Many parents say it without thinking: “Go to your room.”

But biblically, psychologically, and developmentally it’s a mistake.

In this episode, I explain why isolating children during discipline does more harm than good. Scripture shows us that isolation erodes identity, value, and hope. Add modern research on loneliness and child brain development, and the conclusion is unavoidable: connection, not isolation, is how kids learn, grow, and heal.

If we discipline our kids without connection, we aren’t teaching reflection, we’re teaching shame. And shame doesn’t produce wisdom; it produces withdrawal.

I am challenging a deeply ingrained parenting tactic and offering a better way. A way that more closely mirrors how our Heavenly Father disciplines us.

If you are ready to become a dad aligned with our Father in heaven, grab a copy of my devotion, Following Our Father: https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/digital-devotional-following-our-fa

I was raised to believe backtalk was disrespectful and had to be shut down immediately.

But when I started looking at Scripture, especially the psalms of lament, I realized something uncomfortable: God invites questions, frustration, and hard conversations from His children.

So why don’t we?

In this episode, I explain why silencing your kids may be damaging trust, weakening your influence, and working against real discipleship, and what to do instead.

If you’re a dad who wants strong relationships, not silent obedience, this conversation matters.

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Grab a copy of my digital devotional if you are ready to align yourself with our heavenly Father. Click here.

You’re a Christian dad. You want to teach your kids about the Bible but the Old Testament makes you uncomfortable because it can feel intense with the bloody stories, tough questions, and a God who seems “angry.” That’s ok. I’ve got you.

This episode I connect with Chad Bird, Scholar in Residence at 1517, who specializes in the Old Testament. He helps clear up some misconceptions about the Old Testament and provides guidance on how to talk about the Old Testament to our children. You’ll learn:

• The Bible is one unified salvation story
• Moralism is not the point of the Scriptures
• How to see Jesus in the Old Testament stories
• How to answer questions like, “Why does God kill so many people?”

If you want to learn more about Chad, follow him and check out some of his resources below.

Facebook: @writingsofchadbird

Instagram: @chadlbird

YouTube: @chadbird1517

https://www.1517.org/articles/is-your-sunday-school-training-good-little-pharisees

www.1517.org/oneyear

Hitchhiking with Prophets (Book): https://amzn.to/4b24YHN (Amazon)

Untamed Prayers (Book): https://amzn.to/3ZkY7C2 (Amazon)

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Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:

https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/

Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:

https://amzn.to/45m9ldR (Amazon)

Get your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):

https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/

MERCH:

https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products

Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:

https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

You’re getting a double dose of boundaries this week because boundaries aren’t “nice to have,” they’re protection.

In this episode, my friend and life coach Tom Lyman, shares boundaries that helped rebuild his life after years of addiction, and how those same boundaries can help you become a stronger man, husband, and father.

Tom walks through five key areas every man needs boundaries:

• Spiritual boundaries

• Digital boundaries

• Time boundaries

• Relationship boundaries

• Emotional boundaries

If you’re tired of drifting, tired of hiding, tired of “white-knuckling” it, this episode is for you.

Connect with Tom:

www.Tom-Lyman.com

Instagram: @TomTheJoyHourGuy

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Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/

Get your digital copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/digital-devotional-following-our-fa

Get your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/

Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Most dads think freedom comes from removing limits.

That mindset quietly creates dissatisfaction, broken priorities, and strained families.

In this episode of Fathering Our Future, Anthony Vandagriff explains why boundaries do not confine dads. They define what matters and protect what God has already given.

Using Proverbs 4:23, real life stories, and practical examples, this episode unpacks:

• Why chasing more without boundaries never satisfies

• How boundaries actually create freedom for dads and kids

• What fathers need to intentionally keep out and keep in

• How guarding your heart reshapes ambition, gratitude, and purpose

If you want to grow without losing your marriage, your integrity, or your relationship with your kids, this episode will reset your thinking.

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Be sure to get your copy of Following Our Father (Digital Version) for just $6 HERE.

As we head into a new year, I know how easy it is for dads to feel pressure to change everything at once. I don’t want to give you a list of resolutions. I want you to focus on one fatherhood discipline that actually matters and is worth protecting.

In this episode, I explain why prioritizing time around the table with your family is far more formative than most dads realize. Research shows that children who regularly share meals with their family tend to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. This research also connects to a powerful biblical picture from Psalm 23 that reshaped the way I think about presence, provision, and leadership in the home.

I will talk about what it really looks like to be present at the table, how to protect that time in a busy household, and how simple, intentional moments can strengthen your relationship with your kids over time.

If you’re going to commit to one discipline as a father in 2026, this is the one that deserves your attention.

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I also have a new special offer where you can get my devotional, Following Our Father, in a digital format. Check the link for details: https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/digital-devotional-following-our-fa

As we head into 2026, I want to challenge you to think seriously about the kind of husband you are becoming because being a good husband directly impacts the kind of father you are.This week I want to revisit my most popular blog where I detail 10 things husbands can do to improve their marriages. In addition to things like:* Hugging your wife* Doing what you say* Listening before you attempt to fixI share 4 new points that I believe every husband should focus on. So if you value your marriage, and your family, make sure to take notes.Here is a link to the original blog post: https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/01/10/10-marriage-tips-after-10-years-of-marriage/—Get your FREE 7-day devotional download:https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/Get your copy of my devotional for dads, Following Our Father:https://amzn.to/45m9ldRGet your free gift, a copy of Cut The Crap (E-book):https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/MERCH:https://fatheringourfuture.printify.me/products Become a financial partner with Fathering Our Future and make a direct impact on dads:https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff

Most New Year resolutions fail because we start with the wrong definition of success.

As Christian dads, we are quick to set goals, chase improvement, and measure progress by outcomes we never stopped to question. But before we decide what to pursue in 2026, we need to ask a better question:
What does excellence actually look like from God’s perspective?

In this episode, I walk through what it means to approach resolutions as a disciple first, not as a man driven by comparison, envy, or cultural pressure. Drawing from Joshua 1:8 and Deuteronomy 6, I challenge dads to rethink success, commit to Scripture, and lead their families with intentional faith rather than unchecked ambition.

If you want to grow as a disciple, lead your home with clarity, and pursue the kind of excellence God actually calls us to, this conversation will give you a clear starting point for the year ahead.

Faith Resolutions for Christian Dads in 2026:

• Commit to reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation
• Talk weekly with another man about what you are reading
• Read Scripture or a Bible-based devotional with your children most days of the week

Resources mentions:

Tiny Truths - https://amzn.to/4iUZYqa (amazon)

God's Big Picture Bible Storybook - https://amzn.to/4oYvN2O (amazon)

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Get your FREE 7-day devotional to realign your identity as a dad:
https://fatheringourfuture.com/2025/03/22/free-7-day-devotional/

Get your free eBook, Cut the Crap: Direct Tips for Becoming a Dad:
https://fatheringourfuture.com/2024/08/04/free-download-for-new-dads/

Get your copy of Following Our Father: A Devotional for Dads on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/48jD9sH

Support Fathering Our Future and help equip dads who want to lead well:
https://fathering-our-future.kit.com/products/anthony-vandagriff