Many Dads want to “step up with their hearts” and “actively parent,” says Maggie Dent, Australian parenting author and host of The Good Enough Dad and Parental As Anything podcasts.  “They want to know how to do it well,” she says, noting that most dads have little experience caring for (or interacting with!) children prior to becoming a parent. Moms, though, often unconsciously interfere with dads’ parenting efforts by criticizing fathers or insisting that dads follow their parenting directives. “If you keep telling a boy or a man they’re ‘doing it wrong,’ they’ll just stop,” Maggie says. “Moms have to let go a bit. You’ve got to step back.” Dads need time to figure out parenting too. They need space to make mistakes (& discoveries!) And they need to know that we value their contributions. Boys (and girls and nonbinary children) do best when dads are involved. Building up dads benefits boys! In this episode, Jen, Janet, & Maggie discuss:Changing expectations for dadsMaternal gatekeepingCreating “team parent”How dads support one anotherUsing “dad dates” to connect with your kidsSupporting dadsLinks we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:MaggieDent.com — Maggie’s website (LOTS of good stuff here, including a link to her podcast, Parental as Anything, and links to her courses & books) The Good Enough Dad — podcast hosted by Maggie Dads Matter (w Marion Hill) — ON BOYS episode Dads, Boys, & Masculinity — ON BOYS episode Maggie Dent on How to Motivate Boys — 2022 ON BOYS episode Maggie Dent: What Teenage Boys Really Need — 2020 ON BOYS episode Maggie Dent on Mothering Boys (Part 1) — ON BOYS episode Maggie Dent on Mothering Boys (Part 2) — ON BOYS episode Sponsor Spotlight: HomeThreadsMake your home family friendly. Use this link to get 15% off.   Sponsor Spotlight: American Blossom LinensGrown, spun, & woven in the USA. Use code ONBOYS to save 20%. Sponsor Spotlight: WinonaMenopause care made easy! Visit bywinona.com/onboys & use code ONBOYS to get 25% your first order. Our Sponsors: * Check out Armoire and use my code ONBOYS for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style * Check out Homethreads and use my code ONBOYS for a great deal: www.homethreads.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy