If you enjoyed this episode, we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community, and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

Hey dads, welcome to another episode of Dad Connections in 5—your five-minute boost of practical advice to help you grow closer to your daughter, one conversation and one moment at a time. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and today we're digging into a powerful parenting skill: Turning life's curveballs into teachable moments. Here's the truth—things don't always go as planned. Your daughter is going to face disappointment, frustration, failure, and change. She'll spill the milk, miss the goal, get the wrong grade, lose a friend, or just have one of those days. And in those moments, how you respond can either shut her down—or help her grow. So, let's talk about how to use unexpected challenges not as roadblocks, but as relationship builders and life lessons she can carry forward. Why These Moments Matter It's easy to teach when everything is going right. But the real magic happens when life isn't perfect. When you step in with empathy, patience, and perspective, you help your daughter learn: How to handle stress with grace How to reflect, adapt, and move forward That she is never alone in her struggle You're not rescuing her—you're coaching her through it. That's the kind of dad that changes lives. 3 Steps to Turn Challenges into Growth Moments 1. Stay Calm and Present Before anything else—take a breath. Challenges can trigger your emotions too. But your daughter is watching how you respond. Instead of jumping into "fix-it mode" or reacting with frustration, model calm curiosity. Try: "That didn't go the way you wanted, huh?"  "Do you want to talk about what happened, or just sit for a bit?" Your calm presence sends the message: "This is hard, but we'll figure it out together." 2. Ask Questions That Build Reflection After emotions settle, help her reflect—not by giving her a lecture, but by guiding her to think critically. Try questions like:  "What do you think went wrong?" "What would you do differently next time?" "What did you learn about yourself?" You're teaching her that mistakes and challenges aren't dead ends—they're doorways to learning. 3. Celebrate the Effort, Not Just the Outcome If she tried something hard and it didn't work out, highlight what went right—even if the result wasn't perfect. Say things like: "I saw how much effort you put into that project—I'm proud of your dedication."  "It took courage to step out of your comfort zone. That matters more than the result." You're reinforcing that resilience and growth matter more than success on the first try. Quick Takeaway: Try This Today Here's your challenge: The next time your daughter faces a challenge—big or small—pause and ask yourself one question: "How can I use this moment to help her grow?" Then respond with: Calm support A curious question Encouragement for her effort Even if it's just a spilled drink or a tough day at school, your reaction can help her learn that mistakes don't define her—they refine her. That's it for this episode of Dad Connections in 5. If this helped you reframe those frustrating or messy moments as powerful teaching opportunities, share it with another dad who wants to show up with intention. Until next time—keep showing up, keep asking good questions, and keep reminding your daughter that she's growing through it all—with you by her side. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

This week's episode of the "Dad and Daughter Connection" offers a heartfelt and inspiring look at the evolving relationship between a father and daughter as they navigate the world of competitive youth sports, college, and life beyond the field. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis, this episode features David Murray, an acclaimed journalist and author of the new book "Soccer Dad," and his daughter, Scout Murray, who has just wrapped up a successful soccer career at Ohio University. Unconditional Support & Independence One of the episode's primary themes is the balance between support and independence in parenting. Scout Murray recalls how her dad never pressured her to follow a specific path and always backed whatever passion she pursued. As she puts it, "[My dad] always just made sure I knew that whatever my passion was, he was going to fully support it." This foundation of acceptance empowered her to chase ambitious goals in soccer—her journey marked by her own drive rather than parental expectations. David Murray admits his lack of soccer expertise helped him stay out of "coach mode" and instead be a true fan and ally, which fostered a safe space for Scout Murray to grow. Perseverance Through Challenges The episode delves deeply into the resilience required to pursue high-level sports, particularly when the journey gets tough. Scout Murray shares powerful stories of long car rides to soccer tryouts, difficult transitions to elite teams, and the emotional strain of not always being a starter. The message? True growth happens when you face setbacks head-on, and finding the strength to persevere means knowing you have supportive people behind you. Honest Communication & Emotional Openness A standout part of David Murray and Scout Murray's story is their commitment to honesty and vulnerability. They discuss the importance of admitting mistakes, owning up to less-than-perfect parenting moments, and, above all, keeping communication open—even (or especially) in challenging times. As Scout Murray notes, being able to "share everything that was going on" helped keep their relationship strong through ups and downs. Lasting Takeaways Whether you're a dad, a daughter, or simply someone looking for insights into meaningful relationships, this episode offers encouragement to value presence over perfection and emphasizes that taking your child's challenges seriously is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Want more of these hard-won life lessons and candid, touching stories? Give this episode a listen—you'll walk away inspired to build stronger connections with the ones you love. Catch it now on the "Dad and Daughter Connection." TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection. I am so excited that you're back with us again this week. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:57]: As always, every week, I love being on this journey with you. As you know, I'm a father of two daughters and this whole podcast was developed for you as someone that is also raising daughters today. And one of the things I love is that every week we can be on this journey together and you can gain something every week to help you to build those stronger connections that you want to have with your daughters. And we do that every week by having opportunities to talk to different people with different experiences that are able to bring those connections to the forefront, whether they're dads, moms, or other individuals that can help you to be that dad that you want to be. And today I'm really excited to be able to have two guests. David Murray and his daughter Scout are here and we're going to be talking about a brand new book that David has out called Soccer Dad. But we're also going to talk about the relationship that the two of them have together. And David is an author of a number of books including Soccer Dad. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:59]: So he has a number of books that are out there, but he's also an award winning journalist who's writing on sports and other subjects, has appeared in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, the Atlantic and other publication. And Scout is on her way to graduating from Ohio University after a successful career in soccer at Ohio University. So we're going to be talking about that as well. So I'm really excited to have them both here. David, Scout, thanks so much for being here. Scout Murray [00:02:24]: Thank you. David Murray [00:02:25]: Great to be here. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:25]: Well, I'm really excited to have you here today and I always start with these conversations with an opportunity to delve a little bit deeper into the connections that the two of you have. And I know we're going to dig into that a little bit more in the book, but I guess on the top end, first and foremost, Scout, I'm going to ask a question to you. As you think about the relationship that you've built with your dad, what's one thing that your dad did for you that made you truly feel seen, heard and valued as a daughter? Scout Murray [00:02:54]: I would say he, since I was little, has always made it very clear that there was no pressure from him to do a specific thing. There was nothing that I felt like I had to do to make, like to impress him, I guess I would say. And he always just made sure I knew that whatever I. Whatever my passion was, he was going to fully support it. So I think when it came to soccer, he never told me what I should do, told me how I should go about things. He kind of just like followed my lead, I guess I would say. And I think that always made me feel super comfortable talking to him about anything, really. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:35]: And speaking of that, David, I think every dad tries to help to guide their daughters. And how did you balance guiding Scout while also giving her the independence to grow into the person she's become today? David Murray [00:03:50]: Well, I think one of my qualifications for being a good soccer dad was that I don't know a damn thing about soccer and I never did. So it wasn't like we were in the car and I was giving her all this advice about how she should have played a certain way or certain shot. So I always kind of approached this as kind of a fan. To some extent, I was grateful that she did not play baseball or football or a sport that I even think I understand. So that was, I think, kind of my main qualification as a soccer parent and scout. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:04:22]: I guess looking back at the relationship you've built thus far as well, was there a moment where your dad's support or guidance really had a significant impact on your growth or your confidence? Scout Murray [00:04:34]: There was one summer that I think stands out to me when we spent the entire summer going on visits. College visits, college soccer visits. Yeah. We would drive somewhere, oftentimes for seven hours. I would sleep the entire time. He would drive me. And I feel like, I mean, I didn't realize it at the time because I think I was extremely self centered. But looking back on that summer, I think that I look back on it a lot and I think it made me realize, like, how much he's willing to put in to show me how supportive he is of my passions and what I want to do. Scout Murray [00:05:10]: So I think that moment is when I was like, okay, if I have this support system behind me, and I really want to do it. I should really just go for it. So I think that's when I really. David Murray [00:05:21]: Realized that that was a hard summer for a number of reasons. And one of the reasons was it is horrible to travel with teenagers. They're either sleep or they're awake, and they're looking at Instagram and dying of fomo. Even though their friends are just kind of hanging out somewhere in Chicago, they're never there with you. And the second they are there with you, they're trying to get you to listen to their music, and you're trying to listen to it and care about it, but you can't quite do it well enough. And it was, like, the longest summer. We were hoping it would be fun. It was not really fun, but it was productive. Scout Murray [00:05:59]: And it's good to look back on. David Murray [00:06:01]: It is fun to look back on. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:06:02]: Yeah. So some of the things you're just talking about, there are finding intentional ways to build those bonds, and you sometimes are forced into those ways, but you also make those as well. So I guess, David, what are some intentional ways that you've worked to strengthen your bond with Scout, even when times might have not been the easiest? Or maybe it was challenging, like a trip where you're not talking a lot, but you're going places. But there's other times, especially in those teenage years. So what are some intentions, Ways that you've done that? David Murray [00:06:34]: I mean, a lot of humor. I think she and I tease each other a lot and always have, and that has kind of never gone away, even in hard times. Just staying engaged, like, talking about everything, asking her about what's going on in her life, being up for hearing most of it. There's stuff, as a dad you don't want to hear a lot of. Like, during high school, there's a lot of social stuff that'

