The Good Listener’s Toolkit for Good Dads
October 20, 2026
Have we been listening all wrong? This is a question Good Dads Founder and Executive Director Dr. Jennifer L. Baker
Good Dads Blog
Sort by Topic:
Have we been listening all wrong? This is a question Good Dads Founder and Executive Director Dr. Jennifer L. Baker has been pondering with her clients for quite some time. Dr. Baker, who is also a licensed clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist, says problems arise when couples think they are listening but are […]
...
We hope you agree: There is something special about gathering good people around a shared purpose! Last night, we had the joy of doing just that at our fall donors reception hosted at the home of a board member, and we’re over the moon about this evening filled with warm conversation, delicious food, a little […]
...
From managing budgets and personal schedules, keeping up with housework, finding a work-life balance and taking care of the kids is enough to make some parents’ heads spin. Once you add children to the mix, the romantic relationship between their parents begins to change. With the hustle and bustle of life as a parent, the […]
...
Yesterday evening, the central feeling in everyone’s hearts at our intimate dinner was gratitude. With the Good Dads board of directors at the helm, this spectacular event was the gathering of our dreams! Around 75 guests joined us at Venue on Brick in Ozark, MO, to learn why responsible, loving, present dads are the “key” […]
...
Thank you for another successful Training Camp! A dozen facilitators joined Good Dads in Springfield, MO, last week from across Missouri to learn the best ways to lead Good Dads FORGE classes for fathers in their communities. It was a fast-paced week! In fact, participants received instruction on two Good Dads classes. We covered a […]
...
On our last Good Dads Communicators blog, we talked about why it’s so important that dads prioritize their physical health with check-ups at a doctor’s office. When dads take care of their health, they’re taking care of their families as well. The message from the blog is clear: more dads are talking to their doctors […]
...
“I’m fine.” “I’ll walk it off.” “It’s too much of a hassle.” “Doc’s not going to tell me something I don’t already know.” Does this sound like anyone you know? Or maybe this sounds like something you’ve said yourself? Taking care of your health is an important part of being a good dad. However, a […]
...
Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! At Good Dads, we’re excited for another year of school success stories and lessons for lifelong learning. Your children may be dragging their feet on the first day of school. They may be excited to see old friends and even make some new ones. No matter how your child […]
...
August has arrived, and with it comes the task of getting ready for the start of the school year. Time to make the trip to the local supercenter to get the kiddos pencils, paper, crayons, and glue sticks. You want to have them prepared so they can do their very best, right? So, now that […]
...
Have you heard of the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”? This statement means that children need the helpful and loving support of lots of grown-ups—not just parents—to succeed. It also means that dads and moms shouldn’t have to do it all alone! As a dad, it’s tempting to assume that […]
...
This year on the Good Dads blog, we’ve examined many ways dads can be good communicators to their partners and children. But as we all know, the world is much larger than just our immediate families, and fathers need to keep open lines of communication with other adults in your child’s life. These are people […]
...
“When clear communication is taking place, we feel informed, engaged, involved and aware.” That’s what Brian Mattson, father of two and lead pastor at the Downtown Church in Springfield, had to say about the importance of communication in relationships. He’s learned a thing or two about communication through his both career and family. How can […]
...
The Good Listener’s Toolkit for Good Dads
Have we been listening all wrong? This is a question Good Dads Founder and Executive Director Dr. Jennifer L. Baker
Gallery: An Evening of Gratitude at Good Dads’ Donors Reception
We hope you agree: There is something special about gathering good people around a shared purpose! Last night, we had
A Labor of Love: Staying Connected With Your Partner When Life Gets Busy
From managing budgets and personal schedules, keeping up with housework, finding a work-life balance and taking care of the kids
Gallery: Good Dads donors discover the ‘key’ to great communities
Yesterday evening, the central feeling in everyone’s hearts at our intimate dinner was gratitude. With the Good Dads board of
Facilitators Sharpen Leadership Skills at Good Dads FORGE Training Camp
Thank you for another successful Training Camp! A dozen facilitators joined Good Dads in Springfield, MO, last week from across
Let’s Talk About It: Combatting Stigmas of Men’s Mental Health
On our last Good Dads Communicators blog, we talked about why it’s so important that dads prioritize their physical health
More dads are talking to their doctors about their long-term health
“I’m fine.” “I’ll walk it off.” “It’s too much of a hassle.” “Doc’s not going to tell me something I
Starting School on the Right Foot: Advice from a Teacher
Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! At Good Dads, we’re excited for another year of school success stories and lessons
Ready for School? Built-in school resources to help your student succeed
August has arrived, and with it comes the task of getting ready for the start of the school year. Time
It Takes a Village: Being a Good Dad, Collaboratively
Have you heard of the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”? This statement means that children
Just What the Doctor Ordered: Communicating with Your Child’s Pediatrician
This year on the Good Dads blog, we’ve examined many ways dads can be good communicators to their partners and
Hear, Hear!: Clear Communication for Families
“When clear communication is taking place, we feel informed, engaged, involved and aware.” That’s what Brian Mattson, father of two