It Takes a Village: Being a Good Dad, Collaboratively
July 21, 2026
Have you heard of the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”? This statement means that children
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I have so many Tom stories, I thought I would share another one. It has always bugged me how Tom could look at something and know it wasn’t level. I’m not talking about when something is obviously crooked—I’m talking about microscopic slants that only a level or a wizard could detect. Tom isn’t a wizard. […]
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This month on the Good Dads Podcast, our lineup explored vital areas of fatherhood: from raising financially responsible kids to building father-focused programs in rural communities. Each conversation offers a powerful reminder that intentional parenting and consistent presence can shape futures!...
School’s out and the kids are in—in your homes, in your refrigerators and in your hair. The newness of the experience has passed, so you have started looking for someone or something to babysit them. You could maybe get the next-door neighbor’s teenager to watch the kiddos, but that would cost money. So, the next […]
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We honored 24 exceptional men on Thursday, June 12, at the Downtown Church in Springfield, MO. This amazing event, with 150+ attendees, celebrated the dedicated fathers who met all the criteria of the New Pathways for Good Dads program. These outstanding individuals have accomplished a great deal: They finished both classes, found stable jobs, and […]
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In Episode 5 of Good Dads’ The Intentional Dad podcast, hosts J. Fotsch and Jason Hynson sit down with Dyllan Dale to tackle two of the most persistent challenges facing families today: peer pressure and self-esteem. Through honest reflection and hard-earned wisdom, this conversation reminds dads that being intentional isn’t just about showing up—it’s about […]
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Good Dads, Missouri’s leading father-focused non-profit, named three communities, Ava, Rolla and Texas County, as its Great Communities of the Year this week. The contest, the first of its kind, celebrates the outstanding grassroots developments taking place throughout the state to support responsible fatherhood. With 14 community chapters launching Good Dads initiatives, plus additional Good […]
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When my son whispered that he had said “the s-word” at school, I braced myself. But what came out of his mouth wasn’t what I expected. That moment might seem small, but it launched one of the best parenting tools I’ve ever stumbled into. I call it “No Consequence Questions,” and it’s saved us from […]
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Good Dads Inc., a nonprofit headquartered in Springfield, MO, is collaborating again with Flintrock Home Builders to host its second-annual charity golf tournament. Last year’s tournament garnered around $2,500 to benefit the nonprofit. This year’s tournament on Monday, May 19, at Millwood Golf & Racquet Club in Ozark, hopes to bring in even more. Good […]
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Did you catch our four engaging podcast episodes in April? We explored fatherhood in various ways, from handling screen time to fostering workplace culture. Each discussion offered insightful views on being a purposeful and involved dad in the twenty-first century. This week on the Good Dads blog, we’re recapping some of our favorite takeaways and […]
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Wow! More than three dozen father-focused leaders representing 15 Missouri communities joined Good Dads in Springfield, MO, to be trained to facilitate Good Dads 2.0 and Within My Reach, the two classes that serve dad participants in the New Pathways for Good Dads Program. The cohort gathered April 23–25 at classroom space generously offered by […]
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The boys are all grown and have their own lives now, but when I look back at some of the best times I had with my children, one simple activity stands out. How low could I go. When you are a child, everything you do is way above, and you live in a land of […]
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Good Dads was honored to host its latest Chapter Orientation, welcoming community leaders from ten Missouri communities! The event, Friday April 11, in Springfield, was the latest in Good Dads’ ongoing efforts to expand the nonprofit’s mission throughout Southwest MO and beyond. When we bring Good Dads’ services to more dads, it directly translates to […]
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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
Our Takeaways from the ‘Gone Guys’ Documentary Screening
Following Good Dads’ screening of “Gone Guys,” an energetic—sometimes hopeful, sometimes sad—but nonetheless meaningful conversation occurred. We hosted a six-member
Good Dads hosts New Pathways graduation
This time of year is special for several reasons, with schools letting out across the country, students moving up a
Mending Fences: The Three R’s of a Good Apology
Jude asks his son Kyle (15) to take out the trash by the time he gets back from the store.
Good Dads Recognized with SPS Partner in Excellence Distinction
This week hundreds attended an annual Springfield Public Schools celebration to recognize some of the wonderful individuals and organizations making
Mom and Dad Live in Different Houses
Five years ago, I was faced with what I felt to be an insurmountable task: explain to my two kids
New ‘Good Dads Forge’ program launches with first class in Fulton, MO
FULTON, MO – Good Dads Forge, a new program from the statewide nonprofit Good Dads, launched last week with its
Communicating with Clarity
“We have trust issues.” “We fight all the time.” “We have trouble communicating.” I’ve heard these phrases countless times over
Understanding Two New Good Dads Programs
This week on the Good Dads Blog we sat down with one of the newest members of the Good Dads
A Peek Inside Our Newest Curriculum, Fundamentals for Good Dads
Perhaps you’ve heard the buzz about Fundamentals for Good Dads, the newest curriculum from Good Dads. This eight-part course is