If you're a father seeking practical wisdom to nurture your connection with your daughter, this week's episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection is exactly what you need. Host Dr. Christopher Lewis welcomes psychologist and author Dr. Kathy Wu to dive deep into what it really means to support your daughter through today's unique pressures and challenges. The conversation kicks off with stories from Dr. Wu's own girlhood—memories not marked by grand gestures, but by the steadfast presence of her dad. As Dr. Wu puts it, feeling seen and valued came from her father's "indelible capacity to just always be present." This consistent support gave her the freedom to explore life, make mistakes, and develop the confidence to always figure things out. But presence is only one part of the equation. As today's teens grow up surrounded by social media pressures, perfectionism, and chronic stress, Dr. Wu's new book, The Self Regulation Handbook for Teens and Young Adults, provides evidence-based tools for building emotional resilience. The episode highlights that kids don't learn self-regulation or coping from lectures—they learn it from relationship. Regular, everyday moments—sharing a meal, taking a walk, or simply listening—are where trust is built and emotional intelligence flourishes. A recurring theme is patience. Dr. Wu emphasizes that supporting your daughter isn't about fixing her problems or making her perfect. Instead, model emotional honesty, validate her experiences, and collaborate. Whether it's managing big emotions or navigating anxiety, being physically and emotionally present is more valuable than having the right answers. Self-compassion also takes center stage. Dr. Kathy Wu reminds dads that there's no formula for "doing it right." Each father-daughter relationship is unique. It's about understanding, consistency, and unconditional regard—being a grounding presence in your daughter's life. Perhaps the most powerful takeaway? "Your daughter doesn't need your perfection—she needs your presence." This episode is packed with heartfelt stories, expert advice, and concrete strategies that every dad can use right away. If you care about raising confident, independent daughters, don't miss it. Tune in to the Dad and Daughter Connection and start building that lifelong bond today! If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection. I am so excited that you are back again this week because every week you, you and I are on a journey together. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:00]: We're on a journey as we are working together to be able to find the best way to be able to build those strong relationships, those strong connections that we want to have with our own daughters. And today on the dad and Daughter Connection, we're diving into a topic that every dad needs in his toolkit. How to support daughters growing up in a world full of pressure, stress, and constant change. Today Our guest is Dr. Cathy Wu. She's a licensed psychologist, a former professor, and the author of a new book called the Self Regulation Handbook for Teens and Young Adults. Her work is trauma informed, practical and compassion based, giving you real tools to help help your kids navigate anxiety, emotional disconnection, perfectionism, social pressure, and all of that turbulence that ends up happening during those years that they're growing up. I, I really love the fact, as I was reading it myself, that this book is really grounded in evidence based approaches and is written in a way that you can understand, but actually your teens can actually understand. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:08]: And it's written in a way that your teens would actually read. So for me, that's a positive because you never know what they're going to read. But the book itself has a ton of real life scenarios on topics that kids are dealing with. Things like calming skills and strategies to help young people build resilience, confidence and emotional self regulation. So I'm really excited to have Kathy here today for her to be able to share with you not only some of her own experience in being a daughter, but also some of the experiences from being a, from being a psychologist and from what she put out into the world through this new book. Dr. Wu, thanks so much for being here today. Dr. Kathy Wu [00:02:48]: Thank you so much. That was such a lovely Introduction. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:51]: I really appreciate you being here. As I mentioned, you are a daughter, and I love being able to kind of delve a little bit deeper into your own relationship with your father because that can help to better understand who you are today. So I guess one thing that I'd love to ask you about is what's one thing that your father did that made you truly feel seen, heard, and valued as a daughter?  Grant Voisinet [00:03:15]: I can't say that there was one thing, but I think through the combination of his capacity to be very practical as a dad of not just one daughter, but three daughters and a son, he was someone who we didn't necessarily run to when we had distress, but we always knew he was going to be there in the sense that he was very predictable, very consistent and persistent with his presence. He didn't always have the best things to say or the most profound things to say, but he very much was always a present figure. It did help that we had a family business and we all sort of worked together as well. But I think for my sense of feeling seen, it was just his indelible capacity to just always be present and. And I think that really gave me the sense that I was going to be okay if there was anything that I needed to feel his support around. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:04:10]: Thinking back, was there a moment where your dad's support or guidance truly had a significant impact on your own growth or confidence?  Grant Voisinet [00:04:18]: Yeah, again, multitudes. I think there's been a lot of moments where I've gone to him and wondered, what am I going to with my life? How can I sort of navigate through some of the challenges? And he always said something that resonated and I believed, and that was, I trust you to figure it out. And that sort of capacity to trust me and his moment of going, well, Kathy, I've never had to worry about you. I've never had to stay up late at night wondering what you'll end up doing or how you'll navigate your choices in life. I just. You're not someone I necessarily worry about. And that gave me so much of a sense of freedom to be able to explore. Yes, I've had quite a few different sort of stops and starts with regards to career paths and such, but he always knew that.  Grant Voisinet [00:05:07]: I think, and I truly do sort of credit him to this, is that I will figure it out. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:05:12]: How has your relationship with your father influenced the way that now you feel like you navigate life, relationships or challenges?  Grant Voisinet [00:05:21]: He never really had big emotions anytime when I was seeing him with his. His own challenges, either through his relationship with my mom, who's a lot more vocal and emotionally expressive. He always just seemed so even keeled. And I think that really did sort of set the stage and model for me that my first response shouldn't be through just shouting or yelling or throwing things or blaming or. Or not taking full stock of what's happening. So he was very well measured. I don't know where he got it from, but he had the capacity and he has. He still does have the capacity, sort of sit in that space.  Grant Voisinet [00:05:58]: He's not a man of many words, truly. You can sit in the car with him for miles and miles and he'll say really very little. But when the time came for him to respond, it's sort of. He had the capacity to just sort of be very wise with his sort of conceptions of what the issue might be, but never ever said things like, I think you should do this. He'll sometimes say, ask your mom what she thinks. But really, it was just. Just lots of reassurance that things will be okay. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:06:27]: Is there anything that you wish that your father had done differently when it came to building your relationship as a homeowner?  Grant Voisinet [00:06:33]: Now I have a lot of sort of little projects that I have to do around the house, and it's something that I felt like I was able to kind of see him experiment with and he was able to just fix things and be a handyman. And as a result, I've gained some bit of a confidence and be able to try things myself. But one example comes to mind, and that was during my postdoctoral training. I was on the way to this day treatment program where I was working, and I got a flat on my car and I didn't know what to do because I never le

What does it mean to be fully present for your daughter? In the latest episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection podcast, host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Mark Reinisch, author of The Wellness Ethic, to explore the art and heart of intentional, love-centered fatherhood. If you want practical insights, real stories, and meaningful encouragement for nurturing your most important relationship, this episode is for you. Mark reigns as the perfect guest, bringing not just expertise—he's the father of two daughters—but also vulnerability and wisdom from his personal journey. His story of supporting his daughter Emma through a multi-year struggle with chronic headaches and migraines is deeply moving. Through overwhelming medical challenges, Mark witnessed Emma's resilience and learned the profound impact a father's presence and support can make. Moments of victory, like the day her headaches disappeared, offer hope and inspiration for any parent facing adversity. The episode's main theme is clear: wellness is not a luxury—it's a responsibility. Drawing from his book, Mark emphasizes that love is "the north star" of wellness for dads. He shares honest lessons learned, admitting mistakes like being overbearing in sports and how tuning in to your daughter's interests, at her pace, creates deeper bonds. This is connection not as a grand gesture but as a daily practice—being present, listening, showing up for games, carving out one-on-one time, and evolving alongside your daughter. Dr. Christopher Lewis and Mark discuss responding to your daughter's stress and imperfection with compassion, modeling vulnerability, and reframing setbacks as opportunities. Mark's "accept, frame, respond" model from his book is a powerful tool for helping daughters build lifelong resilience and self-compassion. Another gem from this episode is applying the 80/20 rule: focus on the vital few actions that make the biggest difference in connection, knowing every child's needs are unique. This conversation isn't obsessed with perfection—it's grounded in love and presence. As Mark Reinisch says, "Connection will evolve as you both grow, but nurture it, and love will always be there." Whether you're a seasoned dad or just starting out, these lessons will change how you show up for your daughter—and for yourself. Listen now to the Dad and Daughter Connection podcast and start building stronger bonds today! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection, where every week we have an opportunity to work together to welcome on this journey that we're on with our own daughters. And today on the dad and Daughter Connection, we're driving into a conversation every father should hear. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:07]: Our guest is Mark Reinish, author of a new book called the Wellness Ethic. It's a thoughtful and often humorous guide to living a more intentional, joyful and love centered life. In his book, Mark introduces concepts like the Wellness Ethic, which is a valued centered devotion to wellness, and the idea of the self actualized genius, which is that inner voice that encourages us to be our best self. So throughout the book, I really love the fact that he blended personal stories, self reflection, mindset tools and the 8020 rule to make wellness accessible and realistic. And he brings a perspective that matters to this show specifically because he's a father of two daughters himself. So today we're going to be talking about his own journey as a father, but also we'll be talking about some of the things that he learned in writing this book and some of the connections between being a father and what he was sharing in this book for you. In reading the book myself and looking through the book myself, Mark's goal is simple nurture the wonderful gift of our existence and help others do the same. So I'm really excited to have him here to talk to him about both these aspects and to introduce him to you. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:30]: Mark, thanks so much for being here today. Mark Reinisch [00:02:32]: Oh, thank you for having me. Looking forward to it. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:34]: Well, I'm really excited to be able to talk to you and I know as I just mentioned and, and I know in our conversations you have two daughters yourself and I've got two daughters myself. I and I love being able to start the show really delving a little bit into that and talking about that, that, that bond that Those connections that we have with our daughters. And I guess, first and foremost, I know there probably has been many meaningful moments that you've shared with your daughters, but think about what's one meaningful moment that really stands out to you and what made it so special. Mark Reinisch [00:03:07]: I, of course, love my two children dearly. One is 31, Audrey. And then the other is 24, Emma. One experience that I'll point out that I write about extensively in the book was with Emma and she was a high school freshman and she started to have shoulder issues and she had to give up her rowing career because she ended up having shoulder surgery. And we thought, okay, we'll get that fixed and then she'll move on. But then more pain started to occur and then she ended up breaking her ankle at the end of her freshman year because she was going to start getting into cross country running. And so she had put that on hold. Then we were starting to plan once she recovers from that, well, maybe you won't be running soon, but we'll start riding our bikes because we shared a lot of activities. Mark Reinisch [00:04:01]: I've always done that with both of my children. And then at the beginning of her sophomore year, she started to get these horrific headaches, basically a level four to six nonstop. And then she started to get migraines. And this was every single minute of every single day. So that continued. We went to every doctor imaginable and it got to the point after a couple months of literally non stop pain that she had to be pulled from school. And this was pre pandemic. So it was a paradigm shift for, for us. Mark Reinisch [00:04:34]: And to make a long story short, it ended up being a two and a half year ordeal where every single minute of every single day she had a headache at the level of a four to six. And then five to seven times a day she would get a migraine that would jack up the pain to an 8 to 10 level. So witnessing that happen to her, but then seeing how she never gave up on life, the resilience to overcome that pain and do her darn, to live her life and find meaning, be involved in school activities even though she was homeschool, she still in clubs, and to be fully engaged in trying to exercise and to try to find meaning and joy, it was incredibly inspirational. But going back to your question, Chris, the moment when she started to take Botox, that started to control the migraines better. And then she, the doctor prescribed this muscle relaxant that started to reduce the level of her headaches, but she still had a level three to five headache every single minute of every single day. So it didn't resolve all of it. But then she took this extended version of Flexor all, which was the muscle relaxant, and that miraculously wiped out the headache altogether. And the moment she took it, she didn't tell us anything about it. Mark Reinisch [00:06:03]: And for a couple of days, she would not respond to us when we asked, well, is it working? And then after around three days, she told us that the headache was completely gone. She had gone a full day, couple days without any pain after two and a half years. And I'm getting goosebumps even talking about it that moment. Good Lord. Wow. My wife and I will never forget that. It was like a massive ray of sunshine about life's possibilities again for her. So very magical moment because as a father, as you know, as a parent, in a way, you may live through your children, you'll suffer any pain yourself if you can relieve any suffering for them. Mark Reinisch [00:06:47]: So for. For that miracle to happen was quite amazing. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:06:51]: That's an amazing story. And it really shows also some of the things that we deal with as fathers in regards to really hearing and being present for your daughters when they truly need you and even when they don't need. And I guess as I think about what you just said and talking about that intentionality with both of your daughters, what did you do in the past or even now to truly make your daughter feel valued and heard? Mark Reinisch [00:07:21]: A whole bunch of things. One thing I would mention is being very careful not to have them live your dreams and your vision for their life. One of the things that really surprised me with my children is I expected the second one, Emma, to be just like the first one. So the oldest, Audrey, was very personable, athletic, very creative, and she was going down a certain path. And I expected Emma to be a carbon copy. Same parenting style, but they had some similar interests, but very divergent interests. And what I was very careful about is not try to try to shape them in my image other than teaching values, you know, really emphas

Hey dads, welcome back to Dad Connections in 5, where in just five minutes, we give you simple, powerful ways to connect with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, capable young woman. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and today we're talking about a life skill that often gets overlooked but has a lifelong impact: financial literacy. Here's the truth: money habits start young. And as a dad, you have a huge opportunity to shape how your daughter thinks about money—how she earns it, saves it, spends it, and shares it. And no, she doesn't need to wait until high school economics or her first paycheck to start learning. She can start right now—and so can you. Why Financial Literacy Matters (Especially for Girls) We teach our daughters how to read, how to tie their shoes, how to be kind—but too often, we skip over how to handle money. And yet, money touches nearly every part of adult life: 💵 Making choices 💳 Building independence 🏠 Planning for the future 🎯 Setting goals Girls who learn early are more likely to feel confident, empowered, and in control of their futures. And let's be honest—you want her to know how to manage her money before someone else tries to manage it for her. Three Simple Ways to Start Teaching Money Skills Early 1. Give Her Real-World Practice Even young kids can understand the basics of spending, saving, and giving—if we give them opportunities to practice. ✅ Use a jar system or a simple app: one jar for saving, one for spending, and one for giving. ✅ When she earns or receives money, help her decide where each dollar goes. ✅ Take her shopping and talk about prices, choices, and value. Let her make small decisions now so she can make better big decisions later. 2. Talk About Money Out Loud Most of us were raised to treat money like a private, sometimes awkward topic. But if we want our daughters to grow up confident, we need to normalize the conversation. ✅ Say things like: "This is why we're saving for vacation instead of eating out tonight." ✅ Talk through your budget: "We're choosing this item because it fits our budget." ✅ Let her help plan: "We've got $20 for this birthday gift—how can we make it special?" The more she hears you think out loud, the more she learns that money isn't scary—it's something she can handle. 3. Teach the Difference Between Needs and Wants It sounds basic, but it's huge. Especially in a world where ads, influencers, and social media blur the line. ✅ At the store, ask: "Do we need this, or do we just want it?" ✅ Involve her in choices: "We could buy this now, or save for something bigger later—what do you think?" ✅ Celebrate when she makes thoughtful decisions, not just thrifty ones. This builds decision-making, discipline, and delayed gratification—which are key financial life skills. Quick Takeaway: Try This Today Here's your challenge: Today, include your daughter in one small money decision. ✅ Let her help compare prices at the store. ✅ Ask how she'd split $10 between saving, spending, and giving. ✅ Talk about a financial goal you're working toward—and ask if she has one too. Even a two-minute conversation can plant a seed. And over time, those seeds grow into financial confidence, independence, and strength. That's it for today's Dad Connections in 5. If this helped you see money as more than math—if it reminded you that raising a strong daughter means teaching her how to manage her own future—send it to another dad who's ready to do the same. Until next time—keep showing up, keep talking openly, and keep raising a girl who knows her worth and how to manage it. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

