Episodios

  • Running Together: Building Strong Bonds, Confidence, and Healthy Habits with Your Daughter

    Running Together: Building Strong Bonds, Confidence, and Healthy Habits with Your Daughter
    Jun 9 2025
    If you’re a dad looking to deepen your relationship with your daughter and help her thrive, this week’s episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection podcast is a must-listen. Host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Michelle Pettinger—owner of P3Running, coach, nutrition expert, and author of The Young Runner’s Guide to Nutrition—for an inspiring, heartfelt conversation about parenting, connection, and empowering young women. The Power of Presence and Shared Activities A central theme of the episode is the lasting impact of simply “showing up” for your child. Michelle recounts how her father, a high school cross country coach, introduced her to running by joining her on her very first run at age 12. It was more than physical activity; it was a moment of connection, respect, and mutual understanding. Even when they didn’t always see eye to eye, their shared love for running kept their bond strong. Michelle’s story reminds us that the foundations for confidence and independence are often laid not through grand gestures, but through small, consistent acts of engagement and support. Nurturing Healthy Habits—Body and Mind Drawing on her new book, Michelle emphasizes the importance of instilling positive nutrition habits in young athletes, particularly girls who can be vulnerable to mixed messages around food and body image. She highlights the unique influence fathers can have—by focusing on their daughter’s strengths and performance, not appearance, and by taking an active role in meal planning and family routines. Her advice? Share the kitchen, have open conversations, and model an attitude of curiosity and empathy. Beyond nutrition, Michelle also touches on how dads can support their daughters emotionally, helping them overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome by celebrating effort, resilience, and genuine interests. Sometimes, she notes, daughters just need you to listen rather than offer solutions. A Toolbox for Every Dad This episode is packed with practical insights—from finding moments of connection outside traditional family dinners, to fostering open dialogue about challenges like eating disorders and self-esteem. Michelle and Dr. Lewis provide actionable advice and heartfelt encouragement for fathers at every stage of parenting. If you want inspiration and real-world tips for being the dad your daughter needs, tune into this episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection. Listen now and become part of a community dedicated to raising strong, confident young women—one day and one conversation at a time. 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 doctor 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 walk on this path side by side as we are working to raise our daughters and to build those strong relationships with them one day at a time. This podcast is all about building strong connections between ourselves and our daughters, and there are things that you and I can do every day to be able to do just that. It's not always gonna be easy. There's going to be bumps in the road. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:25]: But as long as we keep showing up and keep working at it and keep engaging with our daughters and meeting them where they are, things are going to be positive. Things are gonna be moving in the right direction. But this podcast is here to be able to give you some tools for your toolbox, to give you some insights, give you some thoughts, give you some things to chew on as you are going through your day and to allow you and help you along this journey. That's why every week, I love being able to bring you different guests, different people with different experiences that can provide you with some perspective, provide you with some thoughts, some ...
    Más Menos
    28 m
  • What to Say When Your Daughter Feels Like She’s Not Good Enough

    What to Say When Your Daughter Feels Like She’s Not Good Enough
    Jun 6 2025
    Hey dads! Welcome to Dad Connections in 5, your quick, practical guide to building a stronger bond with your daughter—one meaningful conversation at a time. I’m [Your Name], and today, we’re tackling a tough but important topic: What to say when your daughter feels like she’s not "good enough." Maybe she’s struggling in school, feeling left out with friends, or comparing herself to others on social media. No matter the reason, hearing your daughter doubt herself is heartbreaking—and as a dad, you want to fix it. But here’s the thing—you can’t just tell her she’s amazing and expect her to believe it. Confidence doesn’t come from just hearing “You’re great.” It comes from learning how to face self-doubt and push through it. So today, I’ll share why she might feel this way, what NOT to say, and three powerful things you CAN say to help her build confidence. Why She Might Feel Like She’s Not “Good Enough” Kids, especially girls, are under so much pressure—to be smart, pretty, talented, popular, successful. And if they don’t meet these impossible standards, they start believing: ➡️ “I’ll never be as good as everyone else.” ➡️ “I’m just not talented enough.” ➡️ “No matter how hard I try, it’s never enough.” This self-doubt can come from school, friendships, social media, or even just being too hard on herself. What NOT to Say When she’s feeling down, you might be tempted to quickly reassure her, but some common responses can actually backfire. ❌ “That’s not true, you’re amazing!” (She won’t believe it in the moment.) ❌ “Stop being so hard on yourself.” (She doesn’t know how to stop.) ❌ “Other people have it worse.” (Minimizing doesn’t help—she just wants to be heard.) Instead of trying to fix it immediately, help her work through it. 3 Things to Say When She Feels “Not Good Enough” 1. “It’s okay to feel this way, but let’s look at the facts.” Self-doubt often comes from feelings, not facts. Help her step back and see the bigger picture. 