This week on the Good Dads Blog we sat down with one of the newest members of the Good Dads team, Scott Lewis, a former aviation operations specialist and father to a one-year-old daughter. Previously, Scott worked as Product Manager…
Perhaps you’ve heard the buzz about Fundamentals for Good Dads, the newest curriculum from Good Dads. This eight-part course is an improved and updated version of what was previously called Fundamentals of Fatherhood. Using what we’ve learned as leaders in…
Becoming a parent changes everything. Your routines, your priorities, even how you communicate and collaborate with your partner. For expectant parents, this life transition is a whirlwind of emotions: excitement, anxiety, pressure, impatience, stress, glee. How do you communicate well…
Last week, Training Camp looked a little different compared to other Good Dads training events! Whereas we’d typically invite anyone with a heart for service who believes in the power of responsible fatherhood to attend Training Camp events—this time we…
This year on the Good Dads blog, we’re thrilled to be your guide through the 2026 theme: Good Dads Communicators. Between now and the end of the year, we’ll explore a variety of perspectives on how people communicate and how…
Somehow, we blinked and the holidays are already here. While we hurdle toward the end of the year, nonprofits everywhere are neck-deep in their spreadsheets: crunching their numbers, gathering statistics and packaging everything together in appeal letters, annual reports, PowerPoints,…
At Good Dads, we talk a lot about the importance of being an intentional father, but what does that actually mean? As it turns out, it means a lot of things! Being “intentional” means taking an active role as a…
Growing up in the country, Halloween wasn’t spooky season. It was gas-up-the-van-and-hope-you-hit-five-houses season. My brothers and I would pile in, dressed in whatever costume plastic and imagination could cobble together, and hit a handful of homes—each one separated by long…
In the nonprofit field, we always have our eyes set on the horizon. We’re always concerned with what the future holds. So it should come as no surprise that we’ve been planning for our 10th anniversary fundraising dinner and celebration…
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…
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!
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…
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…
The Good Dads Blog features some curated content from online resources. This post originally appeared on the Northern Life Magazine website and was not written by Good Dads staff. Reposted with permission. Being a father is one of life’s most…
Curiosity is the foundation of lifelong learning, and in Good Dads’ most recent podcast episode on “The Difference a Dad Makes,” hosts Brian and J. Fotsch welcome Rudy Martinez, Director of the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, to explore how dads…
The debut episode of The Difference a Dad Makes podcast brings together co-hosts Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and J. Fotsch as they introduce Brian Mattson, the lead pastor at the Downtown Church in Springfield, MO. Brian is also a musician…
Happy New Year from all of us at Good Dads! We’re so glad you’re ringing in 2025 with us. This year is a big one for Good Dads—our 10th nonprofit anniversary! We have a lot in store to celebrate this…
Craig Groeschel, founder and senior pastor of Life.Church, said, “Raising adult children is harder than raising younger children.” I wholeheartedly agree. Parenting kids aged 17-25 can be particularly challenging for two main reasons: We must shift our roles as parents,…
This is the second of a two-part series of anonymous musings on the topic of raising adult children. Last week, we collected confessions from twentysomethings who shared what they crave from their relationships with their fathers. This week, we’re exploring…
As twentysomethings and as daughters of good dads, we are forever interested in our peers’ relationships with their dads. And as the communications team at a father-focused nonprofit, we’re uniquely positioned to gain some valuable insights! This month we asked…
It feels like just yesterday they were tying their shoelaces for the first time or asking you endless questions about how the world works. Now, they’re navigating the world on their own — driving, paying bills, making big career choices…
At the risk of sounding like Captain Obvious, a father’s relationships with his children change as they grow up. While your youngsters once needed help tying their shoes and were wobbling on training wheels, now they’re getting driver’s licenses, dating,…
Remember the first time you saw your little one take their first wobbly steps? You felt a mix of pride and terror. As your child transitions from teenagehood to young adulthood, you’re about to experience a similar emotional roller coaster…
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a common question asked of young children. And as a child grows, aspirations evolve and change. In Good Dads’ web series “What I Want to Be,” Executive Director Dr.…
Quiet settled across the pews at the Downtown Church in Springfield, MO, on Sunday, Nov. 3. Good Dads guests—including parents, partners, friends and children—turned to face the back of the sanctuary as the first notes of Pomp and Circumstance, the…
Did you play “Hide and Seek” with your neighborhood friends growing up? The version I played involved the “Seeker” standing by a Home Base, usually a tree or street sign, and counting to a designated number (usually 100) while all…
Who better to ask than a classroom full of teenagers, “What does it mean to be a good dad?” At Parkview High School, classrooms are full of a variety of perceptions considering its high diversity rate–both multiculturally and socioeconomically. There…
This month on the Growing Good Dads blog, we’re turning to some of the most important sources of wisdom and experience on teenagers: Educators! We’ve reached out to high schools in the Springfield area and are excited to bring you…
Will looked at his bank statement and wondered again what he and Elise were thinking when they decided to have children. It’s not that he didn’t love their three kids, but raising them wasn’t cheap or easy. Sean (15), regularly…
Arm yourself with knowledge and empathy to be better prepared to support your daughter during her first period
A Missouri father of three shares his joys and challenges of raising two teenage boys during his recovery journey.