Hey dads! Welcome back to Dad Connections in 5, your quick, practical guide to building a stronger bond with your daughter—one honest, intentional moment at a time. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and today we're talking about a powerful but often uncomfortable truth: why admitting when you're wrong actually strengthens your relationship with your daughter. We're dads. We want to protect, guide, and lead. And sometimes—whether out of pride, stress, or habit—we act like we always need to have it all together. But here's the thing: your daughter doesn't need you to be perfect. She needs you to be real. So in the next five minutes, I'll share why admitting your mistakes builds trust, how to do it without undermining your role as a parent, and what it teaches your daughter about confidence, humility, and respect. Why Owning Your Mistakes Matters When you admit you were wrong, you're showing your daughter that: ✅ It's okay to be human. ✅ You value honesty over ego. ✅ Respect is a two-way street. And most importantly, you're teaching her that accountability is a strength—not a weakness. Because one day, she'll make a mistake. And what you've modeled will shape how she responds to it. What Happens When We Pretend We're Always Right? ❌ It creates distance. ❌ It teaches her that making a mistake means losing worth. ❌ It can leave her feeling dismissed, unheard, or frustrated. But when we say something as simple as, "I was wrong, and I'm sorry," something amazing happens—walls come down, and trust goes up. 3 Practical Ways to Own Your Mistakes as a Dad 1. Call It Out Clearly Don't bury your apology in excuses. Keep it simple and direct. ✅ "I was wrong to raise my voice earlier. That wasn't fair to you." ✅ "I misunderstood what you were saying, and I jumped to conclusions. I'm sorry." The more direct and sincere you are, the more powerful your words become. 2. Share What You Learned from the Mistake Your apology becomes even more valuable when it shows growth. ✅ "I've been really stressed, but that's no excuse for snapping. I need to manage that better." ✅ "Next time, I'll make sure I listen before I react." You're not just saying sorry—you're showing her what it looks like to learn from failure. 3. Invite Openness in Return By being vulnerable first, you create a space where your daughter feels safe doing the same. You can say: 👉 "Have you ever felt like that too?" 👉 "What do you think I could've done better?" It shifts the dynamic from "dad talking at daughter" to "dad growing with daughter." Quick Takeaways: Start Today! Here's your challenge: The next time you realize you overreacted, misjudged, or made a mistake—say it. Clearly. Out loud. And mean it. ✅ Own your part. ✅ Keep it simple and sincere. ✅ Use it to model growth, not guilt. Your daughter doesn't need a perfect dad. She needs one who's willing to grow, to own his missteps, and to treat her with the same respect he expects in return. Because when you admit you're wrong, you're not losing authority—you're gaining something far more powerful: trust. That's it for today's Dad Connections in 5. If this spoke to you, share it with another dad who wants to lead with humility and strength. Until next time—keep showing up, keep growing, and keep leading with love. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

Hey dads, welcome back to another episode of Dad Connections in 5—your five-minute stop for meaningful, real-world tips to help you build a lasting bond with your daughter. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and today we're unpacking a topic that every dad wrestles with at some point: "When should I give advice, and when should I just listen?" We've all been there—your daughter comes to you upset, confused, or venting, and your immediate instinct is to jump in and fix it. That's what we do, right? We want to protect. We want to help. But here's the truth: Sometimes she doesn't need you to fix anything. She just needs to know you're listening. Let's talk about how to tell the difference, why it matters, and how you can respond in ways that keep her talking—and trusting you—over time. Why This Matters Giving advice too quickly can shut her down. Just listening—without judgment—can open her up. When you respond the right way at the right moment, you're telling her: ✅ "Your feelings are valid." ✅ "You're not alone in this." ✅ "I believe in your ability to figure things out." And that's where real connection lives. 3 Ways to Know When to Listen vs. When to Advise 1. Ask Before You Answer This is the golden rule: before you offer advice, ask this simple question: 👉 "Do you want me to just listen, or would it help to hear what I think?" You'll be surprised how often she'll say, "I just need to vent." And when she says that? Honor it. Stay in listener mode. Nod. Reflect. Let her speak without interruption. Giving her that choice builds trust and autonomy—and she'll be more likely to come to you again next time. 2. Listen to Understand, Not to Solve When she's talking, don't plan your response while she's still mid-sentence. Don't jump to "Here's what you should do…" Instead, use these kinds of responses: ✅ "That sounds really hard." ✅ "How did that make you feel?" ✅ "What are you thinking about doing?" Your calm, grounded presence teaches her that it's okay to sit with tough emotions—and that she doesn't have to rush to fix everything. 3. When You Do Give Advice—Make It Collaborative There will be moments when your wisdom is needed. But make it a conversation, not a lecture. Try something like: 💬 "Would it be okay if I shared something that helped me in a similar situation?" 💬 "Can I offer a different perspective?" 💬 "What do you think about this idea?" When you invite her in—rather than directing her—you're treating her with respect. That's the kind of guidance she'll actually remember. Quick Takeaway: Try This Today Here's your challenge: The next time your daughter comes to you with a problem, pause before responding. ✅ Ask, "Do you want me to listen, or would it help if I offered some advice?" ✅ Then follow her lead—really. ✅ Let her talk without solving unless she invites you to. Because sometimes the best thing you can say is simply: 👉 "That sounds tough. I'm really glad you told me." In that moment, she's not looking for a fix—she's looking for you. That's it for today's Dad Connections in 5. If this helped you rethink how you respond to your daughter's challenges, pass it on to another dad who wants to build that same kind of trust. Until next time—keep listening well, offering advice gently, and showing up with the kind of love that puts connection before correction. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

Hey dads, welcome to another episode of Dad Connections in 5, the podcast where five minutes of practical advice can help you build a lifelong bond with your daughter. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and today we're diving into something you already have daily opportunities to teach—problem-solving. Here's the big idea: You don't need a classroom, a curriculum, or a crisis to teach your daughter how to solve problems. You just need to slow down, involve her in real-life decisions, and ask the right questions along the way. In this episode, I'll show you why teaching problem-solving is one of the best gifts you can give her, how to use everyday situations as teaching tools, and give you three practical tips to try—starting today. Why It Matters Life is full of challenges, and your daughter will face her share—at school, with friends, in future jobs, and even in relationships. ✅ When she knows how to work through problems, she becomes more confident ✅ When she learns to think critically, she becomes more independent ✅ And when she sees that failure is part of learning, she becomes more resilient You're not just helping her get through today—you're building the tools she'll use for a lifetime. Everyday Moments Are Teaching Moments The next time a challenge comes up—don't solve it for her. Instead, use it to coach her through a process. That's how learning happens. Let's say she can't decide what to wear to a school event, or she's frustrated with a classmate, or even struggling with a tough homework assignment. Ask questions like: 💬 "What's the actual problem here?" 💬 "What are some options?" 💬 "What do you think might happen if you try that?" 💬 "How would you feel about the outcome?" You're not giving her the answer—you're helping her find her own. That's powerful. 3 Simple Ways to Teach Problem-Solving Through Daily Life 1. Narrate Your Own Problem-Solving Out Loud Let her see your thought process. ➡️ "I'm trying to figure out the best way to fix this leaky faucet. I could call a plumber, or I could look up a video first. Let me try the DIY route and see how it goes." It sounds simple, but modeling how you work through problems teaches her it's normal to try, fail, learn, and adjust. 2. Let Her Struggle a Little (with Support) It's hard, but don't rush in to fix everything. ✅ Give her space to think ✅ Be her sounding board ✅ Ask guiding questions, not leading ones She may get frustrated, but that's part of growth. Tell her: "You've got this—I'm right here if you need help, but I want you to try first." 3. Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Outcome Even if her solution doesn't work, focus on her effort: ➡️ "I love how you thought that through." ➡️ "You didn't give up. That's what matters most." ➡️ "Next time, you'll have an even better idea." This builds grit, and shows her that making mistakes is part of solving problems—not a sign of failure. Quick Takeaway: Try This Today Here's your challenge: The next time your daughter comes to you with a problem—don't solve it. ✅ Ask her what she thinks ✅ Talk through the options ✅ Support her as she tries her solution Big or small, every problem is a practice run for life. Because the goal isn't to remove every obstacle—it's to teach her how to climb over them on her own. And when she does? She'll carry that confidence with her forever. [Closing Music] That's it for today's Dad Connections in 5. If you found this helpful, send it to a fellow dad or save it for the next teachable moment that shows up unexpectedly. Until next time—keep showing up, keep asking good questions, and keep helping your daughter grow into a confident, capable problem solver. Hey dads, welcome to another episode of Dad Connections in 5, the podcast where five minutes of practical advice can help you build a lifelong bond with your daughter. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and today we're diving into something you already have daily opportunities to teach—problem-solving. Here's the big idea: You don't need a classroom, a curriculum, or a crisis to teach your daughter how to solve problems. You just need to slow down, involve her in real-life decisions, and ask the right questions along the way. In this episode, I'll show you why teaching problem-solving is one of the best gifts you can give her, how to use everyday situations as teaching tools, and give you three practical tips to try—starting today. Why It Matters Life is full of challenges, and your daughter will face her share—at school, with friends, in future jobs, and even in relationships. ✅ When she knows how to work through problems, she becomes more confident ✅ When she learns to think critically, she becomes more independent ✅ And when she sees that failure is part of learning, she becomes more resilient You're not just helping her get through today—you're building the tools she'll use for a lifetime. Everyday Moments Are Teaching Moments The next time a challenge comes up—don't solve it for her. Instead, use it to coach her through a process. That's how learning happens. Let's say she can't decide what to wear to a school event, or she's frustrated with a classmate, or even struggling with a tough homework assignment. Ask questions like: 💬 "What's the actual problem here?" 💬 "What are some options?" 💬 "What do you think might happen if you try that?" 💬 "How would you feel about the outcome?" You're not giving her the answer—you're helping her find her own. That's powerful. 3 Simple Ways to Teach Problem-Solving Through Daily Life 1. Narrate Your Own Problem-Solving Out Loud Let her see your thought process. ➡️ "I'm trying to figure out the best way to fix this leaky faucet. I could call a plumber, or I could look up a video first. Let me try the DIY route and see how it goes." It sounds simple, but modeling how you work through problems teaches her it's normal to try, fail, learn, and adjust. 2. Let Her Struggle a Little (with Support) It's hard, but don't rush in to fix everything. ✅ Give her space to think ✅ Be her sounding board ✅ Ask guiding questions, not leading ones She may get frustrated, but that's part of growth. Tell her: "You've got this—I'm right here if you need help, but I want you to try first." 3. Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Outcome Even if her solution doesn't work, focus on her effort: ➡️ "I love how you thought that through." ➡️ "You didn't give up. That's what matters most." ➡️ "Next time, you'll have an even better idea." This builds grit, and shows her that making mistakes is part of solving problems—not a sign of failure. Quick Takeaway: Try This Today Here's your challenge: The next time your daughter comes to you with a problem—don't solve it. ✅ Ask her what she thinks ✅ Talk through the options ✅ Support her as she tries her solution Big or small, every problem is a practice run for life. Because the goal isn't to remove every obstacle—it's to teach her how to climb over them on her own. And when she does? She'll carry that confidence with her forever. [Closing Music] That's it for today's Dad Connections in 5. If you found this helpful, send it to a fellow dad or save it for the next teachable moment that shows up unexpectedly. Until next time—keep showing up, keep asking good questions, and keep helping your daughter grow into a confident, capable problem solver. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

