Today, we have Marcus Higgs, a seasoned educator and life coach, on the podcast to discuss the challenges and triumphs of parenting preteens. As a father himself, Cam seeks Marcus' expertise in maintaining open lines of communication during these critical years of a child's development. Their conversation offers valuable insights for any parent navigating the often tricky transition from childhood to adolescence.

"Start with a strong identity. And what I mean by that is speaking to their virtues and values." — Marcus Higgs

In this episode, you will:

• Understand the developmental changes preteens face and how they affect communication.
• Learn strategies to build and maintain trust with your child during their formative years.
• Discover the power of virtues and values in shaping a strong family identity.
• Gain practical tactics, like the letter-writing exercise, to encourage open dialogue.
• Find out how to support your child in making healthy peer choices without pushing them away.

Tune in to this episode to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to foster a supportive and communicative relationship with your preteen. Listen now and make a difference in your parenting journey!

Resources:

• Barefoot to Boardroom by Dr Leon Higgs
• The Breakthrough Years: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens by Ellen Galinsky
• The Tools: 5 Tools to Help You Find Courage, Creativity, and Willpower--and Inspire You to Live Life in Forward Motion Phil Stutz, Barry Michels
• Lessons for Living: What Only Adversity Can Teach You by Phil Stutz
• What Are the 24 Character Strengths? by Sherri Gordon

Connect with Marcus Higgs:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Connect with Cam Hall:

• Website
• Dads Making A Difference Connection Call
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Email - cam@dmdpodcast.com
• Want to join a holistic group coaching call with Cam? - Send him a message on Instagram @dadsmakingadifference

Welcome to another engaging episode of the Dads Making a Difference podcast. Today, we have a special guest who's been making waves in the fatherhood community for years—Paul Banas. Paul is the founder of GreatDad.com and the host of the Great Dad Talks podcast.

In this episode, we dive deep into Paul's journey, from growing up with a single mom and lacking a father figure to transforming into a dedicated father who embraced fatherhood at the age of 42. We explore the inspirations behind his mission to support fathers, the creation of his invaluable online resource for dads, and his transition from a successful marketing career to becoming a stay-at-home father. Paul also shares insights on the shifting perceptions of fatherhood, the power of intentional parenting, and the unique challenges faced by modern dads.

So, grab a seat and join us as we dive into Paul Banas' journey of fatherhood and his efforts to make a difference in the lives of dads everywhere.

“It is a masculine role to also take care of your kids, not a uniquely feminine thing.” - Paul Banas

In this episode, you will:

• Discover how Paul's childhood experiences shaped his mission to support and empower fathers.
• Learn about the challenges and rewards Paul faced when he decided to step away from a thriving career to focus on fatherhood.
• Understand the importance of intentional parenting and how to create meaningful family traditions and rituals.
• Explore the evolution of the portrayal of dads in media and why it's crucial to redefine masculinity in parenting.
• Get practical tips on how to stay engaged and active in your children's lives, from pregnancy through their teenage years.

Connect with Paul Banas:

• Website

Connect with Cam Hall:

• Website
• Dads Making A Difference Connection Call
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Email - cam@dmdpodcast.com
• Want to join a holistic group coaching call with Cam? - Send him a message on Instagram @dadsmakingadifference

Are you raising a neurodivergent child? Tune in to this eye-opening episode of Dads Making a Difference as Cam Hall interviews Andrea Pollack, founder of Autism Parent Solutions. Andrea shares her journey from corporate lawyer to homeschooling mom, and how she's now helping parents navigate the complex world of raising children with autism and ADHD.

“You don't have to be wrong, you don't have to be the problem to be part of the solution.” - Andrea Pollack

In this episode, you will:

• Explore the crucial principles of self-regulation for both parents and children
• Uncover strategies to set your child up for success, moving beyond punishment-based parenting
• Learn how to identify unmet needs driving challenging behaviors
• Discover techniques for breaking down overwhelming situations into manageable pieces
• Understand the unique sensory and cognitive experiences of children with autism

Grab your headphones and listen to this game-changing conversation. Whether you're a parent of a neurodivergent child or simply looking to expand your parenting toolkit, this episode offers valuable insights for all. Don't miss out on Andrea's practical advice and heartfelt wisdom – press play now!

Key Questions to Ask Yourself in a Debrief:

• What went well?
• What went wrong?
• What’s different?
• Why did this situation happen?
• What did I miss along the way that I might have been able to address?
• What skills do I need to learn to help my child?

Connect with Andrea Pollack:

• Website
• Email

Connect with Cam Hall:

• Website
• Dads Making A Difference Connection Call
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Email - cam@dmdpodcast.com
• Want to join a holistic group coaching call with Cam? - Send him a message on Instagram @dadsmakingadifference