“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…
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…
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…
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.
Gardening is a great way to get your kids outdoors, having fun while learning invaluable life lessons. It’s educational, promotes physical and mental health, it’s a wonderful bonding opportunity, it connects them with nature, and it teaches them important skills like patience, perseverance and dedication. I’ll dive into more detail about each of these benefits.
“This parenting class is not working,” exclaimed the frustrated father of three standing in front of me. “What do you mean?” I asked. “Well,” he said, “last week my three-year-old tried to flush a jump rope down the toilet and…
When we think of toddlers, a few “T” words come to mind: Tantrums, Terrible Twos and Time-Outs. It’s no secret that these developmental years can come with challenging changes that tend to bring about the blues in parents and children…
The "terrible twos" is marked marked by increased tantrums, crankiness, assertiveness and defiance. This week we curated real stories from dads who have gone through the Terrible Twos. These dads can look back on these tales and laugh now, even if it was far from funny at the time!
Michael Gray, an Ozarks native and Good Dad, missed out on a big chunk of his kids’ childhoods. The father of three (plus one stepson) was incarcerated for most of his 20s and wasn’t around for crucial childhood years for…
Congratulations, Dad! You and your partner have made it past pregnancy and now have a new bundle of joy in the family. But the parenting journey has just begun. In the first days of life, some dads find it challenging…
The Growing Good Dads Blog features some curated content from online resources. This post originally appeared on the Happy Families website and was not written by Good Dads staff. I was a mistake. Unplanned… unintended… not actually supposed to…
For 10 years, it was just Brian and Jessica. The husband and wife had already experienced the “young couple freedom” and knew they were ready to start something new. The duo had discussed it early in the relationship, and they…
When Benjy Lampert and his wife, Lori, discovered they were going to have a baby, the couple was elated … and more than a little surprised. They’d been trying to get pregnant for less than a month. “We thought, ‘that…
When it comes to physical strength, men have a natural advantage. Their body chemistry, e.g., higher levels of testosterone, contributes to greater muscle mass and overall strength. It also influences bone growth and strength. In short, in some ways dads…
This week we bring you a blogpost from the Good Dads archives. This article was originally published in 2018, but we think you’ll find that the topics we cover here are just as relevant today! There’s so much good information…
Last week, we announced the four Outstanding Father of the Year finalists: Congratulations, Dads! Finalists are invited to be Good Dads’ distinguished guests at our annual dinner and banquet this September. They will also receive certificates honoring their new titles.…
If you submitted a nomination to the 2023 Outstanding Fathers of the Year contest this spring, thank you! We received submissions from across the Ozarks from people who recognize the important roles that dads play in the lives of kids.…
In 2014, physicist Michio Kaku wrote, “We are now entering the golden age of neuroscience. We have learned more about the thinking brain in the last 10–15 years than in all of previous human history.” One particularly fruitful area of…
Summer time: school’s out, the kids are home. It’s time to travel, take vacation, hit the beach or swimming pool, and see a few ball games. Iced tea and lemonade tastes better when served 1 degree above frozen. The air-conditioned…
Father’s Day is on Sunday. Today we are taking a look back at a heart-felt blog written in honor of a much-loved father. As Father’s Day approaches, I’m taking time to reflect on what my Dad taught me. My…
It’s June. School is out. Father’s Day is approaching. Ballgames are being played. Vacations are happening. Join us as we reach into our archives and journey back in time with Kevin Weaver and his memories of summertime. Ah, summertime. It…
James Mincks graduated from the New Pathways for Good Dads program in 2019. Since then he has continued to make great strides with his parenting skills as well as in his personal life. He sees his sons on a regular…
“Things happen for a reason.” Danny Watkins may not always have felt that statement was true, but if you asked him today, he would tell you that there is a reason for everything. Danny had been a drug addict most…