Here's the deal: The world won't always respect your daughter's space, time, or feelings. But if she learns from you that her voice matters—if she knows how to say no, ask for what she needs, and stand her ground—she's going to be stronger in school, friendships, future relationships, and the workplace. Let's break down how to model, teach, and encourage this vital life skill in your everyday parenting. Why This Matters Boundaries are about self-respect, not selfishness. When your daughter can set healthy boundaries, she's better able to: ✅ Avoid peer pressure ✅ Communicate her needs clearly ✅ Build safe, respectful relationships ✅ Stand up when something feels wrong And here's the key: The way you respond to her boundaries will shape how confidently she sets them elsewhere. 3 Practical Ways to Teach Boundary-Setting 1. Model It Yourself—Out Loud Let your daughter see and hear you set boundaries in respectful, healthy ways. ✅ "I need a little quiet time right now, and then I'd love to play." ✅ "I'm not okay with being spoken to like that. Let's take a break and try again." ✅ "I have too much on my plate today, so I'll have to say no to that request." When you name your own limits clearly and calmly, you show her that it's okay to prioritize her own emotional and physical space—and that boundaries don't require anger or guilt. 2. Celebrate Her Voice When She Uses It When she speaks up—even in small ways—acknowledge it and reinforce it. 💬 "I'm proud of you for telling your friend how you felt." 💬 "You did a great job saying no politely but firmly." 💬 "You asked for what you needed—that takes confidence." When she knows you won't dismiss or shame her for expressing herself, she'll be more likely to keep doing it. And when she says "no" to you? Practice the pause. Stay calm. Show her that boundaries in a healthy relationship go both ways. 3. Role-Play Real-Life Scenarios One of the best teaching tools? Practice. Take a few minutes and act out everyday situations together. Try these: 🎭 A friend wants to copy her homework 🎭 Someone makes her uncomfortable at school 🎭 She's asked to do something she doesn't want to do 🎭 She needs to ask for space, help, or privacy Let her practice saying: 👉 "No, thank you." 👉 "That doesn't feel right to me." 👉 "I need some space right now." 👉 "Please don't do that." Then talk it through: How did that feel? What was hard? What helped you feel strong? These mini rehearsals build real-world confidence. Quick Takeaway: Try This Today Here's your challenge: Today, pay attention to moments when your daughter expresses a need, says no, or sets a limit—and support her. ✅ Say, "Thanks for telling me how you feel." ✅ Ask, "What do you need from me right now?" ✅ Or tell her, "It's okay to say no. I'll always respect your voice." And then—live that out. Because when your daughter knows she can speak up with you, she'll know she can speak up anywhere. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

Hey dads! Welcome back to Dad Connections in 5, the podcast that gives you simple, real-life ways to connect more deeply with your daughter—in just five minutes or less. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and today we're talking about something every daughter will face—conflict—and how you can teach her to handle it constructively. From playground drama to social media misunderstandings to future workplace disagreements, conflict is a part of life. And how your daughter learns to navigate it—with calm, confidence, and respect—will shape her relationships, self-respect, and success for years to come. So let's break it down. I'll give you three practical strategies that you can start using with her today—plus a takeaway challenge that makes this lesson stick. Why Conflict Skills Matter Conflict isn't the problem—it's how we deal with it that makes the difference. If your daughter learns to handle disagreement by shutting down, yelling, or giving in just to avoid confrontation, she might: ❌ Feel unheard or resentful ❌ Lose confidence in her voice ❌ Avoid standing up for herself But if you help her learn to express herself clearly, listen actively, and stay calm, she'll: ✅ Build stronger relationships ✅ Earn respect from others ✅ Become a confident communicator And guess what? She'll be watching how you handle conflict, too. So let's make it count. Three Ways to Teach Constructive Conflict Skills 1. Teach the Power of "I" Statements Most conflict escalates when people feel blamed or attacked. Teaching your daughter to use "I" statements helps her express how she feels without pointing fingers. Instead of: ❌ "You never listen to me!" Coach her to say: ✅ "I feel frustrated when I'm not heard. Can we talk about it?" You can role-play this with her. Give her a scenario, and walk through what it might sound like to express her side without creating more tension. 2. Encourage Active Listening—Not Just Waiting to Speak Listening is half the battle in any conflict. Teach her to: ✅ Make eye contact ✅ Stay quiet while the other person talks ✅ Repeat back what she heard: "So, what you're saying is…" You can practice this at home, even with simple disagreements. Model it yourself when she brings you concerns. Show her what respectful listening looks like. 3. Show Her How to Stay Calm Under Pressure Conflict can trigger big emotions, and it's hard to respond well when those emotions take over. Help your daughter recognize when she's upset—and give her permission to pause. You can say: 👉 "It's okay to take a breath before you respond." 👉 "If you need space to calm down, that's not weakness—it's wisdom." You might even share how you handle your own frustrations, especially when you don't get it right. That vulnerability makes your lesson real. Quick Takeaways: Start Today! Here's your challenge: Today, teach your daughter one phrase or tip to use the next time she has a disagreement—whether it's with a sibling, a friend, or even with you. ✅ Practice an "I" statement. ✅ Model active listening in a real conversation. ✅ Talk about what it means to pause and stay calm. And remember, every conflict is a teaching opportunity. The goal isn't to avoid it—it's to help her handle it with grace, confidence, and strength. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

We want our daughters to grow into confident, capable, and independent young women—and that starts with giving them the tools to thrive in everyday life. But teaching life skills doesn't have to feel like a chore, for you or for her. It can be: ✅ A bonding activity ✅ A confidence builder ✅ A memory maker And when it's fun, she'll want to keep learning more. 3 Ways to Make Life Skills Fun and Engaging 1. Turn It Into a Mini-Challenge Take something simple—like cooking dinner, pumping gas, or sorting laundry—and turn it into a challenge. 💬 "Let's see who can fold the most shirts in two minutes." 💬 "You're in charge of dinner tonight—but I'll be your assistant chef!" 💬 "Let's create a $20 grocery list together and see what healthy meals we can make." This makes her feel empowered. She's not just helping—she's leading. And when you bring some friendly competition or creativity, she'll lean in instead of zoning out. 2. Use Real Life as a Classroom Life skills don't have to be "taught" in a sit-down lesson—they're everywhere. 🛒 Grocery store trip? Talk about comparing prices, reading labels, or budgeting. 🚗 Car ride? Teach her how to check the oil or change a tire. 🏦 Paying bills? Explain how to track expenses or save up for something important. The key is to involve her—not just tell her. Ask questions. Invite her to try. Let her mess up and learn from it. That's real growth. 3. Make It a Shared Project Want to teach organization, planning, or teamwork? Start a project together. ✅ Build a birdhouse ✅ Plan a weekend getaway ✅ Start a garden ✅ Set a savings goal for something fun Projects are a great way to sneak in multiple life skills while building something meaningful side-by-side. It becomes less about the lesson and more about the journey you take together. Quick Takeaway: Try This Today Here's your challenge: Pick one life skill your daughter hasn't mastered yet—and teach it in a way that's fun. Maybe it's: 🎵 Cooking a meal while listening to her favorite playlist 🎯 Creating a savings goal for something she wants 🎮 Turning laundry into a timed "level-up" game Make it memorable. Make it fun. And make sure she knows: 💬 "I'm not just teaching you this because you need to know it. I'm teaching you because I believe in you." If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

Fatherhood doesn't come with a manual—but the journey is deeply rewarding, especially when you're intentional about connecting with your daughters. In a recent episode of the "Dad and Daughter Connection" podcast, host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Wes Piatt and Chris Roness—two dedicated dads and founders of WeBus International—to dig deep into the realities, challenges, and incredible rewards of raising daughters. One of the main themes woven throughout this heartfelt episode is intentional presence. Both Wes and Chris reflect on their own meaningful moments with their daughters, highlighting how vital it is to be truly present. As Chris shares, "It's those moments where they come to me because dad's got the answer… it's all about being present with my kids." Wes echoes this commitment by intentionally setting aside daily time to let his daughters choose activities, stressing that, "Whatever they want to do, I'm going to be a part of it." The episode doesn't shy away from the hard parts either. Both guests open up about mistakes and moments of failure, offering reassurance that vulnerability and honest communication are essential. Chris tells a story about miscommunicating with his daughter about their schedule and how owning the mistake, genuinely apologizing, and learning from it turned it into a powerful teaching moment. Wes reinforces that failure is not only inevitable but also an opportunity for growth, both as a father and for teaching his daughters resilience. Another profound theme is connection among fathers. Wes shares his personal struggles during a challenging time and how reaching out to other dads led to the creation of WeBus—a supportive community where men can share experiences (not unsolicited advice) and lift each other up. Through this network, fathers form bonds, share practical solutions, and most importantly, realize they're not alone on this path. The episode wraps up with actionable wisdom: be present, cherish powerful moments, communicate openly, and seek connection—both with your children and other dads. As Wes and Chris emphasize, it's about being the man and the example you want your daughters to look up to. Whether you're looking for inspiration, a reminder that imperfection is part of the journey, or simply some practical dad-to-dad guidance, this episode is packed with genuine stories and strategies. Tune in to the "Dad and Daughter Connection" for insights that will help you become the dad your daughter needs—and maybe find a brotherhood along the way. Ready to listen? Find the episode at dadanddaughterconnection.com and take the next step on your fatherhood journey. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started. Because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:51]: Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection. Really excited to have you back again this week. Every week. I love being able to reconnect with you, to talk with you, to be on this journey that we're both on together in raising our daughters and building those strong connections that we want to have with our daughters. One step at a time. Because none of us are thrown into fatherhood with that manual, per se. We have to learn it along the way. And it is so important to have strong connections with our daughters, and especially our daughters, because of that bond that happens between a father and a daughter and all of the research that shows the power of the relationship between the father and the daughter. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:36]: So every week, I love being able to talk with you, to walk with you on this path that you're on, but also introduce you to other dads that are doing their best to be the best dads they can be. And we got two great guests today. We've got Wes Pyatta and Chris Ronas are here. And we're gonna be talking to them not only about being fathers of daughters. Cause Wes has two daughters himself and Chris has three daughters. And we're also, though, going to talk about their new venture, their new business that they've been working on for a bit now that is called Webus International. And we're gonna be talking about that as well. So we'll learn a little bit more about that. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:20]: So, Wes, Chris, thanks so much for joining us today. Wes Piatt [00:02:23]: Heck, yeah. Thanks for having us on. Chris Roness [00:02:25]: Yeah, man, thanks for having us. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:26]: This is the dad and Daughter Connection. And I think one of the things that I'd love to ask you first is as you think about the relationships with your daughters, what's one of the most meaningful moments that you've shared with your daughters and what made it so special? Wes Piatt [00:02:39]: Man, I had some pretty amazing moments with both of My daughters, they were born early and both in the NICU for a few months. And I remember there was specifically one moment with my daughter Joey where we had a rough time in the parking lot right before we went in and just kind of soaking in the extreme nature of everything we were dealing with and our first child and all this stuff. And I've got my hands in the little incubator and I'm trying to change her diaper on this little tiny, tiny human. I mean, she was the size of my hand. And the nurse walks over and goes, oh, let me show you how to do that with one hand. In that moment, I was so grateful for all the time that we had in the nicu, all the time that we were going to get in the nicu, because I felt like I got like a. You said we don't have a manual for being a. I felt like they gave me a manual on so many things. Wes Piatt [00:03:26]: I was in the NICU both with Joey and with June because June was also born early. And having that time going into the nicu, June and being actually excited about it, knowing she was going to be fine, and then knowing I was going to learn even more from these amazing nurses that were there for 20, 30, 40 years teaching me how to do all these little things that most dads don't get. It was an amazing, not necessarily like moment in time, but I guess like per se, but, but amazing time within their lives where I learned like, man, bad things can really lead to some pretty awesome stuff. Chris Roness [00:03:58]: Wow, dude, that's powerful, man. Dude, Chris, that's hard. You want me to just pick one? I've been blessed to have millions of them. And I think if there's a theme about any one of them, it started just like Wes was talking about. From the day they were born until even today, Even with my 12 year old who's doing the pre teen thing, it's those moments where they come to me because dad's got the answer, you know, they're coming to me as a sign of strength and all the things and. And to me it's feedback. To me, the second that I got my first daughter, the doctor handed her to me. He goes, $150 a month. Chris Roness [00:04:30]: And I was like, what is this? My bill? Like, what are you talking about? He goes, $150 a month. That's how much you need to put in the bank every month for this child. So that someday down the road, whether it's education or a wedding or something meaningful to them, you've got that Money set aside to give them a good quality life. But it was the awe of having this kid in my hand and still realizing it's so much more than that. It's so much more than that. And, and for the kids, like this 12 year old now who doesn't even know that I've been putting $150 a month towards her. You know what I mean? Like, it's not about some sort of material thing. It's those moments where, like we talked about that bond that we've had through all those little moments where they've come to dad because Dad's the answer. Chris Roness [00:05:12]: Even at 12, it's not exactly the same conversation. It's not a hug, it's not. Whatever. She loves Benson Boone now, man. Like, she just loves this dude. She loves to sing. She loves to sing his songs. And so at nighttime we connect around his videos. Chris Roness [00:05:27]: And that's my moment to just give her space so that she can say whatever she wants to say. And every single time that I provide that opportunity, she capitalizes on it and she'll say, hey, Dada, let's talk about this or let's talk about that. And she'll just start going and it's awesome. So to me, it's those special moments where they just, they need me. And for me, that same moment was recognizing that I had to be the best human, best man I could be because I've got three daughters and at the time, no sons, and now I have a son. But regardless, my thought was I need to be the best example of a man I can be for them so that someday they'll bring me home three awesome sons. Wes Piatt [00:06:01]: Word. That's it right there. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:06:03]: So what I'm hearing both of you say, I mean outside of those first moments, is being intentional being intentional with your

