#90 - The Co-Parenting Blueprint: For Married and Divorced Dads with Aurisha Smolarski

In this episode, we speak with Yshai Boussi, a licensed professional counselor and author of "Staying Connected with Your Teen," about the transformative strategies of polyvagal parenting. Polyvagal parenting is based on the polyvagal theory, which helps parents understand their children's nervous system states to promote better emotional regulation and connection. Yshai shares his expertise on how parents can build authentic connections with their kids by understanding their nervous systems and applying practical techniques to reduce reactivity and set healthy boundaries. Key Takeaways: Polyvagal Parenting: Learn about the polyvagal theory and how it can help parents understand their children's nervous system states, promoting better emotional regulation and connection. Connection Before Correction: Discover the importance of connecting with your child on an emotional level before addressing behavioral issues, fostering a more compassionate and effective parenting approach. Co-Regulation Strategies: Explore various co-regulation techniques, such as slow breathing, nature time, and creative activities, to help both parents and children achieve a calm and regulated state. Setting Clear Expectations: Understand the "Five C's" of setting effective expectations—core values, clarity, consistency, capacity, and collaboration—to guide children in meeting behavioral and household standards. Accountability vs. Punishment: Gain insights into implementing accountability measures that focus on teaching and learning rather than punitive punishment, helping children grow and self-reflect. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for navigating parenting challenges and finding ways to deepen one's connection with one's children.

In this episode, we speak with Vince Shorb, the Founder and CEO of the National Financial Educators Council, about the essential topic of financial literacy for kids. Vince is on a mission to equip today's youth with the practical financial skills they need to navigate life's challenges and lead secure, fulfilling lives. Key Takeaways: Core Financial Skills: Discover the fundamental financial skills every child should learn, from earning money to managing expenses and saving. Role of Parents: Learn how parents can play a crucial role in their children's financial education, including the best age to start teaching about money. Chore Systems: Explore the benefits of implementing a comprehensive chore system that instills a strong work ethic and financial understanding from a young age. Financial Challenges: Understand the external influences that impact children's financial behaviors and how parents can counteract consumerism. Fun Financial Education: Get tips on making financial education engaging and fun, with ideas for monthly family finance meetings and interactive learning activities. Whether you want to start early with your kids' financial education or refine your approach, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in and empower your children with the knowledge they need for a financially secure future!

Join us for an insightful episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, where host Will Braunstein interviews Michelle Icard, a renowned educator and author. Michelle's practical insights and compassionate approach provide invaluable guidance for dads striving to support their children through various stages of growth, from young kids to adolescents. Michelle shares her extensive experience working with parents, children, and teachers and discusses her books "8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success," "14 Talks by Age 14," and "Middle School Makeover." Highlights include: Turning Failures into Success: Exploring how common setbacks can be transformed into character-building opportunities for children, applicable to young kids and those approaching adolescence. Essential Conversations: Key topics parents need to discuss with their kids before they enter high school, fostering open communication and strong relationships from a young age. Exiting Toxic Friendships and Media Influence: Teaching kids to recognize and exit unhealthy friendships and critically analyze media influence in today's digital age, starting from an early age. Redefining Leadership: Encouraging children to think independently and lead their own lives confidently, with tips for instilling these values in young children and teenagers. Take advantage of this engaging conversation filled with actionable tips and heartfelt stories. Learn more about Michelle Icard and her work at michelleicard.com. Tune in and empower your parenting journey with expert advice from Michelle Icard on A Dad's Path Podcast.