After Noah’s final stay in prison, he made Victory Mission his home plan. Positive changes began taking place. At Victory Mission, Noah was enrolled in the Restoration Program, a program that would cause him to change from who he wanted…
I believe in the power of a glove. This is not a religious conviction, though Annie Savoy and Joh Kinsella would probably disagree. I hold a simple belief that a glove can make a significant difference in someone’s life. …
“Ok, time to get in your car seat.” This statement was made in a very even, calm voice. It was not a new demand. In fact, I had said it every day—sometimes three times a day—for the last two years.…
I think most of us recognize that dads are important to their kids, but I don’t think most of us imagine just how critical they are. Recently, I read a new book, The Boy Crisis: Why Our Boys Are Struggling…
I was fortunate enough to grow up with a father who was responsible, worked hard, had integrity, and made time for his family. At the time I did not comprehend the intentionality he had to take care of himself so…
My dad is a great storyteller. Always has been, always will be. Add in the fact that I had an extremely active imagination at six-years-old, and it is not a stretch that I truly thought I was going to Hogwarts.…
In 2011, I was tasked with a deployment to Afghanistan. Thankfully, I had a few months’ notice, but my report date hit right before the Christmas holiday. My wife and I tried to soak in as much family time together…
For Josh Keedy, Prime driver and father of four, it all boils down to respect. Self-respect is a big deal for Josh—something reflected in his work as a driver and in his role as a husband and father. This attitude…
Is one really lost if they don’t know they are lost? That is a question I have returned to again and again after a recent incident at the State Fair of Minnesota. As Minnesotans living in the heat of…
As the driver of an 18-wheel tanker hauling food grade products, John Ogren is familiar with “surge.” He might be hauling anything from liquid chocolate to grape juice to soybean oil; it doesn’t make much difference when he needs to…
When I recently spoke with the Care Managers at Jordan Valley Clinic about the importance of fathers to children’s health, I was happy to have The Boy Crisis by Dr. Warren Farrell and Dr. John Gray to use as a…
How many of you are like me? While growing up you played as many sports as you could—baseball, basketball, football, and even soccer (VERY little)! I was NOT the best athlete. There were many of my teammates who did a…
From the time they are very young, children often love nothing better than to have a parent read to them. It doesn’t matter how many times they’ve heard the same story, if they’re younger than three or four, they want…
I grew up with a brother who was less than two years younger than me. We were raised by our hard working, single mother, along with equally hard working grandparents. I never really remember being taught “manners.” We kinda just…
As a parent, for the most part, we have the ability to help and protect our children as they grow. We can make sure they don’t go running in the streets, stick things in the outlets or consume toxic items.…
Good dads are not always tall, handsome, charming, or engaging. Some are short, average looking, quiet and shy. But a good dad always looks like a hero to his children. His super power may be juggling oranges. His cape may…
A wise man once told me, “…what you practice in moderation, your children will excuse in excess.” That’s a profound declaration, and if we conduct an honest assessment, we will find that it is an unswerving truth. Yet, when you…
Kevin: Over the course of many years of parental investment, I have tried to calculate whether or not my fatherhood has made a difference in the life of my three boys. Being fully aware of all my weaknesses, I have…
I love being a dad! I love the relationship, the love, the hugs, and even the challenge. As the dad of a 10-year-old, I now find myself beginning to reap the fruit and rewards of living out my best to…
I loved my dad. He was so interesting and mysterious. He had adventure in his heart and did things I wanted to do. He had been to places I wanted to see. Stories of his travels had me breathlessly hanging…
There’s so much good information in The Boy Crisis by Warren Farrell PhD and John Gray, PhD that we could devote the contents of the Real Good Dads blog to it for the next six months. At the same time,…
Although you might not think about the Business Agent for Heavy Construction Laborers to have a very soft spot in his heart for his wife and family, if you’re thinking of Derick Barnes, you’d be wrong. Derick describes himself as…