Parenting doesn't come with a manual, but that doesn't mean you're alone on the journey. In the recent episode of the "Dad and Daughter Connection" podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Tia Slightham, creator of the Parenting With Purpose method and a coach to high-achieving parents. This insightful conversation dives deep into the challenges, growth, and opportunities both dads (and all parents) face when raising confident, emotionally secure daughters. One of the standout themes from the episode is the importance of breaking cycles—especially those rooted in our own upbringing. Tia shares how her father broke the cycles of abuse and alcoholism from his own childhood, emphasizing that while he didn't always have the resources or know-how, his willingness to try made a lasting impact. She encourages listeners that "breaking cycles is something I think we all have the power to do," reminding us that parenting is ultimately a learned skill. Tia explores different parenting styles—what she calls the "overpowering tiger," the "wet doormat," and her preferred "positive discipline parent." She describes how her own parents modeled these behaviors, and how she's forged a new path centered on connection, mutual respect, and discipline without punishment. For dads looking to build stronger relationships with their daughters, she recommends focusing less on forcing behaviors and more on connecting through empathy, listening, and presence. A practical tool Tia shares is "Golden Time"—spending 10 focused, device-free minutes a day doing an activity your child chooses. It's a simple but powerful strategy that helps rebuild connection, whether you're dealing with young children or teenagers. The episode also covers the struggles parents face with emotional connection and communication. Tia urges dads not to shy away from sharing their own experiences and emotions, showing that vulnerability can build empathy and trust. She advises parents to shift their language, replacing "if" statements with "when," to reduce power struggles and foster more respectful interactions. Ultimately, this podcast offers hope and actionable advice for any parent feeling overwhelmed, stuck in chaos, or disconnected from their kids. Tia's core message is clear: change starts with us—and it's never too late to build the relationship you want with your daughter. Ready for more stories, expert advice, and practical tips? Listen to the full episode to start building stronger bonds and raising confident, independent daughters! If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started. Because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:51]: Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection, where every week we have an opportunity. We have an opportunity to be able to up our game, to be able to help ourselves, to be those dads that we want to be and to be able to build those strong connections that we want to have with our own daughters. That, and I say that we have an opportunity, because we do. Because when you go into fatherhood, there is no set pathway. There's no manual, there's no set thing that you have to do to be the best dad you can ever be. But there are things that you can do to be successful and to be able to build solid relationships with your children to help them along the way. Those tools for your toolbox, per se, that you can have and take with you. And a lot of times you can learn from others. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:39]: You can learn from others, whether it's your neighbor, whether it's a friend, whether it's someone you don't even know. They can help you along the way by giving you some of the tidbits, some of the things that they've learned along the way to help you to become stronger as well. That's why this podcast exists. This podcast is here to help you, to give you some of those tools for your toolbox, to help you to be able to be the dad that you want to be. And that's why every week I love being able to bring you different guests with different experiences that can provide you with some perspective and challenge you in some different ways, to be able to help you think about fatherhood in different ways as well. So you're going to meet fathers, mothers, and others that are here to be able to give you some resources. And today we got another great guest. Tia Slytum is with us today. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:26]: And Tia is a creator of the Parenting With Purpose method and a coach of high achieving parents, and she works with parents to be able to help them to get through some of the challenging points, but also work in many different ways to be able to become those strong parents that you want to become. We're going to learn about the parenting with purpose method today, but we're also going to learn a little bit more about Tia and. And her own experience with her own father and some of the things that she's learned along the way. So I'm really excited to have her here. Tia, thanks so much for being here today. Tia Slightham [00:03:00]: Thanks so much for having me. I'm excited to chat with you. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:02]: You know, I'm really excited to have you here today. And as I said, I love being able to start these conversations first, focusing on your own relationship with your father. And every relationship is unique. Every relationship is different. Some are positive, some are negative, Some are somewhere in between. I guess one of the questions that I'd love to start with is, as a daughter, what's one thing that your father did to help you feel truly seen, heard, and valued as a daughter? Tia Slightham [00:03:29]: Yeah, it's a really good question. I think when I look back at my childhood and then where I am today in the work I do in the line of, you know, my focus with parents and parenting and raising kids, a lot of what I learned from my parents, whether that be some positive, some negative, really shifted my mindset in the kind of parent I wanted to be and the kind of parent I wanted to help others be if they had the similar values and goals. And my. My dad had not a great upbringing, and I. One of the things I'm so passionate about is breaking cycles. And breaking cycles is something I think we all have the power to do. When you have that toolbox like you talked about in the beginning, and. And you have that skill set, because parenting is not intuitive. Tia Slightham [00:04:14]: It's a learned skill. Whether you are a dad, whether you have little kids, big kids, it's all a skill set, and everybody's capable of learning it, but you have to be taught that. And so when I think about my dad, unfortunately, and sadly for him, he was not taught that he didn't have role models that he needed to have. You know, he had abusive parents and alcoholic parents, and he never had that chance to be seen, heard, and understood. And what I love most about my dad is, although I still shifted much of my parenting to not mimic his parenting, he really broke the cycle of abuse. He broke the cycle of alcoholism. He broke a lot of cycles. And so when I think about how my dad helped me be seen, heard and really understood in the early years. Tia Slightham [00:05:03]: He wasn't great at that. He didn't know exactly how to do that. But as an overarching father, 100%, I'm very. And as an adult, our relationship is so close because he was able to have the strength to break the cycles in whatever way he could do. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:05:21]: Now there's other dads that are out there that may be in those vicious cycles that, you know, they grew up in, and they're trying to break them themselves. Talk to me a little bit about what you saw your dad doing to break those cycles, or you're. What you're seeing other parents doing to try to break the cycles. And what are some suggestions or things that you might put out there for other fathers that might help them to do the same? Tia Slightham [00:05:45]: Yeah. So one of the things I think it's really important to look at first is what exactly is our parenting style? Like, what is our style of parenting? And really, there are, like, three core parenting styles. I like to use my. My own terminology to help it stick into our brains, because I forgot what I had for lunch yesterday, and we all forget things. So let's try and remember these things. And so one of the parenting styles is what I refer to as the overpowering tiger. This is that authoritarian style. Whereas a parent, your kids need to listen to you because you said so. Tia Slightham [00:06:17]: You're the adult, you're the boss. They need to respect you no matter what. And they should just do it because. And unfortunately, that's the style of parent my dad was. My dad was that overpowering tiger, where we are listening because we don't want to know what happens if we don't listen. And so we listen out of fear. We listen

If you're a dad looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter, the latest episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection podcast is a can't-miss listen. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Lewis, this episode features a heartfelt conversation with Alex Greenwood, father of an almost 17-year-old daughter, who opens up about the everyday realities, challenges, and rewards of being a present and engaged dad. The Power of "Hey, Dad" Moments One of the episode's core themes is the importance of creating and treasuring meaningful moments—sometimes in the simplest ways. Alex shares about his "hey dad" moments, where his daughter pops downstairs to sit and talk, checking in on him and sharing her world. These moments, whether brief or lasting for hours, have become the heartbeat of their connection. As Alex says, "these conversations can last anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours… and we talk about everything." These authentic check-ins remind us that genuine connection isn't built in grand gestures—it's nurtured in consistency and willingness to simply be available. Balancing Guidance and Independence Another central theme is the delicate balance between guiding and giving independence. Alex describes the challenge of working demanding hours, yet prioritizing availability for his daughter, whether it's teaching her to change windshield wiper fluid or sending a supportive text on a long workday. He emphasizes that, especially with teens, "availability" is key—not forcing connection, but being there when she seeks it. Intentional Parenting: Preparing for Life's Realities Alex and his wife have been intentional about preparing their daughter not for control, but for independence. They've communicated their evolving roles—from "bosses" when she was young, to "supervisors" during college, and eventually "consultants" and "friends." Through practical life lessons—whether teaching financial literacy through a make-your-own business project or discussing the realities of loss—they empower her with resilience, critical thinking, and empathy. Conversations that Matter The episode doesn't shy away from tough topics: discussing impermanence and loss, embracing vulnerability, and fostering trust through honest communication. Alex reminds fellow dads to "give yourself permission to be human" and always talk to your kids with respect. Listen to Grow as a Dad If you're seeking real-life stories, practical tips, and inspiration for meaningful father-daughter connections, tune in to this episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection podcast. Be reminded that being the dad your daughter needs is about showing up, growing together, and cherishing the journey—bumps, laughs, and all. Listen now at dadanddaughterconnection.com, and start building those memorable moments today. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.   TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Alex Greenwood [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection. Really excited to have you back again this week. Alex Greenwood [00:00:56]: As always, every week, you and I are on a journey together. We are working our tail off trying to build these amazing relationships that we want to have with our daughters one step at a time. And I'll tell you, it's not always going to be easy. There's going to be bumps in the roads and you have to be able to sometimes be humble and know if you make mistakes, you're going to pick yourself back up and keep going. And it's so important that not only that you know that, but it's so important that you're willing to learn, to grow and to listen, because there are so many individuals around us that are fathering in different ways, and there is no one right way to father. That's why this podcast exists, because every week I love being able to bring you different people with different experiences that are fathering their children in different ways and they can bring some perspective for you to consider for yourself. Doesn't mean you're going to take everything that you're going to hear on every episode and turn it into something that you're going to use today. But it provides you with some tools for your toolbox to allow for you to be able to consider different things and maybe make some adjustments along the way that'll help you to be the dad that you want to be. Alex Greenwood [00:02:12]: This week we got another great guest. Alex Greenwood is with us, and Alex is the father of an almost 17 year old. He's. And I'm really excited to be able to have him here for him to share some of his own experiences as a father. Alex, thanks so much for being here today. Alex Greenwood [00:02:26]: Chris, it's a pleasure to be here. Thank you. Alex Greenwood [00:02:28]: It is my pleasure. Really excited to be able to talk with you today and to. And to Delve a little bit deeper into your relationship with your daughter. And this podcast is all about connection. So I guess first and foremost, one of the things that I'd love to ask you is all of us are on are in a journey of trying to do what we can to be able to build meaningful moments. Meaningful moments that you and I can create with our, with our kids, that they can take with them. Think back to one of those meaningful moments. What is one of the most meaningful moments that you've shared with your daughter thus far and what made it so special? Alex Greenwood [00:03:04]: I am always just surprised is the wrong word. Amaze is too strong a word. But I'm always so energized by and I feel so wonderful. And it's a very simple thing, Chris. It's not some life changing, earth shattering thing, but I have a little. It's not really a man cave. It's just a place where I go, it's downstairs and I got a TV and I got a place to read and that kind of thing. And I go down there just because I have a job. Alex Greenwood [00:03:28]: I work in communications at a university. I have 12 hour days, I talk to people all day and I have a long commute. So I get to a point where when I finally get home, sometimes I just want to go down there and just recharge a little on my own. I'm one of those ambiverts. I mean, I'm not an introvert by any means, but I do have to charge the batteries a little bit. And sometimes I, I just go down and contemplate and all that. And my daughter, who, her name's Caroline and she's going to be 17 next year, but she's done this thing for a long time. And you know teenagers, I know you have kids that are a little older than that and you know how it is with them, especially in the teenage years, they just get to a point where it's not that they don't love you anymore or don't want to be around you, but they're doing what they're supposed to do. Alex Greenwood [00:04:05]: They're starting to kind of break away and become more independent. So sometimes I find myself missing her quite a bit, but I don't burden her with that. Right? I don't do, do that. That's not fair to her. Don't make her feel guilty for doing what she's supposed to do. So it's just interesting. She has this wonderful habit of every now and then popping downstairs, sitting in a chair across from me and saying, hey, dad. And I'm like, well, hey, kid, what's up? I call her kid. Alex Greenwood [00:04:29]: I've always called her kid. She's my only child. And she just asks me about how I'm doing. She's like, I just want to check in with you. How you doing? And what I realized, and I call these hey dads now, by the way, but I realize the hey dads are not really just her wanting to hear how I'm doing and. But it's also her way of saying a couple of things. One, I miss you, dad. And two, I want to tell you what's going on in my life. Alex Greenwood [00:04:53]: And that's what we do. These conversations can last anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours. And we talk about everything. And I mean everything. Books she's reading, the TV shows she likes music she loves. Taylor Swift, of course, The Mighty Chiefs, our football team here. You know, speaking of Taylor Swift, we'll talk about relationship. We'll talk about her grandparents. Alex Greenwood [00:05:14]: Chris it's how I feel like I might have actually been doing a pretty decent job as a dad, is that she enjoys speaking with me. And I'm not saying she happens. It doesn't happen every day, but it happens more than enough for me to feel very blessed. And I don't know if that sounds like anything all that interesting to folks, but for me, it's just about everything. Alex Greenwood [00:05:32]: No, it's so important, especially as they get older and if they're still checking in with you, still willing to talk to you, and especially as they get into those upper teen years. I'm not saying that to scare people, because it's not the same with every kid. And with some kids, teenage years can be easygoing, and then other kids could be harder. But if you have put the time and effort in. In raising your child through the year

