Raising kids today seems harder than ever. There are so many things weighing them down, from relationships, school demands, social media, and more. Dads need to guide kids through it all. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, Dr. Chap Clark shares wisdom from his years of experience studying teens and their behavior and tells listeners how to better understand and support their kids.
Why This Matters
Kids feel pressure—to perform, fit in, and be liked. This causes friction and tension, but dads can be the steady presence they need.
Know the Language
Dr. Clark shares a few terms that may be new to you:
- Mosaic thinking: It’s harder kids to focus on one thing at a time.
- Avatar: In order to fit in, kids will build different 'avatars' of themselves depending on the social situation they're facing.
Troubles For Modern Kids
- Life feels very transactional: This leads kids to try to, as Chap says, “perform my way into blessing.”
- Belonging matters: Dr. Clark says the “power of belonging” is paramount. Kids are looking for a place where they feel accepted.
Important Episode Timestamps
00:00 – 00:55 | Introduction & Guest Welcome
00:55 – 03:47 | The Changing Landscape of Parenting Teens
03:47 – 06:55 | The “System” Has Let Kids Down
06:55 – 09:32 | A Father’s Role in Restoring Trust
09:32 – 12:08 | How Teens Process Identity & Belonging
12:08 – 15:50 | The Power of Presence Over Performance
15:50 – 19:21 | Building Bridges Through Listening
19:21 – 21:54 | Practical Habits to Create Safe Spaces
21:54 – 24:17 | Why Kids Still Need Boundaries
24:17 – 25:50 | Pro Move of the Week: Strive to be unflappable, have compassion with your kids, and take deep breaths.
Listen Again:
Episode 61 – What Problems Do Kids Face Today That We Didn’t?
Episode 74 – Checking in With Kids: 5 Gauges Dads Need to Know
5 Challenges We Need to Help Generation Alpha Face
Dr. Clark and
Connect with Us:
EXTRAS:
Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)
Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day.
Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox.
This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com.
Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store.
Get great content for moms at iMOM.com
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com