In May 2013 Sean Murphy watched Forks over Knives and made a decision. He would no longer eat meat, fish, poultry or any other animal products. In short, he would become vegan. Many people go from eating meat and fish…
Robert Hullett has been with Prime nearly two years—7 months driving a company truck and more recently, as a lease operator. He currently drives a 2016 Peterbilt and is looking forward to upgrading to a 2019 Peterbilt soon. He drives…
Baseball. Ice Cream. Apple Pie. Each is part of an all-American summer for many dads and kids, but there’s another activity many dad, granddads and kids enjoy all over the country—fishing. If you talk to Ron Hartman, father of two…
There is hardly a person on the planet that doesn’t like the opportunity to play. Of course, the term “play” has varying meanings at varying ages. For instance, play to a two-year-old might mean whacking a bowl with a mixing…
Fall evokes myriad emotions and memories for most people. By the looks of the grocery store aisles, it certainly must evoke all things pumpkin spice. But for many dads, it often brings thoughts of campfires, S’mores, and football . .…
Growing up with a Dad as a pastor, our lives were always under a microscope, being construed and misconstrued. There was no shortage of voiced, or unvoiced, expectations from members of the church, the community, even those who didn’t personally…
Kevin Weaver (Dad): Recently, my middle son, now a married father of two, as well as an Army infantry officer with the 101st Airborne, sat down and penned some thoughts regarding his upbringing, as well as my involvement in it.…
On the highway of life, there are so many wonderful adventures with our kids. That is, on the metaphorical highway of life. On the literal highway, especially when our kids start sitting behind the wheel of the vehicle we all…
Children are born, and from that moment on they begin the process of separation from their parents. The first big step is Kindergarten. Putting your child on the bus, watching it drive away, and breaking down in tears on the…
I keep a stone from the summit of a mountain on my desk. On it is written, “You can’t get the mountaintop experience unless you are willing to climb the mountain.” One thing I have been able to enjoy with…
My wife and I teach our kids to do three things with money. We created three money containers for both of our girls that say – GIVE, SAVE, and SPEND. We feel the three lessons below are the foundation of…
Statistically, it’s more likely for a dad with daughters to divorce than a dad with sons. I’m not certain why, but it probably has something to do with a father being able to identify more with his son (having been…
If ever a story, a relationship, a social infrastructure, or a magical phenomenon been more under emphasized than the importance of a child’s need for their father’s love and attention, I cannot imagine what it would be! My own experience,…
“What’s that?!” “It’s good. You’ll like it.”“Yuck. No I won’t.” “How do you know you won’t like it if you haven’t tried it?” “It looks gross.” “Well, it’s not, and your mother worked really hard at making a nice dinner…
Many dads fear “the talk” relative to conversations with their kids about love and sex. I can understand this discomfort, but I wish dads would focus more on the characteristics of a healthy relationship than the biology of sex. Even…
At the first of the year, my mind is often brought back to the many “firsts” I have been blessed to witness my children experience. There are those “firsts” with which most dads are familiar – the first steps, first…
Brian Fogle claims he had three theories about how to raise children before he had three. Now he has none! Even without theories, Brian is the proud and happy father of three young adults—two daughters and a son. Although they…
Dr. Mike Dawson has been the Chief Learning Officer for Springfield Public Schools since 2015. He is also married to Dr. Wendy Dawson and the father of three great kids: Emma (17), Jack (13), and Christian (11). “Each,” he says,…
“You can be a truck driver. You can be a dad. You can be a good dad! Don’t let people discourage you because they think you can’t.” That’s the advice Thomas Miller gives to the new drivers he trains. Thomas…
Thank you for allowing me to share a few ideas on starting the school year by encouraging success. One of the things I love about Good Dads is the organization supports us all on our journey to become better fathers.…
Becoming a new father is one of the most wonderful life events a man can experience. But it can also feel overwhelming. Take heart. By gaining some practical knowledge, setting realistic expectations and creating healthy habits, you can be a…
