The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 4 - Teaching Safety and Crime Awareness
04/15/25 • 35 min
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Diana Dudenhoeffer sit down with Chief Paul Williams to talk about how dads play a vital role in raising safe, responsible kids. With 45 years in law enforcement and personal parenting experience, Chief Williams highlights how an involved father figure profoundly shapes a child’s choices and future. He stresses that being a good dad means more than just enforcing rules—it’s about being present, playful and supportive.
They also tackle modern challenges like cyber safety, helicopter parenting and building independence. Chief Williams offers practical tools including using apps like Life360 and encouraging open dialogue. His “retractable leash” analogy captures the balance of freedom and protection. Above all, the episode delivers a hopeful message: it’s never too late to break the cycle and start a legacy of strong fatherhood.
Episode Highlights
[04:29] “The number one thing that makes a difference in a kid’s life is a dad... present, engaged, involved.”
[06:48] “Being a good dad is not just being the bad guy... Talk to any of my kids—they’ll say their best memories are of dad being the fun dad.”
[10:26] “We’re seeing that generational impact... I didn’t have a father figure, so I’m not a father figure.”
[17:22] “Your kids are your responsibility. They need to realize that. If you don’t give me access to everything, you’re not going to have it.”
[20:31] “Parents that take the helicopter approach... are doing their kids a disservice. Kids need to fail, screw up, get better.”
[27:13] “We’re exposed to more [news] now. Use that knowledge for good—but don’t go overboard and lock them up ‘til they’re 20.”
[32:51] “Think of life as a retractable leash... You give them space but when danger’s there, you can reel them back in.”
Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]
In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Diana Dudenhoeffer sit down with Chief Paul Williams to talk about how dads play a vital role in raising safe, responsible kids. With 45 years in law enforcement and personal parenting experience, Chief Williams highlights how an involved father figure profoundly shapes a child’s choices and future. He stresses that being a good dad means more than just enforcing rules—it’s about being present, playful and supportive.
They also tackle modern challenges like cyber safety, helicopter parenting and building independence. Chief Williams offers practical tools including using apps like Life360 and encouraging open dialogue. His “retractable leash” analogy captures the balance of freedom and protection. Above all, the episode delivers a hopeful message: it’s never too late to break the cycle and start a legacy of strong fatherhood.
Episode Highlights
[04:29] “The number one thing that makes a difference in a kid’s life is a dad... present, engaged, involved.”
[06:48] “Being a good dad is not just being the bad guy... Talk to any of my kids—they’ll say their best memories are of dad being the fun dad.”
[10:26] “We’re seeing that generational impact... I didn’t have a father figure, so I’m not a father figure.”
[17:22] “Your kids are your responsibility. They need to realize that. If you don’t give me access to everything, you’re not going to have it.”
[20:31] “Parents that take the helicopter approach... are doing their kids a disservice. Kids need to fail, screw up, get better.”
[27:13] “We’re exposed to more [news] now. Use that knowledge for good—but don’t go overboard and lock them up ‘til they’re 20.”
[32:51] “Think of life as a retractable leash... You give them space but when danger’s there, you can reel them back in.”
Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]
Previous Episode
The Intentional Dad Episode 4 - Starting Strong with Babies
In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch talk candidly about the early days of fatherhood—from sleepless nights to adapting plans and embracing support. With stories from their own experiences raising newborns, the duo highlights the importance of flexibility, presence and being teachable as new dads.
They share laughs over chaotic moments, practical tips for managing colicky babies and the reality of emotional ups and downs for both parents. The episode encourages intentional parenting by focusing on teamwork, selflessness and community support, especially during the challenges of raising a baby.
Episode Highlights
[01:13] "You're just so delusional. You don’t know what’s going on, and you’re like a walking zombie."
[07:35] "Tip number one... be teachable. Don’t act like you already know it all."
[11:07] "Sometimes my needs have to go out the window... showing up is different."
[12:59] "Support could be just taking the six-year-old to the circus while mom gets a break."
[22:19] "Love is always in the present. Your presence is the most loving thing you can give."
[23:59] "You’ll sleep eventually. It’ll come. All these things pass."
Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]
Next Episode
Hot Topics Ep. 4 - Screen Time & Technology Balance for Kids
In this episode of Hot Topics, the hosts, J Fotsch and Will Cox welcome Dr. Leonard B. Horton III, assistant professor of journalism at Missouri State University, to explore how fathers can foster healthy screen time habits in the digital age. With humor and honesty, the conversation spans early parenting decisions to teen technology use, revealing both the risks and the opportunities that screen-based media present for families.
Key points include the importance of modeling healthy tech behavior, understanding the hidden algorithms behind social media and recognizing the emotional vulnerabilities children face in digital spaces. Dr. Horton emphasizes intentional parenting and consistent communication, sharing practical tools like monitored phones, weekly check-ins and family goal-setting to keep kids grounded and connected.
Episode Highlights
[05:03] – “You give them something to do... and what that does is it goes from 15 minutes and it turns into an hour.” [06:42] – “You can’t just give a kid a device and tell them to figure it out. You’ve got to be hands-on with it.” [12:46] – “Algorithms influence our choices and what we see on social media.” [16:27] – “When you're not included in that group, you're really not included.” [21:16] – “I would get an alert... so I could have a conversation.” [29:53] – “Every Sunday night... no TVs, no phones... what is one goal you have for this week?”
Resources📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]
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