Host Will Braunstein sits down with Margaret Bensfield Sullivan, who, along with her husband Teddy and their two young children, embarked on an extraordinary year-long journey across 29 countries and six continents. Discover how this transformative experience reshaped their family dynamics, imparted invaluable life lessons, and provided Margaret with the material for her book, Following the Sun: Tales (and Fails) From a Year Around the World With Our Kids. In this episode, Margaret offers practical travel hacks, insights on balancing career and family life, and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. Key Takeaways: Tips for traveling with young children, including how to keep them engaged and happy. How new experiences and breaking routines can strengthen family bonds. Balancing the roles and responsibilities between partners while traveling. The importance of flexibility and embracing the unexpected during travel. Learn More: Visit Margaret Bensfield Sullivan’s website to learn more about her journey and her book, Following the Sun: Tales (and Fails) From a Year Around the World With Our Kids. Tune in to this episode for an engaging and enlightening conversation that will inspire you to seize the moment and explore the world with your family. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a year-long adventure, Margaret's insights are sure to provide valuable guidance and motivation.

In this fascinating episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, host Will Braunstein speaks with John Ply, author of "You Can Be the Best: Life Lessons from the Butcher and the Businessman." John’s memoir dives into his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to building two industry-leading companies. He shares the profound life lessons imparted by his father, a hardworking butcher, and how these lessons shaped his approach to business and fatherhood. John opens up about the challenges of balancing work, personal life, and the pursuit of dreams while raising his children in a vastly different economic landscape. He discusses the importance of treating all children equally, encouraging them to follow their passions, and the significance of kindness and doing good in all aspects of life. Key Takeaways: Balancing Family and Professional Life: Discover how John managed to juggle his successful business ventures with raising a family, ensuring he remained present and supportive. The Power of Focus: Insights into the importance of knowing what you want to achieve and staying focused on your goals, as illustrated by John's journey to success. Encouraging Passions: Practical advice for parents on supporting their children's interests and fostering a sense of purpose. The Importance of Kindness and Generosity: John emphasizes the profound impact of kindness and doing good, both personally and professionally. John's Success Story: Learn about John’s achievements in building two top-tier companies and how the lessons he learned along the way can be applied to everyday life. Join us for an inspiring discussion that highlights the resilience required to rebuild one’s life and the powerful stories that emerge from unexpected places. Whether you’re a dad, a parent, or someone looking for a tale of perseverance, this episode offers valuable lessons and heartfelt moments.

In this episode of A Dad's Path Podcast, host Will Braunstein sits down with Jon Rigsby, the author of 'Drive: Scraping By in Uber's America One Ride at a Time.' Jon's memoir is a unique narrative of life post-divorce, his dual role as a crime intelligence analyst by day and an Uber driver by night, and his experiences raising an autistic son. Jon shares his struggles and triumphs as he navigates financial and emotional challenges, often finding solace and purpose in the unexpected connections made with passengers. Key Takeaways: Personal Transformation: Jon opens up about the emotional journey of recovering his self-worth after a difficult divorce, emphasizing the importance of self-care and resilience. His story resonates with any dad facing similar challenges. Parenting Insights: Jon's experiences provide practical solutions to the challenges of balancing gig work and parenting. His story is a reminder that being emotionally present for our children is as important as providing for them financially, empowering dads to strive for a healthier work/life balance. Support Systems: The conversation underscores the value of unseen support networks and the significance of reaching out for help, reinforcing that no one is truly alone in their struggles. This is a powerful reminder for all parents about the importance of community and support. Gig Economy Realities: Jon's firsthand account of the gig economy, including the ups and downs of rideshare driving, provides a relevant perspective for any parent juggling multiple roles. His insights into the broader implications for workers in this space are particularly enlightening. Join us for an inspiring discussion that not only illuminates the resilience required to rebuild one's life but also provides actionable insights for those facing similar challenges. Jon's story is a testament to the powerful stories that emerge from unexpected places. Whether you're a dad, a divorced dad, or simply someone looking for a tale of perseverance, this episode offers valuable lessons and heartfelt moments that you can apply to your own life. Don't miss out on this captivating episode where you'll hear Jon's story and be reminded of the human connections that bind us all. It's a journey of resilience, unexpected twists, and heartwarming moments that you won't want to miss.

