In today's episode, we're diving into the concept of being a "father friend." It’s not just about being a dad or a friend, but both—leading with authority while also offering compassion and support. I’ll explain why it's crucial to aim for this balance and how it transforms your relationship with your kids. Whether they’re toddlers or teenagers, being a father friend is a journey. Tune in for insights that will make your fatherhood more impactful and fulfilling.

In this episode of Thinking Dads, Dr. Mike Ayers tackles the tough moments when you lose your cool as a dad. We’ve all been there—when emotions take over and your response doesn’t match the situation. So, what do you do when you blow it? Mike breaks down a practical approach to handle those parenting blunders: calm down, apologize, reassure your kids, reflect, and plan for next time. Tune in for tips to bounce back stronger, more patient, and more connected.

In this episode of Thinking Dads, we dive into the powerful truth that our children don't just become who we hope they'll be—they become who we are. Mike Ayers, Ph.D., challenges dads to reflect on the unintentional lessons they teach through their actions, not just their words. Fatherhood is about more than advice; it’s about living a life of authenticity, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Tune in to explore how your example shapes your child’s future.

In the debut episode of Thinking Dads, Dr. Mike Ayers tackles the controversial subject of spanking. He offers insightful responses to mainstream research and societal attitudes, offering a perspective that spanking, when used thoughtfully and with love, can be an effective tool for discipline. Dr. Ayers challenges listeners to make informed parenting decisions free from fear and judgment, while exploring the role of spanking in fostering respect, moral growth, and connection with children.

If you were training for a marathon, would you seek advice from someone who’s run a 5K, or from a runner who's successfully completed the full 26.2 miles multiple times?

The Thinking Dads Model© and the resources here come from over 30 years of Mike's experience as a dad. With three young adult children (two sons and a daughter), he's run the long race of fatherhood—and shares all his joys, challenges and successes. Insights are also based upon Mike's doctoral research on identity formation in children and adolescents, and its connection to leadership. Mike has coached and taught dads for over a decade.

So, do you want experience or experiments? Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant, research-driven, values-based wisdom available for fathers anywhere.