Ep. 78 – 5 Things Dad’s Do Pt. 4: Apathetic
In Episode 78 of the “Empowering Choices” podcast, titled “5 Things Dads Do Pt.4,” hosts Joshua, Lucas, and Eric explore the theme of paternal apathy. They discuss how being apathetic, defined as showing little or no feeling or interest, can detrimentally affect a father’s relationship with his children. Joshua shares an anecdote, “I’m sitting on my phone scrolling through Facebook… I’m not really engaging him,” highlighting a moment of realization that led him to more actively engage with his son. The discussion broadens to examine how this apathy isn’t confined to fathers alone but can be seen in parents who get excessively absorbed in their own activities, neglecting meaningful interaction with their children. Eric points out, “There’s an awful lot of wonderful technology that just kind of takes the parent out of being an active parent,” emphasizing how modern distractions can lead to passive parenting. Lucas and Eric delve into the differences between being totally disengaged and the opposite extreme of being overly involved. They stress the importance of finding a balance where children feel valued but are also given space to grow independently. Eric shares examples from his counseling practice, where simple activities, like playing video games or participating in sports, become vital tools for building lasting bonds when parents are actively involved. The hosts discuss strategies for parents to become more intentionally engaged, suggesting setting specific times for interaction to help children know when to expect their parents’ attention. “It’s not a characteristic of a bad parent… it’s one of those things you can just enjoy life and suddenly realize, oh my gosh, I’ve missed out,” Eric reflects on the easy slip into apathy and the importance of being intentional with family time. The episode wraps up with a call to action for parents to reconsider their engagement levels and to be mindful of the impact their attention or lack thereof has on their children. “Spend time with your kids. Don’t be the stereotypical sitcom dad,” Lucas concludes, reinforcing the episode’s message with a blend of humor and earnest advice. The podcast serves as a reminder that while being a present and engaged parent can be challenging, it is essential for fostering healthy and supportive relationships with children.
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