Raising confident, independent daughters in today's world is no small task. On the latest episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Rick Guymon—a father of six (including three daughters)—to explore the joys and challenges of fatherhood and what it really means to connect with your kids. From the outset, Rick's story is both moving and inspiring. He shares deeply personal moments, like his daughter's journey with leukemia and the isolation of the pandemic, that highlight how life can bring families together in unexpected ways. What stands out most in this conversation is Rick's commitment to being intentional as a dad. Whether it's through weekly one-on-one "interviews" with his children or setting aside family time each Monday night, Rick and his wife model the idea that strong relationships are built with time, attention, and care. One meaningful theme from this episode is the idea of balancing guidance and independence. Rick believes in fostering agency in his daughters, allowing them to make their own decisions but grounding them with parental wisdom and support. He discusses how their family motto—"almost nothing matters, but God's children do"—guides their daily lives, reminding them to focus on what's truly important: each other and serving others. Rick also opens up about mistakes he's made around perfectionism and the pressure to always get parenting right. He emphasizes the power of vulnerability—recognizing that nobody is perfect, and what matters most is loving your kids unconditionally. For Rick, it's been essential to let go of unrealistic expectations and simply be present, reassuring his daughters that there's nothing they could do to lose his or their heavenly parent's love. Beyond the serious topics, the episode is filled with practical insights—like the benefits of spending time in nature as a family, creating traditions, and encouraging individual interests (from singing to salsa-tasting). If you're a dad looking to build a meaningful connection with your daughter—or any parent hoping for fresh perspective—you won't want to miss this episode. Rick's wisdom and authenticity will encourage you to clear space in your life for what matters most: being present and intentional as you walk the journey of parenthood. Tune in to the "Dad and Daughter Connection" for more real stories and actionable advice, and get inspired to be the dad your daughter needs. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection, where every week we have a great opportunity. We have a great opportunity to connect together, to be a able to work together, to be able to go on this path together, because the journey that we are on is different. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:06]: Every one of us is going to have a little bit different journey as it comes to raising our daughters. But building those strong connections is so critical in being able to help our daughters to be the best people that we want them to be. And that's why this podcast exists. It exists to allow for you to learn, to grow, to be able to hear some different perspectives as well as be able to consider different ways of fathering, because there's no one right way to father your kids, and there's no manual that we've been given as our kids are born. So every week, I love being able to bring you someone new, someone different, that is parenting in a little bit different way that can give you some perspective, some different perspective on what fatherhood means and how they father their daughters to be able to build those strong connections. Today we got another great guest. Rick Gaiman is with us today. And Rick is a father of six, and he has three daughters and three sons. Rick Guymon [00:02:10]: We'll focus a little more on those. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:11]: Daughters because of the show, but I am really excited to be able to talk with him today and to be able to allow for you to get to know him and to gain some perspective on some of the things that he's learned along the way. Rick, thanks so much for being here today. Rick Guymon [00:02:28]: Oh, thanks so much for having me. It's great to be here. I love the opportunity to talk about being a dad. It's the best part of my life. So happy to be here. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:35]: Well, I'm really excited that you're here as well. And as I said, you've got three daughters, and with three daughters, you definitely have had some amazing moments, some moments that you've shared together. And I know you and I have talked about some of those. But as you think back and you think to those meaningful moments that you've shared with your daughters, what's one of the most meaningful moments that comes to. Rick Guymon [00:02:57]: Mind and what made it so special as a family? We spend a lot of time together. So my third daughter, she's my fourth child in 2018, was diagnosed with leukemia, and she is all fine now and just hit her five years cancer free a couple of months ago. So we're super happy about that. But in 2018 was when she was diagnosed, and right at the end of her treatment was when Covid began. And so they were a little bit isolated prior to Covid. So when Covid came, we were good at this whole isolation thing. I had been working from home. We had all of these stipulations. Rick Guymon [00:03:30]: We wore masks. And as a matter of fact, we went on a Make A Wish trip with our family. Make a Wish foundation sent us on a trip and they sent us out to Florida, and we were the last one before COVID began. So this is the beginning of March of 2020. And while we were on the airplane, I teased my wife a little bit while we were on the airplane. We were the ones wearing masks. She said, I wish wearing a mask was more normal on the way back from that tr. Wearing a mask was mandatory just two days later after that. Rick Guymon [00:03:57]: So I teased her that, hey, you. You got what you wanted. But on that trip and all through the pandemic, we spent a lot of time as a family. I would say one of the most memorable moments for me was when my oldest daughter, who was eight years old at the time in 2018 when Tessa was diagnosed, so my oldest daughter Gracie, said, why can't it be me instead of her? Because Tessa also has down syndrome. So it was one of those situations where I saw my daughter be completely selfless in that mom. And I think what I realized is that, yes, my daughters are half me and half Mindy when you speak genetically. But I say they have just enough of me to keep them humble. And everything good they have is. Rick Guymon [00:04:36]: Is from Mindy. And to watch. To watch my daughters become like their mother was one of the best things that I've ever seen. And so every moment where that happens to me, it's just gold as a dad. And it was one of those moments where when she said that, I thought she understands what life is about thanks to her mom. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:04:53]: Now I know that as A father of a daughter, there's this balancing g that you play in regards to working to help guide them, to help them to become who they are. But there's also that fine balance. So how do you balance guiding your daughters while also giving them the independence to grow into their own person? Rick Guymon [00:05:15]: Yeah, that's. That's a really great question. I actually think it's a balance between agency and then a relationship. So we are firm believers that agency is the most important thing that we have, like being able to make our own choices and own those choices and. And go where we want to go. But then I also am a believer that our children want parents, not a set of older friends. They don't want someone to just validate all of their decisions, although they may say that what they really want, someone that says want is someone who says, hey, I love you no matter what. Let me tell you what experience has taught me. Rick Guymon [00:05:48]: And so we spend every. Every Sunday, we actually have what we call interviews, where my wife and I sit on the bed in the master bedroom. And one child at a time, the other ones are just playing. Well, one of the kid at a time comes in and they get one on, I guess one on, two on one time, right? Where they can just talk to us. And we let them tell us their fears. We also go through their schedule and we give them a treat like it's a part of what we do. But then we say, hey, what's. What's on your mind? What questions do you have? We also spend about an hour every Monday night all together as a family. Rick Guymon [00:06:17]: And that's scheduled, set apart time where we discuss religion or we have an activity and. Or usually both. Or we'll go for a bike ride and get ice cream. And so we try to show in our. In how we'