💬 “I hear you. You feel like you’re not good enough—but is that really true, or just how you feel right now?” 💬 “Let’s look at all the ways you’ve improved or worked hard.” When she separates emotions from reality, she can start to reframe her thinking. 2. “What would you say to a friend who felt this way?” When kids doubt themselves, they’re often much kinder to others than to themselves. 💬 “If your best friend said, ‘I’m not good enough,’ what would you tell her?” 💬 “Why don’t you deserve that same kindness?” This helps her recognize her own worth—on her own terms. 3. “Let’s focus on growth, not perfection.” Perfectionism is a major reason kids feel like they’re not good enough. Teach her that progress matters more than being the best. 💬 “You don’t have to be perfect to be valuable.” 💬 “Every mistake is a chance to learn and grow.” 💬 “What’s one thing you can do today to take a step forward?” By focusing on small wins, she learns that effort is what really counts. Quick Takeaways: Start Today! Here’s your challenge: The next time your daughter says she’s not good enough, don’t just tell her she is—help her believe it. ✅ Validate her feelings without minimizing them. ✅ Help her see facts, not just emotions. ✅ Encourage her to treat herself like she would a friend. ✅ Shift her focus from perfection to progress. Your words won’t just lift her up in the moment—they’ll shape how she talks to herself for years to come. That’s it for today’s Dad Connections in 5! If this was helpful, share it with another dad who wants to help his daughter believe in herself. Until next time—keep listening, keep encouraging, and keep showing her that she is more than enough. 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.
    Más Menos
    6 m
  • Granddad Sings: Edwin Rayner on Music, Family, and Bonding Across Generations

    Granddad Sings: Edwin Rayner on Music, Family, and Bonding Across Generations
    Jun 2 2025
    Few things bring generations together like music can, and in a recent heartfelt episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection podcast, Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with the incredible Edwin Rayner—better known as "Granddad Sings"—to explore the timeless bonds between fathers, daughters, and granddaughters. This inspiring conversation is more than just a story of viral fame; it’s a touching lesson in love, support, resilience, and the ways we nurture one another through life’s changing seasons. The Heart of Fatherhood Right from the start, Dr. Lewis sets the tone: being a great dad is about true connection. Edwin Rayner, at 92 years young and an internet sensation thanks to the encouragement of his granddaughters, shares moving stories of fatherhood, like welcoming his daughters into the world and then watching them grow, stumble, and flourish through life’s ups and downs. His approach to parenting resonates: be present, offer gentle guidance, and let your children make their own way with your unwavering support behind them. Music as Family Glue Another beautiful theme in this episode is how music, both old and new, has woven throughout the Rayner family’s life. From singing while doing chores to making Christmas memories with Andy Williams’ carols, Edwin reminisces on how music naturally brought his family closer—creating traditions, sparking laughter, and even helping process loss. The revival of his singing career on TikTok, pushed by his granddaughters, not only sparked global joy but also deepened their family bonds. Their teamwork—picking songs together, going to the studio, encouraging Edwin to try new genres—shows how shared passions can bridge generational divides. Encouragement, Acceptance, and Growth Throughout their conversation, Edwin and Dr. Lewis emphasize the importance of encouragement, understanding, and letting our children and grandchildren find their unique voices. Even when they choose different paths (“I wish they were singers,” Edwin chuckles about his daughters), support and unconditional love shine through. Edwin’s advice to dads, granddads, and parents: be there, give encouragement, work together as a team, and celebrate each person’s journey. Tune In and Be Inspired Whether you’re a dad, a daughter, or simply someone who values meaningful connections, this episode is full of heartening wisdom and relatable moments. Listen to hear stories that will make you smile, reflect, and perhaps even sing along. Dive in at Dad and Daughter Connection and discover how music and love can help us all be the best family we can be. 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 doctor 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 build those strong relationships, those strong connections that we want with our daughters. And I love being on this journey with you because it's an opportunity for us to be able to work together, to learn and grow together. You know, I've got two daughters, and as a father of a daughter, every day we need to be able to do something a little bit different. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:17]: To be able to connect with our daughters and to be able to be the dads that they need to support them in their journey. Every week I love being able to bring you different guests with different experiences, people that have gone through being a dad themselves, but also are going through it right now. And I I love that because every week you're going to learn something new and gain some new insight into things that you might be able to do to be able to build those strong relationships that you want. This week we got another great guest. Edwin Rayner is with us, and he is affectionately known as Granddad Sings. And he is 92 years old young and an Internet sensation who has captured the hearts of many with his song covers that he sings on TikTok and other platforms. And his journey into the spotlight began with the encouragement of his granddaughters, Laura and Liv, who introduced him to TikTok. And his rendition of Lana Del Rey's video games garnered 16,800,000 views, which is amazing. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:23]: I was introduced to him from some other ...
