In this episode of 'Parenting Great Kids,' Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes back Larry Hagner, the creative force behind the Dad Edge podcast and author of 'The Spirit of Fatherhood.' Larry shares his journey of overcoming a tumultuous childhood with absentee and toxic father figures to becoming a devoted father himself. They discuss the complexities of fatherhood, the misconceptions men have about parenting, and practical tips for building strong connections with children. You’ll get deep and practical advice for men striving to lead extraordinary lives as fathers.

Key moments:

02:47 The Birth of Dad Edge

06:01 Challenges and Realizations in Fatherhood

08:08 Understanding Men's Inner Struggles

18:49 Understanding the Father's Perspective

19:59 A Personal Story of Change

21:06 The Power of Compassionate Communication

23:43 Shifting Perspectives for Better Relationships

29:25 Practical Tips for Connecting with Kids

36:47 Final Thoughts and Resources

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About our guest:

Larry Wagner, author and founder of The Dad Edge Podcast, navigated a challenging childhood with absent and toxic father figures, which shaped his unwavering commitment to being a present and positive father. Becoming a father himself in 2006, he quickly realized that mere desire wasn't enough to excel in his roles as a dad and husband. Determined to master these roles, Larry embarked on a journey of learning and self-improvement. In 2015, he launched The Dad Edge Podcast, interviewing over 700 experts on parenting, mindset, patience, communication, and more. Now, as a proud father of four boys and husband to his soulmate Jessica for 18 years, Larry shares his hard-earned wisdom, inviting other fathers to join him in the continuous quest for personal and familial excellence.

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