Fatherhood Videos

The Parenting Mistake Making Your Kids Weaker

The Dad Tired podcast episode spotlights a common parenting error: neglecting fathers’ emotional health, which weakens children. Host Jared interviews David Thomas, executive director of Dayar Counseling Ministries and co‑author of *Capable*, to explore how unprocessed male pain translates into harmful family dynamics. Thomas explains that boys often display anxiety outward—through aggression, restlessness, or ADHD‑like symptoms—while girls internalize it as perfectionism. He cites research showing girls are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, yet boys’ distress frequently masquerades as anger or impulsivity, leading to misdiagnosis and missed treatment. A recurring theme is the necessity for fathers to do their own healing work. Thomas notes, “strong families begin with healed men,” and shares examples of men whose unchecked anger manifests as volatile behavior, contributing to higher rates of infidelity, substance abuse, and suicide. He also stresses the superiority of in‑person, experiential therapy—complete with therapy dogs—over virtual sessions for children. The conversation urges dads to persist in finding a therapist who truly fits, to confront their pain, and to model resilience for their kids. By shifting the cultural narrative around male emotional expression, families can foster stronger, more capable children and reduce long‑term societal costs associated with untreated mental health issues.