DOD225: How Much Should Parents Let Their Kids Be Weird?

The dads gather to discuss the unexpected toxic masculinity behind much of the self-improvement sold toward men these days. Why are these activities so... solo? Do they have to be? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected]

(apologies for the late post, the Smiths had a travel nightmare!) We've got a three bears situation over here today! Are parents responsible for addressing their kids' "weird" attitudes and behavior? And if so, how do we distinguish between what might be "weird" but flexible and what traits may be an innate facet of the person? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected]

A listener writes in looking for advice on approaching their relationship with a parent when the parent won't accept them for who they are. After exploring if the listener could have offered more in helping their parent understand, the dads reflect on a tough question - how do we know when it's time to let go of relationships that are hurting us? Then, in the patron-only story, Eli shares a heartwarming and grateful observation. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected]

The dads receive a question from a listener who has gone through a divorce and is ready to jump back into the dating scene, but they don't know what to do, where to turn, or maybe even...how to flirt. Are you Team Coffee or Team Dinner Date? Then, ONLY patrons get to hear a funny Lydia story about dating and the apps (Lydia approves its inclusion). Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected]

Tom needs some more "old man yells at clouds" time to go off about the first few days of school for his kids. The dads get into it and talk school apps, communication, miscommunication, and various other logistics that seem to be purposely set up to be more complicated than they have to be. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected]

Tom kicks the show off with a pretty major sleep update that no one saw coming! Then, the dads chat about a parenting style that has been dubbed "F*** Around and Find Out" (FAFO) parenting. What makes this style unique, or is this just a rebranding of another approach? What kind of crazy hot take is Eli going to come in with this time? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected]

The dads reflect on insecurity in relationships through their formative years and the impact it has had on future romantic relationships, friendships, and others. How do you navigate relationships in a healthy way, and break those internal expectations, if you grew up always wondering if your parents were mad at you, or if they'll be there to support you when you've made a mistake? Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected]

Tom's got a kid kunundrum to talk about. What if our kids want to hang out with their older sibling's friend group? Is that totally cool or just an opportunity for trouble?  

This episode has two of the wildest takes two of the Dads have ever heard from the third. About what, you ask? You may have seen a viral "libido equation" make its rounds on the internet, explaining how new moms might evaluate if they're up for engaging in sexual activities with their partner. The dudes break it all down, and I really don't want to say much else and potentially spoil any piece of this. Here we go! Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email [email protected]  

After a discussion about simulation theory for some reason, Tom talks about having listened to a podcast about people falling in love with AI bots. What's the deal there? Is that a real relationship? Is the AI coming for our kids? Then for patrons only, instead of a parenting story, the dads discuss whether or not having an AI girlfriend would be cheating.