Do you think you could be vulnerable enough to ask your kids, “How could I be a better parent?” Even the thought of that makes my chest tighten a little bit, but in this episode, Jon Hord is going to encourage dads—and moms—to do just that.
This conversation is such a powerful look at what it means to parent with intention instead of just reacting to whatever the day throws at you. Jon shares his own story of going from stressed, overwhelmed, and not showing up the way he wanted… to becoming a dad who is actively creating a new version of himself. And the best part? This is not about perfection. It is about awareness, small shifts, and having the courage to grow.
If you have ever felt like you are just trying to get through the day without losing your patience, or wondered if you are really showing up the way your kids need, this episode will hit home in the best way.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why “being a good parent” might actually be aiming too low
- The simple but uncomfortable question that can transform your relationship with your kids
- What to do when your child gives you honest feedback… and it stings
- How stress (especially from work) quietly shapes the parent you become at home
- The difference between reacting to your kids and actually leading them
- Why your childhood patterns show up in your parenting, whether you realize it or not
- A practical way to pause in hard moments instead of escalating them
- What it looks like to become the “new version” of yourself as a parent
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Key Takeaways about Intentional Fatherhood
- Most dads say they want to be a “good dad,” but that definition is often vague and too low. Jon challenges parents to define what they truly want and aim higher.
- The way you show up at home is often shaped by stress, especially from work, and many parents don’t realize how much that carries over.
- Real growth starts with self-awareness and deciding intentionally who you want to be as a parent.
Do you really want to be a ‘good’ dad, or do you want to be an unbelievable one? – Jon Hord
- One powerful tool is asking your kids directly what you do well and what you could do better. Kids often have surprising clarity.
- Change does not happen overnight, but small, consistent shifts create a “new version” of you over time.
- The goal is not perfection, but alignment between your actions and the parent you want to be.
Registration Is Open for #LifeSkillsNow!!
#LifeSkillsNow was created to serve the needs of families who desire their kids to have practical life skills that schools aren’t teaching. We host experts in fields ranging from entrepreneurship to finances, cooking, and soft skills like managing emotions and choosing a healthy mindset.
This year’s camp is June 8-12, and you won’t want to miss it!
When you register, you get instant access to 15 workshops to do, for kids, teens, and yourself! You don’t want to miss out on the camp that over 100,000 families have done and loved.
Yes, I Need Life Skills NOW for My Family!Action Steps for This Episode
- Take a few minutes to define the kind of parent you actually want to be, not just “good,” but specific and meaningful.
- Ask your child one-on-one what you do well and what you could improve, then listen without interrupting.
- Choose one simple intention each day, like being more patient or creating more space before reacting. Here’s more on dialing into your parenting boundaries.
- When emotions run high, pause and resist the urge to fix or control everything immediately.
For there to be an old dad, there has to be a new dad. – Jon Hord
- Look for patterns in your reactions that may come from how you were raised, and begin to question them.
- Invite your spouse to gently point out when your actions do not match your intentions.
- Focus on small, steady improvements that help you become the “new” version of yourself over time.
Resources We Mention for Intentional Fatherhood
- Join the Engaged Father Project community now
- Decode Your Child’s Behavior and Dial in Your Parenting Boundaries from the Author of Transforming Toddlerhood, Devon Kuntzman
- What is the role of fathers when it comes to teaching kids about health and food?
Jon Hord is the founder of The Engaged Father Project, a coaching program that helps busy professional dads show up with presence, purpose, and emotional strength at home. After years of chasing success while drifting from what mattered most, Jon rebuilt his life through self leadership and intentional fatherhood. Now he teaches fathers how to break old patterns, lead with identity, and create a legacy their kids will feel for generations.
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