Cristiano Ronaldo was paid $3.23M for his IG marketing posts in 2023. Why? What he says sticks with a lot of people, including kids. He’s not the only one influencing young people. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about what influences kids the most.
Why This Matters
Kids aged 12–18 are considered the most vulnerable when it comes to being influenced.
Key Takeaways
- Kids have many influences including primary, secondary, internal, situational, and emerging
- The early years are crucial: According to the University of Minnesota, around 80% of brain development happens in a child’s first 1,000 days of life. What they see, hear, and touch during those formative years leaves a lasting imprint on their minds.
Action Steps for Dads
Children are largely a product of their environment, habits, and relationships, all of which dads help shape. What can we do as dads to control what influences kids the most?
1. Identify generally BAD influences, like violence, substance abuse, and inappropriate content. Don’t be afraid to speak out against these influences and cut them out.
2. Promote generally GOOD influences, like trusted coaches, faith leaders, and teachers. These are things and people who share your values.
Important Episode Timestamps
00:00 – 00:55 | Introduction: Dad Detective Mode
00:55 – 02:38 | Kids Are Sponges
02:38 – 05:15 | The 3 Main Sources of Influence
05:15 – 08:03 | Social Media’s Sneaky Grip
08:03 – 10:25 | Friends: Mirrors and Multipliers
10:25 – 13:02 | What’s Normal at Your House?
13:02 – 14:58 | Are You Accidentally Reinforcing the Wrong Stuff?
14:58 – 17:31 | Check Your Own Input
17:31 – 20:08 | Be the Strongest Voice They Hear
20:08 – 22:02 | Pro Move of the Week:
Consider who and what you are allowing to speak into your child’s life and trim whoever or whatever doesn’t align with your family values.
All Pro Dad Resources:
Is It OK for Kids to Be Influencers?
5 Uncommon Ways to Influence Your Kids
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