Navigating the journey of fatherhood comes with unique joys and profound challenges, especially when it comes to building lasting, meaningful relationships with our daughters. In the latest episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis welcomes Daryl Potter—a seasoned banker, published author, and devoted father—for an inspiring conversation about the realities and rewards of raising both neurodivergent and neurotypical children. Right from the start, this episode sets a heartfelt tone about the power of presence, vulnerability, and intentional connection. Dr. Lewis reminds us that fatherhood isn't a quest for perfection, but a continual commitment to showing up, listening, and learning alongside our children. Daryl echoes this philosophy, sharing deeply personal stories from his nearly 30 years of parenting—a journey shaped by both typical milestones and unexpected challenges. His openness about raising a daughter with a degenerative, nonverbal condition is both moving and eye-opening, reminding listeners that every child's journey (and every dad's, too) comes with its own unexpected plot twists. A central theme of the discussion is the idea that parenting is storytelling—not just the stories we tell our kids, but the stories we live alongside them. Daryl explains how he intentionally crafts and shares stories about his own mistakes, growth, and childhood, giving his children not only a sense of family identity, but also permission to be imperfect, learn, and evolve. Just as importantly, he emphasizes the impact of the "stories" parents tell through their actions: how we handle spilled milk, failed attempts, or tough seasons. Our reactions can either instill shame or build resilience and belonging. The episode is packed with practical wisdom: the importance of consistency, the transformative power of focused listening, and the annual necessity of "rewriting" our own parenting narrative as our children grow. Daryl shares beautiful examples—like letting his daughter choose her own socks, even when communication is limited—that illustrate how honoring a child's agency and individuality nurtures their confidence and sense of self. For dads seeking actionable inspiration and heartfelt encouragement, this episode is a must-listen. It's a testament to the fact that connection isn't about being the perfect father—it's about showing up, embracing the journey, and learning to see the world through your daughter's eyes. Ready to go deeper? Listen to the full episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection and discover more stories, challenges, and wins from fathers on the same path. Your journey to a deeper connection starts here. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection, where every week we have an opportunity to be able to delve a little bit deeper into the relationships that we want to build with our daughters. And every day we're going to be pushing ourselves to challenge ourselves to be that much better. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:08]: And we have to be willing and open to learn and to grow and to be able to know that we don't know everything. We're flawed. We're going to make mistakes along the way. And that's why this show exists, that's why this podcast is here, and that's why I love every week being able to talk with you, to be able to walk with you on this journey. You know, I've got two daughters, many of my guests have daughters. And in this journey that you're on, be open, be open to listening and hearing what people are saying. Doesn't mean that you're going to take something out of every episode. I hope you do. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:40]: But you're going to hear things. You're going to be able to learn things from every person that's on. That's why every week I bring different people on, different people with different experiences that can help you to be able to learn, to grow, to learn something a little bit new that you can put into that toolbox of your own. Now, today's guest is Daryl Potter, a seasoned banker, published author, devoted father who spent nearly 30 years balancing demands of a high level career and the joys of challenging. The joys and challenges of raising both a neurodivergent child and a neurotypical one with grown children and a strong, enduring marriage. Darrell brings a unique blend of wisdom, humility, and heart to this parenting conversation. I'm really excited to be able to have him here, to be able to talk not only about his own experience in raising a daughter, but he also talks about the fact that he believes that parenting is storytelling both the stories we tell our kids and the ones we live ourselves. So today we're going to be talking about that and delving a little bit deeper into the stories that we are sharing, but maybe the ones that we want to share as well and how we can better create stories to make us better parents in the end. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:55]: Darrell, thanks so much for being here today. I'm really excited. Daryl Potter [00:02:59]: Pleasure to meet you, Chris, and to be here. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:01]: We start our episodes with an opportunity to delve a little bit deeper into you as a dad. I said you have a daughter. And I guess one of the things that I want to know first is every father has a unique relationship with their kids. You have a unique relationship with your daughter. What is one of the most meaningful moments you've shared with your daughter and what made it so special? Daryl Potter [00:03:24]: I got 24 years of experiences to try to filter in a hurry. To be honest, the probably the best experience is really one of the first because it was formative for setting me up for the following almost quarter century. And that is I can remember we described when she first came home as it being like a baby honeymoon. And when you think about when you have a newborn daughter, she offers you nothing except noise when she's hungry and smelly bits at certain times. And I can just remember those first few days of we'd take naps, my wife and I, in the afternoon and we'd settle her in beside us and I'm a little larger than my wife and and so she'd roll towards me and she'd wind up with her head pressed into my ribs, just quietly breathing to the rhythm a little quicker, but to the rhythm of my ribs. And I, I couldn't fall asleep. I'd afraid of rolling over on her. And so we would just lay there. Daryl Potter [00:04:15]: She'd sleep and I would just feel her against me. And I think that's been the I'd never had an experience like that in my life before, and it shaped the following 24 years because I recognized that I have to come to where you are right now. And at three days old, what she needed was a warm body to press against while she slept. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:04:36]: Now, with our daughters, there's always a balance. There's a balance in being able to guide our daughters while also giving them independence and allowing them to grow into the people that they're becoming. Talk to me about what you did to balance that for yourself. Daryl Potter [00:04:54]: So it's interesting. I want to answer that question two ways because as you mentioned, I have A neurodivergent and a typical child. My son is the one who's typical. So I'm a big believer that, you know, my wife and I have talked about we're raising adults, not hobbies or reflections of ourselves or what have you. And so early on we had that really as a mindset to be thinking about the future as we transition through toddler to school to, you know, on and on. With our daughter, it's quite different because she out intellectually, physically at about eight years old, her condition kicked in and more strongly and it's a degenerative condition. So by age 12, she stopped talking. By age 14, she stopped walking, even with a walker and, and so on. Daryl Potter [00:05:40]: So the, a lot of, so it requires in, in her case, so much more deliberateness. But it's the same philosophy as with our son. So as we, you know, for example, getting her dressed in the morning, it's so important to let her choose her own socks. She can't talk anymore, she can't get around by herself. But we can bring to her a, a options and she can still pick. I want the pink ones today. You know, obviously with our, with our son it's a, it's a totally different, you know, game and, and I would love to have had the opportunity to do the same thing with a daughter because I think it's so. It's so needed in today's society for females to be raised, for girls to be raised to be not adjuncts to the men in their lives, but to be their own person. Daryl Potter [00:06:42]: And as much as we can, we try to do that for our daughter. It's just very difficult when she can't even dress herself anymore. So it's a different scenario. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:06:50]: Definitely challenging. And I can only imagine, you know, trying to understand her needs and being able to truly be able to still build that bond while interpreting what is needed. So I guess in thinking about that, when as you said, she's, she's non verbal and she can't do many of the things that like you said, your son can do. What are some i

In a recent episode of the "Dad and Daughter Connection" podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Matt Strain, a devoted father and passionate advocate for intentional parenting. Matt's candid conversation offers a heartfelt look at the ups and downs of fatherhood, highlighting the power of presence, vulnerability, and shared experiences in building deep and lasting relationships with our daughters. Learning As You Go One of the central themes in the episode is the recognition that there is no instruction manual for fatherhood. Matt and Dr. Lewis both emphasize that every dad is figuring it out as they go—making mistakes, learning, and growing alongside their children. The podcast exists as a toolbox, filled with stories and insights from other dads, to remind us that we are not alone in this journey. Overcoming Personal Struggles Matt's story is notably powerful for its honesty. He opens up about his journey with sobriety—how a transformative conversation with his doctor prompted him to quit drinking when his daughter was just an infant. Through pain, persistence, and the support of his family, Matt rebuilt his life, learning healthier ways to cope and connect. His journey is a testament to the resilience that many fathers quietly cultivate and the courage it takes to make hard changes for the sake of our children. In sharing his struggles with vulnerability, Matt models an important lesson for other dads: you don't have to be perfect, but you do have to be present and honest. This authenticity builds trust, showing daughters that their fathers are not only protectors, but also humans who strive, stumble, and get back up. Building Connection Through Shared Experience A highlight of the episode is Matt's story of bonding with his daughter through physical activity, especially cycling and preparing for triathlons. Rather than imposing his interests, Matt encourages dads to meet their daughters where they are—even if that means learning to love something new. Whether it's cheering at a dance recital or joining Girls on the Run, the key is to actively support the things that make them light up. Takeaway for Dads Matt's journey reinforces a simple but profound message: being a great dad isn't about perfection—it's about being present, listening without judgment, and building memories together. This episode is filled with wisdom, inspiration, and practical insights for any father who wants to deepen his connection with his daughter. Listen to the full conversation and discover how you too can strengthen one of the most important relationships in your life. Subscribe to the "Dad and Daughter Connection" and join a community of fathers growing, learning, and connecting every week. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection, where every week we have a great opportunity to be able to work on our relationships with our daughter, working to build those strong relationships that we want to have with them one step at a time. You know, there are no rule books. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:08]: There are no guidebooks. There's nothing that we get. When you become a father, whether it's a father of a son or a father of a daughter, you gotta learn along the way. And this podcast exists to be able to give you some of those tools for your toolbox, allow for you to be able to learn from others that have come before you, and allow for you an opportunity to be able to build some resiliency, some other tools to allow for you to be able to know you're not alone and that there are so many other dads out there that struggle, just like you do, to be that dad that you want to be. And my hope every week is that you have an opportunity to be able to take some things away from each of these conversations, to learn from our guests, to. To allow for you to be able to gain that insight that will allow for you to be that father in the future that you see yourself as being. Today we got another great guest. Matt Strain is with us. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:07]: Matt's a father of two. He has a son and a daughter, and we're gonna be talking about his relationship with his daughter and some of the things that they've been doing together to be able to strengthen that bond along the way. But as always, we're gonna get to know Matt a little bit more as well. Matt, thanks so much for being here today. Matt Strain [00:02:25]: Oh, thank you for having me. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:26]: You know, we always start off our conversation with some opportunities to be able to get to know you and your relationship with your daughter a little bit more. And I guess, first and foremost, as you think about your relationship With Lily, what's one of the most meaningful moments that you've been able to share with her thus far and what made it so special? Matt Strain [00:02:44]: I think a lot of it. For a lot of us who had young kids, when the COVID lockdown hit, we were all stuck in the house really, really close to our kids. A lot closer than most parents get under normal circumstances. But I think one of the moments that really, really sticks with me was after things finally slowed down and we opened things back up. After doing all of first grade and some of kindergarten remotely, my daughter went back to school in person. And it was really hard for her because she had forgotten how to interact with other kids. Now at this point, we were walking to school every day because her school was only about half a mile away. And I would walk her to school, and more often than not, when I came to pick her up, she was just porn up. Matt Strain [00:03:29]: We would be upset, we would be crying, and I would ask her what's wrong? And a large amount of it was just this lack of remembering how to socialize. One of the big arguments was, you know, at recess today, nobody wanted to play the game that I wanted to play. And we went through this period of about two months where I had to remind her that, you know, but did you volunteer to play anybody else's games that they wanted to play? And she was like, well, no, I wanted to play my game. And I'm like, well, they feel the same way. And we had a lot of these conversations over the course of about six to eight weeks. And after about six to eight weeks, she started getting re socialized and re acclimated. And it wasn't just one aha moment or big light bulb, but I think during those walks and those conversations, we got a little bit closer. And more importantly, she got to a point where she felt like she could trust me and talk to me and that I would, number one, listen. Matt Strain [00:04:25]: And not try to tell her what I thought, but listen to what she had to say and that she could rely on me to not judge. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:04:32]: You know, that's so important, because being able to not judge and be able to just be there, be present, is something that is not always innately male. I'm going to say so many times men are programmed to fix things, and we jump right in with that answer. Instead of just being in the moment and listening. Talk to me about that for you. And whether being a father to a daughter, whether in that situation or in others, if you've had to reprogram yourself in any way, well, there's been a. Matt Strain [00:05:06]: Lot of reprogramming of me since I became a father. I have a lovely partner in life. My wife, Angela, she is a doctor. Which is the reason why when my daughter was born A little over 11 years ago, I stepped away from my career as a chef and became a stay at home parent. We wanted to have a parent at home. And to be blunt, Dr. Money Trump Chef money. And we had a desire to pay the house note and the bills and that type of thing. Matt Strain [00:05:31]: So she kept working. And her focus is she works in psychiatry. And she has helped me along a lot. And one of the things that we do as a couple is that whenever one of us starts complaining about either something happening at work or in our social lives or with the kids or whatever else, at some point during the venting session, one of us will look up and say, honest question, are you looking for answers or did you just want to vent? And a lot of the time the answer is, I just want to complain. I just need somebody to complain to. And it was hard. It's really, really hard because I'm like you. My instinct is, well, I know how you can fix this. Matt Strain [00:06:10]: I know what I would do in that situation, and you want to do that, but that's not what that person needs at that moment. So a lot of it started long before we had kids. One of the things that happened shortly after my daughter was born and I stepped away from my career as a chef, that was the biggest change. About four months after my daughter was born, I went into a doctor's appointment, and I'm a type 2 diabetic, so I regularly get blood work done. And my primary care physician noticed some abnormalities in my blood work and had me come back in to do an additional panel and brought me back in after those results came in to have a real serious conversation with me. And basically I went into the doctor and the doctor informed me that I was going to quit drinking that day. And I