    Más Menos
    31 m
  • The Right Way to Praise Focusing on Effort-Not Just Talent

    The Right Way to Praise Focusing on Effort-Not Just Talent
    May 30 2025
    Hey dads! Welcome to Dad Connections in 5, your quick, practical guide to building a stronger bond with your daughter—one simple action at a time. I’m [Your Name], and today, we’re talking about the right way to praise your daughter—focusing on effort, not just talent. We all want our daughters to feel confident and capable. But did you know that HOW you praise her can actually shape the way she sees herself and her abilities? Today, I’m going to show you why effort-based praise is so important, how it builds resilience, and practical ways to start using it today. Why Effort-Based Praise Matters A lot of times, we say things like: ➡️ “You’re so smart!” ➡️ “You’re a natural!” ➡️ “Wow, you’re really talented at that!” And while those compliments sound great, they can actually have an unintended effect—making her believe that success is about being naturally gifted, rather than about hard work, practice, and growth. Instead, when we praise effort, we teach her that: ✅ Hard work matters more than being “naturally good” at something. ✅ Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re learning opportunities. ✅ She is in control of her growth and success. How to Shift from Talent-Based to Effort-Based Praise 1. Praise the Process, Not Just the Outcome Instead of saying: ❌ “You’re so good at math!” Try: ✅ “I love how you kept working through that tough problem—that’s real determination!” This reinforces that success comes from persistence. 2. Highlight Hard Work Over Perfection Instead of saying: ❌ “Wow, you won first place—you’re amazing!” Try: ✅ “You practiced so hard for this, and it really paid off! I’m so proud of your dedication.” Winning is great, but the effort is what truly matters. 3. Encourage a Growth Mindset When she struggles, instead of saying: ❌ “It’s okay, maybe this just isn’t your thing.” Try: ✅ “You’re not there yet, but every time you practice, you get better!” This teaches her that skills are built, not just given. 4. Praise Her Willingness to Try New Things If she’s hesitant to try something new, remind her: ✅ “It’s okay to not be great at something right away—what matters is that you’re willing to try.” This boosts confidence and makes her more open to challenges. Quick Takeaways: Start Today! Here’s your challenge: The next time you praise your daughter, focus on her effort instead of just the result. ✅ Notice her hard work and persistence. ✅ Encourage her to see challenges as learning opportunities. ✅ Reinforce that growth happens with time, effort, and practice. This small shift builds resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. That’s it for today’s Dad Connections in 5! If you found this helpful, share it with another dad who wants to empower his daughter with the right kind of praise. Until next time—keep encouraging, keep supporting, and keep helping her grow. Episode: Teaching Resilience – Helping Her Bounce Back from Setbacks [Intro Music] Host: Hey dads! Welcome to Dad Connections in 5, your quick, practical guide to building a stronger bond with your daughter—one intentional moment at a time. I’m [Your Name], and today, we’re talking about resilience—helping your daughter bounce back when things don’t go her way. Let’s face it—life is full of setbacks. She’s going to face disappointments, failures, and challenges, and as her dad, you have a huge opportunity to teach her how to handle them with confidence. So today, I’ll share why resilience matters, what NOT to say when she’s struggling, and three powerful ways to help her develop a bounce-back mindset. Why Teaching Resilience is So Important Resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning to rise after a setback. When your daughter develops resilience, she’ll: ➡️ Take risks and try new things without fear of failure. ➡️ Handle criticism and setbacks with confidence. ➡️ Learn from mistakes instead of letting them define her. And most importantly, she’ll know she has the strength to handle whatever life throws her way. What NOT to Say When She’s Struggling When your daughter is upset about losing a game, failing a test, or being left out, your instinct might be to fix it or say things like: ❌ “It’s not a big deal.” (To her, it is.) ❌ “You’ll do better next time.” (She might need space before hearing this.) ❌ “Don’t be sad.” (All feelings are valid—even the tough ones.) Instead, try these three simple strategies to help her develop true resilience. 3 Ways to Help Your Daughter Build Resilience 1. Acknowledge Her Feelings Without Trying to Fix Them Before giving advice, make sure she knows it’s okay to feel disappointed, frustrated, or sad. ✅ “I can see you’re really upset about this. That’s okay.” ✅ “I get why you’re frustrated—you worked really hard.” By validating her feelings ...
