We've all been there: low on sleep, high on stress, and you can *feel* exactly how long it's been since your last shower. Every thing your kid(s) could possibly need, they need it from you and immediately.

How do you preserve your sanity and health? How do you carve out some time for yourself? Shawn and Tom talk about some things they've tried to constantly remind themselves that they exist separately from their kids.

All dads are welcome to join the FoF Discord channel at:

https://discord.gg/F7gDk8ay

And if you'd like to visit the Papa Squad Discord to get in on some of that sweet Mario Kart action, you can join their channel at: https://discord.gg/wuCgnNHp

RSS feed here: https://anchor.fm/s/f5a80408/podcast/rss

In this episode, we talk about parenting strategies - keeping things consistent, presenting a united front with your partner, being firm, and holding the line against that old "please just five more minutes" bedtime excuse.

If you're interested in the book Tom referenced in this episode, "Becoming the Parent You Want to Be," here's an Amazon link for you to check it out: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Parent-You-Want-Sourcebook/dp/0553067508

All dads are welcome to join the Foundry of Fathers Discord channel at:

https://discord.gg/F7gDk8ay

RSS feed here: https://anchor.fm/s/f5a80408/podcast/rss

Parent-Teacher Associations. Kids' sports. Cats fighting in the background over... something.

Shawn and Tom cover a lot of ground this episode about getting involved in your kids' school and after-school activities, with the aim of meeting new parent-friends and ensuring your kids have fun.

All dads are welcome to join the FoF Discord channel at:

https://discord.gg/F7gDk8ay

RSS feed here: https://anchor.fm/s/f5a80408/podcast/rss

Birthdays - a gauntlet of planning, gift-picking, thank-you notes, etiquette around helping out or partaking in activities with the kids. Brandon and Shawn discuss their own particular preferences for navigating kids' parties, talk about current things their kids are engaged in, and bring a thrilling conclusion to Shawn's colonoscopy adventure.

All dads are welcome to join the FoF Discord channel at:

https://discord.gg/F7gDk8ay

RSS feed here: https://anchor.fm/s/f5a80408/podcast/rss

Shawn feels the inevitable march of time, while Brandon tries to find his son's groove with school. Join the Dads while they discuss dealing with chores and responsibilities, and threading the needle of "too young to help effectively" and "too old/jaded to help."

All dads are welcome to join the FoF Discord channel at:

https://discord.gg/F7gDk8ay

RSS feed here: https://anchor.fm/s/f5a80408/podcast/rss

Death, the dark, loud noises, even flies... kids can feel fear or anxiety about just about anything. Shawn and Brandon talk about how they talk their kids through heavy subjects, favoring open communication over "easy" answers.

All dads are welcome to join the FoF Discord channel at:

https://discord.gg/F7gDk8ay

RSS feed here: https://anchor.fm/s/f5a80408/podcast/rss

In this episode, Brandon and Shawn share their ideas for playing with your kids - improv games, coming up with ideas, making space for imagination and creativity, and what to do when you've only got the energy to lay on the floor while your brood swarms all over you.

All dads are welcome to join the FoF Discord channel at:

https://discord.gg/F7gDk8ay

RSS feed here: https://anchor.fm/s/f5a80408/podcast/rss

In this episode, Brandon and Shawn discuss their experiences with friendship - when it comes to both kids, and dads - and tips for making and keeping those friendships.

They also delve into some server topics and suggestions and answer questions from the Foundry of Fathers Discord membership.

All dads are welcome to join the FoF Discord channel at:

https://discord.gg/F7gDk8ay

RSS feed here: https://anchor.fm/s/f5a80408/podcast/rss