In a special episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down for a heartfelt conversation with Michele Filgate, editor of the new anthology What My Father and I Don't Talk About, and two of the book's contributors, Susan Muaddi Darraj and Joanna Rakoff. Their discussion dives deep into the intricate, emotional, and sometimes complicated relationships between fathers and daughters—and why these connections matter. The episode opens with all three guests sharing luminous memories of their fathers: trips to bookstores and theaters, bonding over poetry, or learning life skills under a car's hood. These small moments, they reveal, helped shape their identities and instilled confidence, independence, and a profound sense of being seen. Whether it's Michelle's story of her dad sightseeing at news stations to support her journalism dreams, Susan's father teaching her to be self-sufficient, or Joanna recollecting her father's irrepressible optimism despite family tragedy, the stories resonate with authenticity and vulnerability. A powerful theme throughout the conversation is the diversity—the "spectrum"—of fatherhood. The guests discuss how no two parent-child relationships are the same, and how the book's essays echo this truth. The episode also delves into how culture, memory, and generational dynamics play pivotal roles in shaping both closeness and distance within families. For immigrant daughters like Susan, a father's traditions and sacrifices root identity and values; for Joanna, storytelling was both a magic veil and a way to process hidden family pain. The conversation is not just about nostalgia; it's about growth, honesty, and the hope that openness leads to better understanding. The guests reflect candidly on how writing about their childhoods and their fathers challenged them as both daughters and parents, inspiring them to be more transparent with their own children. Essential advice emerges: listen deeply, let your daughters into your world, and foster mutual trust. The episode's warmth and wisdom are a reminder that strengthening father-daughter relationships isn't about being perfect—it's about showing up, being present, and truly listening. Whether you're a dad, a daughter, or simply curious about family relationships, this episode promises thoughtful stories, practical advice, and a boost of inspiration. Listen now and discover new ways to connect and grow alongside those you love. Ready to deepen your connection? Tune in to this moving conversation on the Dad and Daughter Connection podcast. If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection. I am so excited that you're back with us again this week. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:57]: As always, every week, we have a great opportunity to be able to learn and to grow and to find new ways to build stronger connections with our daughters. And that's why I come back every week, and I know you come back every week, is to find those new ways and to identify new thoughts and perspectives. Because every week I love being able to bring you different people with different perspectives that can provide you with some new tools for your toolbox that will allow you to think about things in different ways and to allow for you to be able to bring those new learnings to the interactions that you're having with your own daughters. And today, we've got three great guests. We don't always have three people here, but we have three great guests today, and I'm really excited to have them here. We're gonna be talking about a brand new book that is out there called what My Father and I Don't Talk About. And this is a book that brings together 16 different writers, and in each of these chapters, they are speaking to the journey that they had with their own father and really how it allowed for them to become who they were. So it is an anthology. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:09]: It follows the success of another book called what My Mother and I Don't Talk about, which was very popular when that came out. And it is definitely a nonfiction book that allows for you to get a better understanding of of that fatherhood journey and how that fatherhood journey impacts daughters in different ways. So we're gonna be talking about that book, but our guests today are the editor of the book, Michele Filgate, and then two of the authors, Susan Moady Dhiraj and Joanna Rakoff. I'm really excited to have all three of them here today to talk about their own journeys. And to help you in your journeys with your own daughters. Thank you so much for being here today. Michele Filgate [00:02:56]: Thank you for having us. Susan Muaddi Darraj [00:02:58]: Thank you. Joanna Rakoff [00:02:58]: Thanks so much. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:59]: I'm really excited to have you here today. And whenever I have daughters on the show, I always love to start the conversation with an opportunity to get to not only know your father a little bit better, but also get a better understanding of your own relationship and how that impacted you in different ways. So one of the questions that I would ask all three of you is, as you think back to the relationship with your own father, what's one thing that your father did that made you truly feel seen, heard, and valued as a daughter? Michele Filgate [00:03:34]: I would say that my dad used to take me to my local Barnes and Noble growing up and let me buy books. And that was always just. I loved that experience. He would go and he would go to the magazine stand because my dad would like to. He's a musician, and he would buy, like, Billboard Magazine, but he'd let me go browse the book section and buy a few books for me. And that was always a special experience to go to the bookstore with him and feel like he was supporting my bookworm habit and also creating the writer that I would become years later. Joanna Rakoff [00:04:09]: Similarly, my dad was a former actor and comedian, and he had grown up in the theater. His father was a theater critic. The Yiddish theater, I should explain, but also the mainstream theater. And from my earliest childhood, I grew up around. Around New York. Took me to the theater with him. We went to the movies together, usually once or twice a week. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of actors, directors, screenwriters, playwrights. Joanna Rakoff [00:04:34]: And after those jaunts, after going to a Broadway show, we would go to Chock Full of Nuts, which something only New Yorkers probably remember, and have a sandwich or Danish and talk through everything. We would sort of talk through what we liked, what we didn't like. And I think sharing his enthusiasms and his loves with me and bringing me into them, making me a part of them, was so integral to my becoming a person who was okay with being myself, if that makes sense. Susan Muaddi Darraj [00:05:10]: That's so beautiful. My story is not that different, but my father never was able to go to college. He was an immigrant. He came to the United States in 1967. And I'm his eldest child and his only daughter, so I'm like the eldest daughter. We are a specific tribe of people, eldest daughters. And my father, even though he loves poetry and he writes poetry, was never really able to pursue that. He had to sort of work as soon as he arrived in the country. Susan Muaddi Darraj [00:05:37]: And he became a car mechanic for many years. And so I grew up kind of like just around him at his garage, and I would help hand him tools and things like that. And one thing I remember specifically, we would talk a lot while he was working on cars. And I remember specifically when I started to drive. I have three younger brothers. And so I was the lucky one that I was the first to do everything right. Like, I was the first one that he taught to drive. When he was teaching me how to drive, I was a very good driver. Susan Muaddi Darraj [00:06:04]: And then when I got my license, I thought, that's it. I have my license. I can do whatever I want. And he made me. He would open the hood of the car and he said, you're not driving until you can do these things. And he would make me learn how to change the oil, how to change a tire, how to jack up the car by myself. And I was like, why do I have to do this? I have a license. Can't I just get behind the wheel and drive? And what he was teaching me was he told me, I want you to always know that you're capable and that you have to be independent and that you are able to do these things, like, nothing should ever make you afraid. Susan Muaddi Darraj [00:06:41]: And I don't remember any of my other friends in school having their father do that, which at the time I thought was not a great thing. But now I. And I realize I always grew up thinking I w

Fatherhood is a journey filled with highs, lows, and countless unexpected turns—something this week's episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection beautifully illustrates. Host Dr. Christopher Lewis welcomes Steve Harris, author of Dads Like Us: A Survival Guide for Fathers Raising a Child with Disabilities, to share his personal story, hard-won wisdom, and practical advice for fathers facing one of life's greatest challenges: raising a child with special needs. From the very beginning, it's clear this conversation isn't just for dads of daughters or even just for dads of children with disabilities—it's for anyone committed to being present, adaptable, and truly connected as a parent. Steve's authenticity shines as he reflects on meaningful moments with his sons, the heartbreak and resilience of navigating medical crises, and the importance of simply "being there." One of the standout themes throughout the episode is the need for self-care as a caregiver. Steve reminds us that fathers, especially those facing long-term challenges, must take care of their own mental, emotional, and physical well-being. "The stronger we are as dads, the better dads we're going to be," he shares—a lesson learned through years spent in hospital rooms and therapy sessions. The episode also tackles often unspoken emotions: grief for the future you envisioned, anger at situations you can't fix, and loneliness when you feel pushed to the sidelines. Steve offers compassionate advice: acknowledge your feelings, reach out for help, and remember you are not alone. He encourages dads to stay involved, advocate for their children, and celebrate the unique gifts and victories—big or small—that each day brings. Perhaps most poignant is Steve's advice for those just starting this journey. In the first bewildering days after a diagnosis, he urges fathers to resist the urge to isolate, reach out to loved ones, and move through grief towards gratitude for the child in front of them. For anyone on the path of parenthood—especially those facing extra challenges—this episode is a supportive, practical, and inspiring listen. Don't miss it. Tune in to hear how showing up, adapting, and loving unconditionally shapes both father and child. Listen to the full episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection wherever you get your podcasts, and discover more stories and resources at dadanddaughterconnection.com.     TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: If you're looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you're in the right place. I'm Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we'll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let's get started, because being a great dad isn't just about being there. It's about truly connecting. Welcome back to the dad and Daughter Connection, where every week we have a great opportunity to be able to learn, to grow, to be able to become those fathers that we want to become for our children. And every week, we do that with an opportunity to be able to meet other dads, dads with different experiences that can share some of the things that they have learned to help you in the journey that you're on. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:16]: And it is a journey because every day is going to be a little bit different. Every day we have to work, work to build those relationships with our children. And it is important to be open to the idea and the thought that you have to put in the work. You've got to put in the work. You got to be willing to learn, to grow, to be able to be that dad that you want to be. And that's why every week I come back and I know that you come back to be able to learn from other fathers. And today we got another great guest. Steve Harris is with us. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:49]: And Steve is a father of two sons. And we're going to be talking about the journey that he went on and a book that he wrote called Dads Like Us, A Survival Guide for Fathers Raising a Child With Disabilities. And we're going to talk about his own journey. As I said, he had two sons. One of his sons has passed. And we're going to talk about that journey with his own sons, as well as the book and some things that you might want to think about, especially if you're raising a child with a disability. And I'm really looking forward to having him here today. Steve, thanks so much for being here. Steve Harris [00:02:23]: Well, thank you, Chris. It's honor to be talking with you today. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:26]: Now, one of the things that I love doing at the very beginning is talking about you as a dad. And many times I talk to dads with daughters. You have sons. But many of the questions that I ask are very much related to just being a father. So I'm going to ask you some similar questions that I ask to dads with daughters, and we'll go down that pathway. So as you think back to the time that you had with both of your sons, what's one meaningful moment that you shared with them and what made it so special? Steve Harris [00:02:55]: Wow, there have been so many. I have two sons, Andrew, who's now 37, and Matthew, who passed away, almost made it to his 40th birthday. So we had a long journey. And I can think of a moment with Matthew especially, I mean, comes to mind. First, sixth grade graduation. He had been able to be in school with a lot of special help and support from the teachers and paras there. They had a graduation ceremony. For some reason, Matthew was kind of verbal, not hugely verbal, but he could say things in moments that had a lot of meaning. Steve Harris [00:03:24]: They invited him to come up to the podium and address his rather large crowd. I was kind of nervous watching that all taking place, but Matthew wheeled up to the microphone, had a big smile on his face, and just said thank you. And for me, that was an amazing moment. It was very simple. Maybe to others it would not seem like a big deal, but the fact that he had made it in his life through all kinds of physical challenges and that he would sit there in his wheelchair and say thank you and be grateful. Wonderful person. Meant a ton to me that he did that. Andrew played a lot of, we call them handicapped sports, but adapted sports in high school, became the co captain of his adaptive soccer team. Steve Harris [00:04:02]: He was able to show some leadership and be a leader in a situation that was difficult. And I'm hugely proud of my boys. I'll say that I've got a million moments like that, but those were two. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:04:14]: As your sons got older and you continued to help to guide them in the journey that they were on and becoming the adults that they became. How did you balance guiding your sons while also giving them the independence that they needed to be able to grow into their own person? Steve Harris [00:04:34]: Well, the situation that they faced, they both had inherited a pretty, very rare genetic condition called Polysius Mersbacher disease. We didn't know that right at first, but. And Matthew was also born with spina bifida. They had so many physical challenges and long hospital stays, and they've had a lifetime of tough stuff. I have tried to appreciate them as individual people, that they are unique persons, you know, made in the image of God, with a potential for their lives and trying to find out in lots of different ways what that potential could be, I guess. Chris, I've just tried to love them. I've tried to be there for them. I've tried to, through ups and downs, tried to show them that they are totally valuable, priceless people, as valuable as anybody else who walks the face of the earth. Steve Harris [00:05:22]: That they're very special. And I can't think of one exact strategy I had other than to hopefully be their loving dad. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:05:28]: What are some intentional ways that you worked with your sons to strengthen that bond with them, especially during challenging times? Steve Harris [00:05:35]: Well, I guess number one would be being there. That sounds kind of simple, but the sad truth is that I talk about it in the book and stuff and other places that dads of kids who are disabled, they have a unique journey. It's a tough journey. It means that we are. I don't know if you agree with this, Chris, but I think dads are kind of wired to be the fixers and the protectors of our kids, definitely. So when we get into the life that we live as the dads of children with disabilities, most of the time we can't be that. We can't be the fixer, we can't be the protector. And that can be frustrating. Steve Harris [00:06:07]: It creates all kind of different conflicts and emotions for us. But I've tried to be there for them. Again. A sad statistic is that many dads don't stay involved in the lives of their kids when they are disabled, thankfully, as a small percentage. But just trying to hang in there. I think, number one, just being there has been a huge challenge and very important challenge for me in my life. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:06:29]: What would you say is a mistake that you made as a father and what did you learn from it about fostering positive connections? Steve Harris [00:06:37]: Dads of kids who are disabled are caregivers. All dads are caregivers. But I think we're given a challenge to be a caregiver over a long stretch of time. It takes a lot. And I think a mistake I made early is maybe not taking care of myself, not realizing that if I was going to be the best dad I could be. I'm talking about a situation where Matthew was in.