    Más Menos
    5 m
  • Smartphones, Creativity, and Connection: Strategies for Empowered Parenting With Katie Trowbridge

    Smartphones, Creativity, and Connection: Strategies for Empowered Parenting With Katie Trowbridge
    May 26 2025
    In today’s world, the role of a father is both rewarding and challenging—especially when raising confident, independent daughters amidst the constant distraction of technology. In the latest episode of "The Dad and Daughter Connection," Dr. Christopher Lewis welcomes educator and thought leader Dr. Katie Trowbridge for a deeply honest and insightful discussion on fostering genuine connection, encouraging creativity, and navigating the ever-present world of smartphones. Katie opens up about her own experiences growing up with both a father and stepfather who each shaped her into the person she is today. Her stories serve as a heartfelt reminder that meaningful relationships are built on presence, encouragement, and the willingness to let kids struggle productively. Whether it was lively debates with her father or quiet support from her stepfather, Katie’s journey is a testament to the lasting impact dads have when they show up authentically. A central theme in the episode is the double-edged sword of technology, particularly smartphones and social media. Katie discusses the visible shift she noticed in her students as smartphones became more common—less conversation, less curiosity, and a decline in critical and creative thinking. The episode digs into the ways instant answers on the internet and filtered content feeds can diminish problem-solving and connection, not just for kids, but for parents too. Practical strategies take center stage as Katie and Dr. Lewis talk about the importance of modeling good tech habits, setting boundaries around screen use, and cultivating creativity at home. Suggestions like family no-phone hours, open-ended questions at the dinner table, and shared creative experiences remind us that small, intentional actions can strengthen relationships and spark deeper thinking. Katie’s story is full of actionable wisdom, from teaching children to value struggle instead of rescuing them at every turn, to making sure kids’ identities are rooted in family and real-world achievements—not just social media validation. The episode is a must-listen for any parent feeling the tug-of-war between connection and technology. If you’re looking for inspiring real-life stories, expert advice, and tangible tips on building a resilient bond with your daughter, this episode delivers in spades. Tune in to "The Dad and Daughter Connection" for a refreshing perspective on fatherhood—and walk away ready to be even more present in your child’s life. Don’t miss this episode. Listen now and start building the connection that lasts a lifetime. 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 doctor 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 I love being able to have you come back to work on this relationship, work on these connections that you are trying to build with your daughter. That's why this podcast exists. It it it exists to completely offer you resources and an opportunity to be able to find those find those commonalities, find those connections, and find resources that can help you to be able to be build even stronger connections in the future. I just wanna say thank you. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:23]: Thank you for coming back every week and committing to this journey that you're on because it is a journey. Not every moment's gonna be easy. Not every day is gonna be easy. But showing up, engaging, and being willing to learn along the way is what's most important. Every week, I love being able to bring you different guests, different people with different experiences that can help you with this journey that you're on. And today, we got another great guest. Dr. Katie Trowbridge is with us. And Katie works with education and business leaders to boost deeper thinking, collaboration, and problem solving by transforming stagnant thinking into dynamic learning and leadership through what she calls the create method. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:06]: But and today, we're gonna be talking about her experience as a daughter herself, but also we're gonna be delving deeper into smartphones and how smartphones are stealing our kids' focus and what we can do about it. Such an important topic. I know as a father to myself, I ...
