#149. Why Co-Parenting Stress Hits Dads Harder During the Holidays And What To Do About It
Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood
Release Date: 12/08/2025
#156. 3 Reasons Dads Disengage From Fatherhood & How To Re-Engage With Confidence
Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood
Have you ever wondered why so many dads slowly check out—even when they desperately want to show up for their kids? In this powerful conversation with Christopher Brown, President of the National Fatherhood Initiative, we dig deep into the hidden struggles that hold fathers back—like outdated views on masculinity, lack of support, and the emotional wounds many never address. Whether you're a dad yourself, or you work with fathers, this episode reveals the real barriers and proven paths toward lasting, confident fatherhood. Learn what research actually says about why dads disengage—and...
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#155. 10-Minute Habits for Dads: Small Changes, Big Impact at Home
Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood
Feeling overwhelmed, reactive, or constantly "on" as a dad? It’s not a discipline problem - it’s a system problem. In this episode we dive into the real reasons fatherhood feels so draining and how you can regain control with small, daily habits. Learn how nervous system regulation and identity-driven routines create a ripple effect of calm, connection, and leadership in your home. Discover the Dad Central 10-Minute Daily System that transforms your home with intention, not intensity. Learn how to reset your nervous system to lead your family with calm presence. Get practical...
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#154. You Are Not Your Father: Choose a New Dad Identity
Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood
Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’ll never be like my dad” - but still find yourself reacting just like he did? Many fathers want to break unhealthy generational patterns but end up parenting from a place of avoidance instead of purpose. This episode dives deep into why defining yourself by what you won’t do can sabotage your growth, and how building a new identity is the key to real, lasting change. Learn the 4 hidden reasons dads fall into inherited parenting patterns even when they try not to. Discover why willpower alone fails and how identity-based change creates real...
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#153. Break Family Cycles: Let Go of Last Year’s Patterns
Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood
Have you ever reacted to your kids in a way that made you think, “I swore I’d never be that dad”? If you’re entering a new year carrying guilt, frustration, or patterns from your own childhood, this episode is for you. Drew and Ed unpack why perfection is the wrong goal for fatherhood, and how intention, healing, and awareness can help you break generational cycles and show up differently for your kids. In this episode, you’ll discover: How unhealed father wounds quietly shape your reactions as a dad Why triggers aren’t failures, but signals pointing to growth Practical ways to...
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#152. New Dad 2026: Design the Fatherhood You Want
Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood
What if becoming a better dad in 2026 had less to do with doing more, and everything to do with changing how you see yourself? This episode is for dads who are ready to let go of past failures, set intentional goals, and take real steps toward becoming the father they truly want to be. If you’re tired of feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this conversation breaks down what actually works - especially at the start of a new year. Learn how to set fatherhood goals that align with your values and are actually achievable Discover the power of identity-based habits and how to implement them without...
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#151. How To Build a Calmer Holiday Season With One Simple Family Question
Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood
Are your holiday traditions starting to feel more like a burden than a blessing? This episode is for every dad who's tired of December chaos and wants more connection, not more clutter. If you're overwhelmed by family expectations, packed schedules, and traditions that no longer serve your family - there's one powerful question that can change everything. Discover the one question that can simplify your entire holiday season and bring your family closer. Learn how to identify which traditions truly matter to your kids (hint: it’s not the expensive ones). Get practical, low-effort ideas for...
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#150. 7 Reflection Prompts Every Dad Should Use Before the End of the Year
Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood
Feeling like the year flew by and you're not sure how well you showed up as a dad? Before the crush of the holidays or jumping into New Year’s resolutions, take a pause and truly reflect. In this powerful episode, we guide you through 7 thought-provoking prompts that help you assess how you showed up for your kids, what needs to shift, and how to set a meaningful course for the year ahead. It's not about perfection - It’s about presence and progress. Discover the simple, overlooked power of honest reflection to unlock better connection at home. Learn why writing things down (with a pen!)...
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#149. Why Co-Parenting Stress Hits Dads Harder During the Holidays And What To Do About It
Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood
Are the holidays feeling more stressful than joyful since your separation or divorce? If you’re a dad navigating co-parenting during the holidays, you’re not alone and you’re not imagining how intense it feels. From juggling schedules to managing emotional expectations (yours and your kids’), the season can feel overwhelming. This episode identifies the real challenges dads face and why the pressure hits differently for fathers. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to spot hidden stress triggers unique to co-parenting dads during the holidays Why proactive communication isn't just...
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#148. 5 Reasons Dads Struggle to Say No and How It’s Costing Them at Home
Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood
Are you constantly saying “yes” to work, family, or social commitments - even when you know it’s draining you? If you're feeling stretched thin and disconnected at home, this conversation will help. In this episode, Drew and Ed unpack the hidden reasons why dads struggle to say no and the serious toll it takes on your energy, presence, and connection with your kids. From people-pleasing and guilt to cultural pressure and self-worth, this conversation gets to the heart of what’s keeping so many fathers overwhelmed and overcommitted. Discover the 5 most common reasons dads avoid saying...
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#147. How to Date After Divorce Without Disrupting Your Kids' Stability
Dad Central: A Parenting Podcast To Reduce Stress & Build Confidence In Fatherhood
Dating after divorce can feel like walking a tightrope - especially when your kids are still adjusting to the emotional aftershocks of separation. Whether you're newly separated, healing from divorce, or considering a new relationship, it's critical to understand how your dating decisions affect your children’s sense of safety and stability. In this episode, Drew and Ed dive into the emotional complexity of dating again and share real-life stories, examples, and guidelines to help dads navigate this season with care and confidence. Learn how to set boundaries that protect your kids and your...
info_outlineAre the holidays feeling more stressful than joyful since your separation or divorce?
If you’re a dad navigating co-parenting during the holidays, you’re not alone and you’re not imagining how intense it feels. From juggling schedules to managing emotional expectations (yours and your kids’), the season can feel overwhelming. This episode identifies the real challenges dads face and why the pressure hits differently for fathers.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How to spot hidden stress triggers unique to co-parenting dads during the holidays
- Why proactive communication isn't just helpful, but is essential to your kids’ emotional health
- Practical, real-world strategies to create child-centered holiday plans (without losing your mind or your traditions)
Listen now to learn how to reduce holiday stress, improve co-parenting collaboration, and create meaningful memories your kids will cherish.
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Download our FREE guide for separated and divorced dads:
“Full-Time Dad, Part-Time Kids” – A must-have resource filled with insights and strategies to help you thrive as a father post-separation: https://dadcentral.ca/guide-for-separated-divorced-dad/
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Timestamps
00:00:00 — Picture-perfect holidays vs. reality; letting kids feel at peace
00:00:40 — The unique stresses of co-parenting during the holidays
00:02:14 — Initial thoughts: Challenges and opportunities in holiday co-parenting
00:03:37 — Understanding holiday stressors specific to co-parenting
00:05:02 — The importance of proactive communication
00:07:28 — Creating a child-centered holiday plan
00:11:04 — Tips for discussing and handling holiday schedules and emotions
00:12:31 — Strengthening your relationship with your kids during the holidays
00:14:50 — Key takeaways: planning, communicating, and keeping the child’s needs central
00:15:50 — Recommended resource for separated/divorced fathers
00:16:06 — Closing remarks and reminders for dads
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"Dad Central is a podcast that supports fathers in navigating fatherhood, reducing stress, building confidence, managing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills, including discipline, co-parenting, custody issues, calm parenting, and effective communication with children, to foster happy children and strong parent-child relationships."