Join us on as host Will Braunstein sits down with Rachel Macy Stafford, bestselling author and founder of HandsFreeMama.com. In this heartfelt episode, Rachel shares insights from her latest book, Soul Shift: The Weary Human's Guide to Getting Unstuck and Reclaiming Your Path to Joy. Learn how small, intentional changes can help you become a more present and compassionate parent, and hear Rachel's practical advice on setting boundaries with technology, managing self-critical thoughts, and fostering open communication with your children. This episode is packed with wisdom for parents seeking to deepen their connection with their families and themselves. Whether you're navigating the challenges of parenting or looking to reclaim joy in your daily life, Rachel's insights will inspire and guide you. Key Takeaways: Understanding the importance of being emotionally present for your family. Practical steps to create hands-free moments and set healthy boundaries with technology. Techniques for cultivating self-compassion and positive self-talk. How to foster open, honest communication with your children about their feelings and experiences. The significance of modeling healthy behavior and self-care for your kids. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will encourage you to embrace presence, compassion, and joy in your parenting journey. Don't miss this episode of "A Dad's Path Podcast" with the incredible Rachel Macy Stafford!

In this episode of "A Dad's Path," we are joined by Yael Schonbrun, a clinical psychologist, assistant professor at Brown University, and author of "Work Parent Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection." Yael's expertise in balancing work, parenting, and marriage using evidence-based science provides a roadmap for parents striving to navigate these roles more effectively. Key Takeaways: Integrating Work and Family Life: Yael introduces the concept of work-family enrichment, illustrating how professional and parenting roles can mutually enhance each other, reducing guilt and increasing fulfillment. The Power of Psychological Flexibility: Discover how acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can be applied to parenting, helping individuals adapt to changing circumstances with resilience. Strategies for Subtraction: Yael explains the importance of subtracting non-essential tasks to focus on what truly matters, promoting a less stressful and more meaningful family life. Navigating Parental Guilt and Overwhelm: Insights into managing common feelings of guilt and overwhelm that accompany the parenting journey, with practical advice for shifting perspectives. Harnessing Everyday Moments for Deep Connection: Learn about the small, everyday actions that can strengthen family bonds, even amid busy schedules. Visit YaelSchonbrun.com to learn more about her work and to subscribe to her insightful newsletter. Her book, "Work Parent Thrive," is available wherever books are sold, offering further guidance on thriving in the intersection of career and family life.

In this episode of "A Dad's Path Podcast," we talk with Chris Balme, author of "Finding the Magic in Middle School." Chris shares expert advice to help parents understand what to expect and how to prepare for their child's journey through the middle school years. Listeners will learn: How the adolescent brain changes and how to navigate the behavioral shifts that come with it. Tips for guiding children through the evolving social dynamics of middle school. Strategies to maintain academic motivation while encouraging independence. Guidance on managing technology and navigating the digital world safely. Whether you're approaching the middle school years or already navigating them, this episode is packed with actionable insights to transform this time into a period of growth and discovery for parents and kids. Tune in to gain strategies that will help your child thrive during these transformative years!

Join us as host Will Braunstein sits down with Dr. Jeff Karp, a Harvard Medical School professor, MIT biomedical engineer, and author of the inspiring new book "LIT: Life Ignition Tools: Use Nature's Playbook to Energize Your Brain, Spark Ideas, and Ignite Action."  Dr. Karp explores how parents can harness the power of nature to boost productivity for themselves and their children. Dr. Karp shares practical tools that tap into the natural world to rejuvenate our mental landscapes and foster focus and creativity.  Whether it's overcoming distractions or aligning daily tasks with our deepest values, this episode provides actionable insights for parents eager to cultivate a focused, energized, and purpose-driven family life.  Tune in to discover how you can light up your life and guide your children in creating their own sparks of productivity and fulfillment. You can learn more about Dr. Karp's work at https://www.karplab.net