Fatherhood is no small feat, and in Episode 151 of the Young Dad Podcast, hosts Jey and Justin take a deep dive into what it means to be more than just a parent. They explain how fathers can become their children’s greatest cheerleaders, coaches, and confidants. Spoiler alert: It’s all about being present, authentic, and giving your kids the room to learn and grow—even through failure. Jey and Justin remind us that being there, physically and emotionally, can make all the difference in a child’s life. Parenting isn’t just about being in charge, but about lifting up your children so they can soar.
The Importance of Being a Cheerleader for Your Kids
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Work, responsibilities, and the stress of it all can sometimes pull parents away from what really matters: their kids. Jey and Justin emphasize the significance of being a cheerleader for your children. By this, they mean consistently showing up, supporting your children in their endeavors, and celebrating their efforts—not just their successes.
They dive into a powerful thought: “Everyone needs a cheerleader. Everyone needs a pep. Everyone needs a hype man.” This isn’t just about boosting confidence; it’s about creating a space where kids feel seen and valued. Kids may not always remember every word you say, but they will remember how you made them feel. Your encouragement gives them the wings to fly.
Takeaway: Fathers need to actively support their children’s growth by being their biggest fan. Celebrate the small wins, the big milestones, and even the attempts that don’t quite hit the mark. Your presence is the key ingredient.
Presence Over Perfection
One of the most compelling points Jey and Justin make in this episode is that “the one thing your kids will never get tired of is your presence.” In a world that often praises busy schedules and accomplishments, it’s easy to forget that children value time over anything else. It’s not about being perfect, always knowing what to say or do, but rather just being there.
Whether it’s sitting at the dinner table, cheering from the sidelines at a soccer game, or simply watching a favorite movie together, your presence is priceless. Kids grow up fast—blink, and you might miss it. Jey and Justin share personal anecdotes about their own experiences as fathers and how important it is to cherish every moment, even the mundane ones. Those are the moments that shape lifelong memories.
Takeaway: Don’t wait for the “perfect” time to be present with your kids. Just be there. Your presence means more than any gift, lecture, or grand gesture.
The Power of Failure: Letting Kids Learn
A standout theme from this episode is the idea that failure is not the enemy. In fact, Jey and Justin argue that failure is a necessary part of growth. They discuss the importance of allowing children to experience setbacks and struggles because these moments build resilience.
“Our kids have wings that are built to withstand the gravity.” This beautiful metaphor underscores the idea that kids are more capable than we sometimes give them credit for. They can—and will—handle disappointment and failure, and through it, they’ll learn, adapt, and grow. It’s the parents’ job to provide a safe environment where kids can stumble and get back up without fear of judgment or ridicule.
Jey and Justin explain that being a coach for your children doesn’t mean shielding them from every fall. Instead, it’s about teaching them how to navigate those moments and come out stronger on the other side.
Takeaway: Let your kids fail. Support them through their mistakes and guide them in understanding the lessons behind them. Failure is a stepping stone toward growth.
Apologizing and Being Transparent: Building Trust
Another poignant point made by Jey and Justin is the need for fathers to apologize and be transparent with their children. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being a parent means you always have to be right or know all the answers. But the truth is, kids respect authenticity. When parents own up to their mistakes and are honest about their struggles, it creates a powerful model for children to follow.
Jey shares a personal story about the impact of apologizing to his kids. He explains how taking responsibility for his actions—whether it's losing his temper or being unavailable—helped strengthen the trust between him and his children. It showed them that it’s okay to make mistakes, and more importantly, it taught them the value of accountability.
Takeaway: Be real with your kids. Apologize when you’ve made a mistake and show them that it’s okay to be imperfect. This transparency builds trust and deepens your relationship.
Breaking Generational Patterns: Creating a New Legacy
The conversation also touches on a deeper topic: healing past traumas and breaking generational cycles. Jey and Justin both reflect on how their childhood experiences have shaped the way they parent today. They acknowledge that many of the behaviors and patterns they grew up with weren’t always healthy, and that part of being a better parent means confronting and healing those past wounds.
By doing the inner work to heal their own traumas, they’re able to create a healthier, more loving environment for their kids. This, in turn, breaks the cycle of pain and dysfunction that often gets passed down from generation to generation.
Takeaway: Heal from your past so you can build a better future for your children. Don’t let generational trauma dictate the way you parent—create a new, positive legacy instead.
Heart of Parenting: Love, Trust, and Freedom
At the end of the day, the heart of this episode revolves around three key pillars: love, trust, and freedom. Jey and Justin drive home the message that parenting is about more than just rules and discipline. It’s about creating an environment of unconditional love, where children feel safe to express themselves, make mistakes, and grow into the people they’re meant to be.
By trusting your children to explore the world on their terms and giving them the freedom to fail and succeed, you’re setting them up for a future full of possibility. And that, according to Jey and Justin, is the ultimate goal of being a parent.
Final Takeaway: Love your children fiercely, trust them to find their way, and give them the freedom to soar. Your presence and support will always be their greatest assets.
FAQs
Q: How can I be more present in my child’s life when I have such a busy schedule?A: Start small. It’s not about the quantity of time, but the quality. Find little moments throughout the day to connect—whether it’s during meals, bedtime, or even a quick chat after work. Consistency is key.
Q: How do I help my child through failure?A: Encourage them to see failure as a learning opportunity. Offer support and guidance, but let them figure out the lessons on their own. It’s important for kids to develop resilience.
Q: What’s the benefit of apologizing to my children?A: Apologizing shows your children that it’s okay to make mistakes and that taking responsibility is a strength. It builds trust and teaches them the importance of accountability.
Wrapping Up:
Jey and Justin’s conversation in Episode 151 of the Young Dad Podcast is a powerful reminder that parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about being your kids’ biggest cheerleader, allowing them the freedom to fail, and guiding them with love, trust, and authenticity. The journey of fatherhood is ever-evolving, and with every lesson learned, you get one step closer to raising strong, confident, and resilient children.
So go ahead—be your child’s cheerleader. They’ll never get tired of having you by their side.
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