    Más Menos
    36 m
  • Teaching Resilience Helping Her Bounce Back from Setbacks

    Teaching Resilience Helping Her Bounce Back from Setbacks
    May 23 2025
    Hey dads! Welcome to Dad Connections in 5, your quick, practical guide to building a stronger bond with your daughter—one intentional moment at a time. I’m [Your Name], and today, we’re talking about resilience—helping your daughter bounce back when things don’t go her way. Let’s face it—life is full of setbacks. She’s going to face disappointments, failures, and challenges, and as her dad, you have a huge opportunity to teach her how to handle them with confidence. So today, I’ll share why resilience matters, what NOT to say when she’s struggling, and three powerful ways to help her develop a bounce-back mindset. Why Teaching Resilience is So Important Resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning to rise after a setback. When your daughter develops resilience, she’ll: ➡️ Take risks and try new things without fear of failure. ➡️ Handle criticism and setbacks with confidence. ➡️ Learn from mistakes instead of letting them define her. And most importantly, she’ll know she has the strength to handle whatever life throws her way. What NOT to Say When She’s Struggling When your daughter is upset about losing a game, failing a test, or being left out, your instinct might be to fix it or say things like: ❌ “It’s not a big deal.” (To her, it is.) ❌ “You’ll do better next time.” (She might need space before hearing this.) ❌ “Don’t be sad.” (All feelings are valid—even the tough ones.) Instead, try these three simple strategies to help her develop true resilience. 3 Ways to Help Your Daughter Build Resilience 1. Acknowledge Her Feelings Without Trying to Fix Them Before giving advice, make sure she knows it’s okay to feel disappointed, frustrated, or sad. ✅ “I can see you’re really upset about this. That’s okay.” ✅ “I get why you’re frustrated—you worked really hard.” By validating her feelings first, you create a safe space for her to process emotions before jumping to problem-solving. 2. Help Her Reframe the Setback as a Learning Moment Once she’s ready, help her shift her mindset by asking: 💬 “What’s one thing you learned from this?” 💬 “What would you do differently next time?” 💬 “What’s something you did well, even if the outcome wasn’t what you wanted?” This teaches her that setbacks aren’t failures—they’re stepping stones to growth. 3. Model Resilience in Your Own Life Your daughter learns from watching you. If she sees you handling stress, failure, and setbacks with a positive attitude, she’ll do the same. Talk about a time you struggled and how you overcame it.Admit mistakes and show how you learn from them.Use setbacks as opportunities to demonstrate problem-solving. For example, if you burn dinner, instead of getting frustrated, say: ➡️ “Well, that didn’t go as planned! Let’s figure out a way to fix it.” This shows her that mistakes are part of life—and they don’t define us. Quick Takeaways: Start Today! Here’s your challenge: The next time your daughter faces a setback, practice these three steps. ✅ Acknowledge her feelings instead of dismissing them. ✅ Help her see the lesson in the challenge. ✅ Model resilience by showing how YOU handle setbacks. By doing this, you’re not just helping her through one tough moment—you’re giving her tools she’ll use for a lifetime. [Closing Music] That’s it for today’s Dad Connections in 5! If this was helpful, share it with another dad who wants to raise a strong, resilient daughter. Until next time—keep encouraging, keep supporting, and keep helping her rise after every fall. 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.
    Más Menos
    6 m
  • Building Confidence and Connection: Lori Sugarman Lee’s Journey of Family, Fair Play, and Fatherhood

    Building Confidence and Connection: Lori Sugarman Lee’s Journey of Family, Fair Play, and Fatherhood
    May 19 2025
    Building Stronger Bonds: Insights from Lori Sugarman Li on The Dad & Daughter Connection Podcast If you're a dad striving to nurture a lasting, meaningful relationship with your daughter—or any parent eager to foster confidence and independence in your kids—this week’s episode of The Dad and Daughter Connection is a must-listen. Dr. Christopher Lewis is joined by Lori Sugarman Li, author of Our Home: The Love, Work, and Heart of Family as well as a community activist, author, coach, and mom, whose work centers on the power and value of care within families. Through her personal stories and professional insights, Lori Sugarman Li offers a fresh, empowering perspective for families looking to grow closer and thrive together. The Legacy of Everyday Care Lori’s reflections on her relationship with her own father are both touching and instructive. She describes her dad as an active, hands-on parent who chose to include her in all sorts of household maintenance tasks—traditionally seen as “dad things”—from working with tools to maintaining the car. What made these moments powerful were not the chores themselves, but the partnership and trust her father demonstrated by teaching her, empowering her, and viewing her as an equal. Lori’s story challenges fathers to break away from gendered expectations and instead welcome their daughters into all aspects of family life, helping girls see themselves as competent, valued, and independent. Rethinking Roles and Responsibilities A major theme Lori champions—both in her book Our Home: The Love, Work, and Heart of Family and this conversation—is reframing household responsibilities as acts of love, not burdens or obligations. By inviting daughters (and sons!) to participate in shared tasks and explaining the “why” behind them, chores become chances for learning, teamwork, and connection. For dads, it’s an opportunity to show up not just as helpers, but as owners of the emotional, physical, and mental labor that keeps a family thriving. Modeling Healthy Partnership and Vulnerability Lori makes a strong case for vulnerability: dads who embrace imperfection, share their struggles, and show genuine care set the stage for deeper connection. By actively engaging in the less visible aspects of home life, from scheduling appointments to planning family routines, fathers can teach daughters the true meaning of partnership, self-worth, and emotional presence. Listen In and Level Up Your Connection This episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt advice—perfect inspiration for any parent hoping to spark richer conversations, instill independence, and create joyful shared traditions at home. Ready to take that next step in your parenting journey? Listen to the episode and discover how simple, everyday moments can become the foundation for confidence, resilience, and lifelong connection. Tune in to The Dad and Daughter Connection for more inspiring stories and expert advice to help you be the best parent you can be! 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 doctor 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. You and I have an opportunity to be able to work with one another, to walk with one another as we work to build these strong connections that we want to have with our own daughters. And every day that is something that we have to challenge ourself on because we have to continue to engage, to build, and to work, to create that relationship that we want to have with our daughters. That's why this podcast exists every week. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:24]: I love being able to be on this journey with you because it is a journey. Every day is gonna look a little bit different and we have to work to be able to engage with our ...
