Positively Dad

Our world is changing and this generation of children has a huge opportunity to be heard. What does that mean for parents? How do we help them share their feelings on issues that are important to them? What if we disagree? This week we talk with 2017 National Teacher of the Year, Sydney Chaffee about how empowering our children to be involved in social activism could be good for them. It’s a powerful interview and one that could have a huge impact on your family.

For years doctors have been working with moms who experience postpartum depression. A new study shows that it may be just a common for dads. The challenge is that many doctors are asking about it and many dads ignore it. This week we talk with the doctor who did the research on postpartum depression for dads. We look at what it means for dad and his family, how to tell if you may be experience it and how to move forward.

Screen time, social media and technology… those are all hot topics in the parenting world today. The rules, options, platforms, suggestions and studies are always changing. So what are we supposed to do? This week we talk with Dr. Jordan Shapiro, author of The New Childhood about how families can navigate the new world of technology.

Music is a big part of growing up. It’s common for parents to sing to their young children. They often listen to songs together, play instruments and sing silly songs. That tends to stop and kids get older and develop their own musical interests. https://uanews.arizona.edu/story/improve-relationship-kids-try-turning-music (A study from the University of Arizona found that there may be a great reason for parents to continue enjoying music as their children get older.) This week we talk with Dr. Jake Harwood about music builds a bond that can last a lifetime.

Every parent hopes their kids grow up to be happy and successful. We are putting in the foundation for their success and happiness, yet we may be looking at it in the wrong way. This week we talk to author, teacher and counselor, John Doran. John wrote https://www.buybooks.ie/products/secondary-school/leaving-cert/sphe/ways-to-well-being-.html (a book called “Ways to Well-Being),” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdAkyHEYsxY (he’s done a TED Talk) and has traveled the world teaching parents and teachers about raising happy and successful children.

Many little kids love reading time with grown ups. It’s a common part of the bedtime routine for many families. The question is who is doing the reading and does it matter if it’s mom or dad? One study says it does. On this episode of Positively Dad, we talk with a researcher who looked at why it’s important for dads to read with their children.

Chances are you’d be surprised to learn that a baby may already have a bias toward people of a different race. We were surprised to hear the results of a study that claims just that. Today we talk with Dr. Kang Lee from the University of Toronto about his findings and what all dads can do to raise children who are kind and welcome to all people. It’s a podcast that will require you to listen with an open mind.

Dads have a choice to make when they welcome a new child to the world… stay home or not. Unfortunately our society doesn’t see staying home as important. Most employers don’t even offer paid time off for moms. Even fewer offer it for dads. It turns out though that there are huge benefits to staying home. Not only does it help dad bond with his new baby, it helps mom too. Dr. Richard Petts from Ball State University shares the findings of his study on paternity leave and talks about how dads can find ways to have a bigger impact at home.

Bullying. It’s been happening forever. https://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/stats.asp (Nearly 25% of high school students say they’ve been bullied.) Is it just kids being kids or is it something much bigger? In this episode we talk with Dr. James Brown from the https://socialwork.indiana.edu/index.php (Indiana University School of Social Work.) Dr. Brown shares what parents can do when their child is the victim and when their child is the bully.

Hey Dad, your role is changing. You’re spending more time with your family, helping out more at home and more engaged with your children. Why? There are many reasons. What does it mean for you and your family? A lot. We talk with Dr. Kevin Shafer of Brigham Young University about his study of fatherhood today.