The Intentional Dad Ep 5 - Handling Peer Pressure and Self-Esteem
05/13/25 • 35 min
In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts J. Fotsch and Jason Hynson sit down with guest Dyllan Dale, a New Pathways for Good Dads graduate. They unpack the challenges dads face when helping their kids navigate peer pressure and self-esteem. Through honest conversation and real-life stories, the trio explores how intentional parenting means being present, empathetic and proactive—especially when kids are influenced by their peers or struggling with their own worth.
They discuss the cultural pressure on dads to provide, the emotional weight of comparison fueled by social media and the importance of saying "no" with love. Whether it’s confronting unrealistic expectations, teaching kids it's okay to be different or reflecting on their own adolescence, the hosts highlight the value of listening, guiding and building trust through tough conversations.
Episode Highlights
[01:01] "This is some hard stuff. I've got to do this... the intentional part is the actual actions."
[04:44] "I have to be intentional... say, 'I'm going to pick you up and we're just going to go hiking—nothing else.'"
[07:27] "The culture nowadays pressures us dads to be such providers... if we can’t give our kids everything we feel like we’ve failed."
[9:55] "Going back to your family goals... sometimes that means the one-off outliers don't get the phone."
[13:50] "That fear rises back up in me... but I have to say, 'That was a whole other lifetime ago.'"
[21:41] "You're dealing with fear, anger... but you're also trying to remember what you needed at that age."
[26:10] "I always tell them: it’s okay to be different. You’re going to grow up and be your own person."
[30:49] "Maybe the goal with peer pressure is just to be available... to be a listening voice and a guide."
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 Intentional Dad, hosts J. Fotsch and Jason Hynson sit down with guest Dyllan Dale, a New Pathways for Good Dads graduate. They unpack the challenges dads face when helping their kids navigate peer pressure and self-esteem. Through honest conversation and real-life stories, the trio explores how intentional parenting means being present, empathetic and proactive—especially when kids are influenced by their peers or struggling with their own worth.
They discuss the cultural pressure on dads to provide, the emotional weight of comparison fueled by social media and the importance of saying "no" with love. Whether it’s confronting unrealistic expectations, teaching kids it's okay to be different or reflecting on their own adolescence, the hosts highlight the value of listening, guiding and building trust through tough conversations.
Episode Highlights
[01:01] "This is some hard stuff. I've got to do this... the intentional part is the actual actions."
[04:44] "I have to be intentional... say, 'I'm going to pick you up and we're just going to go hiking—nothing else.'"
[07:27] "The culture nowadays pressures us dads to be such providers... if we can’t give our kids everything we feel like we’ve failed."
[9:55] "Going back to your family goals... sometimes that means the one-off outliers don't get the phone."
[13:50] "That fear rises back up in me... but I have to say, 'That was a whole other lifetime ago.'"
[21:41] "You're dealing with fear, anger... but you're also trying to remember what you needed at that age."
[26:10] "I always tell them: it’s okay to be different. You’re going to grow up and be your own person."
[30:49] "Maybe the goal with peer pressure is just to be available... to be a listening voice and a guide."
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
Good Dads Great Communities Ep. 5 - Connecting Your Identity in the Community with Your Goals
In this heartfelt episode of Good Dads Great Communities, Dr. Jennifer L. Baker and J. Fotsch welcome longtime friend and original Good Dads board member Paul Windisch. Together, they reflect on the organization's 10-year evolution from a vision to a community-wide movement supporting fatherhood. Paul shares how being part of the early days—and watching the mission grow—shaped his perspective as a father and community member.
The conversation highlights the importance of starting where you are, engaging dads from all walks of life, and seeking out “spark plugs”—people who carry the vision forward. Whether you're building a new initiative or rethinking community involvement, this episode is a guide to aligning personal identity, passion, and purpose in ways that make lasting impact.
Episode Highlights
[02:11] "We decided on the logo. We decided on the name. It was amazing. But I could not have envisioned ten years down the road at doing what it's doing."
[05:51] "Sometimes we live inside our own little circles and don't really think about the things that affect others. That opened my eyes."
[10:58] "That’s kind of the vision of Good Dads—just to pause. Because our kids are always watching."
[13:35] "I was talking with dads and learning how I could slow down. It was convicting, honestly."
[15:20] "We need all kinds of voices—media people, finance, construction. Everyone brings a unique way to connect with dads."
[25:44] "It’s not about checking boxes. It’s about passion. It’s the heart that moves the needle."
📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! 🌐 Learn more about Good Dads Great Communities! 📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected].
Next Episode
The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 5 - Infant Health with Family Connects
Infant Health with Family Connects In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts J. Fotsch and Brian Mattson talk with Jordan Coiner from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department about the crucial role dads play in infant health. Jordan shares personal stories from his own parenting journey and introduces the Family Connects program, a home-visiting initiative offering support from registered nurses to every new family in Greene County. The conversation centers on how dads can stay curious, ask questions and get involved early in their child's life—especially when navigating sleep deprivation, changing family dynamics and emotional overwhelm.
The discussion also highlights the overlooked mental health needs of new fathers. Jordan opens up about the postpartum challenges his family faced and encourages dads to prioritize self-care and emotional openness. Resources like Mental Health 417 and peer support are emphasized, as well as using reputable sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics to navigate conflicting parenting advice. The episode sends a strong message: Dads matter deeply and seeking help is a strength—not a weakness.
Episode Highlights
[06:32] “It’s okay to not know the answer... being willing to ask the question is the biggest thing.”
[07:13] “Every newborn in Greene County has access to our nurses... they’ll come visit you in the home.”
[14:37] “Talk to another friend of mine who is a dad as well... you realize you’re not alone.”
[17:10] “If I’m not taking care of myself, I can’t fully take care of my family.”
[18:39] “Health outcomes improve when dads are involved... for mom and baby.”
[19:48] “Don’t just trust what someone says on TikTok—go do your own research.”
[25:17] “Hey man, you good? Let’s have a conversation. Let’s talk about our mental health.”
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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