    Más Menos
    32 m
  • Talking About Feelings: Helping Your Daughter Express Herself

    Talking About Feelings: Helping Your Daughter Express Herself
    May 16 2025
    Hey dads! Welcome to Dad Connections in 5, your quick, practical guide to building a stronger bond with your daughter—one intentional action at a time. I’m [Your Name], and today, we’re talking about something that can be tough for dads—helping your daughter express her feelings. Let’s be honest—talking about feelings doesn’t always come naturally, especially for us dads. But helping your daughter feel safe sharing her emotions is one of the most important things you can do for her. So today, I’ll share why emotional expression matters, what stops kids from opening up, and three simple ways to help your daughter feel comfortable sharing her feelings. Why Helping Your Daughter Express Feelings is So Important When your daughter knows she can talk to you about anything, she builds: ➡️ Emotional confidence – She learns that feelings are normal and manageable. ➡️ Stronger relationships – She understands that good communication is key to connection. ➡️ Resilience – Instead of bottling things up, she learns to process emotions in a healthy way. And most importantly, she knows that no matter what she’s feeling—happy, sad, excited, or frustrated—Dad is a safe place to share it. Why Some Kids Struggle to Talk About Feelings Sometimes, your daughter may not open up because: ❌ She doesn’t have the words to describe what she’s feeling. ❌ She’s afraid of being judged or dismissed. ❌ She thinks she has to be “strong” and hold it all in. That’s why it’s up to you to create an environment where she feels safe expressing herself. 3 Ways to Help Your Daughter Express Her Feelings 1. Be Her Safe Space – No Judgment, Just Listening When she shares her feelings, avoid the instinct to fix or minimize the problem. Instead of: ❌ “That’s not a big deal.” ❌ “Don’t be upset—it’ll be fine.” Try: ✅ “I can see this really matters to you.” ✅ “That sounds really tough. Tell me more about it.” Sometimes, she doesn’t need a solution—she just needs to be heard. 2. Help Her Name Her Emotions If she’s struggling to describe how she feels, help her put words to it. 💬 “It sounds like you’re feeling frustrated because of what happened at school. Is that right?” 💬 “Are you feeling nervous, or is it more like excited energy?” Giving her language for her emotions makes it easier for her to express them. 3. Lead by Example – Talk About Your Own Feelings Your daughter learns how to talk about emotions by watching you. Instead of bottling up stress, say: “I had a tough day today, but talking about it helps.”If you’re feeling proud, say: “Seeing you work so hard on that made me really happy.” When she sees that you’re open about emotions, she’ll feel more comfortable sharing hers. Quick Takeaways: Start Today! Here’s your challenge: Today, create one small moment where your daughter feels safe talking about her feelings. ✅ Listen without judgment or trying to fix things. ✅ Help her name her emotions if she struggles. ✅ Model emotional openness in your own life. The more she feels safe talking to you now, the more she’ll keep coming to you as she grows. That’s it for today’s Dad Connections in 5! If this was helpful, share it with another dad who wants to build a stronger, more open relationship with his daughter. Until next time—keep listening, keep supporting, and keep showing her that her feelings matter. 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.
    Más Menos
    5 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup