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“Hold my hand, daddy. I’m scared.” “Watch this, daddy. Watch me jump in the pool. Did you see the splash I made?” “Did you see me hit that ball, Dad? Were you watching when I hit that homerun?” Why is…
Diana Dudenhoeffer
Diana Dudenhoeffer is the Director of Communications at Good Dads. She joined the team in 2021. She designs communications and outreach materials and oversees Good Dads’ communications channels, web content and curriculum development. She studied journalism, sustainability and documentary storytelling at Missouri State University.
Good Dads receives appropriation in State’s annual budget
Good Dads received its second-in-a-row appropriation in Missouri’s annual budget, signed by Governor Mike Parson at the end of June. The nonprofit received two budgetary items: a one-time appropriation, plus a more permanent line-item that Good Dads hopes will remain…
The ABC’s of Coaching & Parenting: Advice from a Football Coach and Father of Two
This month on the Growing Good Dads blog, we’re diving into the ways you can be a good dad to preteens. Children at this age are in a period of growth and discovery: they’re learning who they are and figuring…
Good Dads to present at national fatherhood conference this August
Good Dads will be on the national stage this summer as its executive director will present at this year’s National Fatherhood Summit hosted by the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse. The convening’s 2024 theme is “From Foundations to the Future.” The…
Starting Strong in Elementary School: 3 Strategies for Dads
If your child is entering the public education system (maybe for the first time), you probably wondering how to make sure it’s a success. I understand, and I am in the same boat as a dad of a preschooler. I’ve…
Raising Respectful, Un-Selfish Children
Tonight with JD, I had a realization that children become truly mature and compassionate when they realize that, if they CAN do something, they NEED to do it for themselves. I believe we, as parents, need to encourage our kids…
Discover the Benefits of your Public Library System | With the Springfield-Greene County Library
This month on the Growing Good Dads blog, we’re focusing on being a good dad to kids between 6–9 years old. If you have a child this age, they’re most likely in the middle of their summer break. Because summer…
Happy Father’s Day from Good Dads: Announcing the 2024 Outstanding Dads of the Year
If you submitted a nomination for the 2024 Outstanding Dads of the Year contest this spring, thank you! We received submissions from across the Ozarks from sons and daughters, spouses, friends and neighbors, co-workers and many others who recognize the…
Parenting Goals: Creating a Value-Based Environment for Your Child
Goal Setting for Parents I strongly believe in the idea of setting goals. If you aim for nothing, you’ll get nothing every time. This concept is typically used to set personal goals, but I’m here to talk about goal setting…
Your Preschooler’s Developmental Independence: How Dads Can Help Children Make Good Decisions
It sneaks up on you: One morning, you're forced to accept the reality that your baby doesn’t need you to get her dressed anymore. When she had the freedom to choose what she would wear, she gained confidence in her ability to make good decisions for herself.