Do your kids know you love them? Probably a safe bet that they do. But do they think you like them? That’s a much different question. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the difference between like and love and why dads must make it their mission to ensure their kids know they’re liked.

Why This Matters
Most dads would say they love their kids. But love and like can feel different to a child. Kids need to know that Dad doesn’t simply provide for them, correct them, or show up for their activities—they need to feel that Dad genuinely enjoys being with them.

Key Takeaways
–Loving your kids and liking your kids are not always communicated in the same way.

–Kids experience our attention more than our intentions, so distraction and exhaustion can weaken connection even when we mean well.

–Curiosity, laughter, and listening are simple ways dads can communicate, “I like you.”

Practical Tips for Dads
1. Create connection-only time. Choose a moment in the day when the goal is not to correct, teach, or fix—just enjoy your child.

2. Like them out loud. Tell your kids specific things you like about them, such as “I like how your brain works,” “You’re really fun to be around,” or “I like hanging out with you.”

3. Be intentional with your facial expressions. Let your face communicate that you’re glad to see your child when they walk into the room, come home, leave for the day, or do something they love.

Important Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Do Your Kids Know You Like Them?
Ted tells the story of feeling liked by his Uncle Donny, who gave him rides in his Corvette.

[01:26] Why You Can’t Fake Liking Your Kids and They Know It
BJ reflects on his dad’s genuinely terrible high fives that still somehow communicated pure delight, while Bobby makes the point that being physically present without being emotionally engaged is a form of absence kids pick up on immediately.

[03:34] The Hockey Tryout Embarrassment
Bobby describes watching an entire row of parents staring at their phones while their kids scored goals during tryouts, and asks the uncomfortable question — “If your kid looks up and all they see is the top of your head, do they feel liked?”

[05:09] BJ’s Best Dad Moment Followed by His Worst
BJ shares the story of surprising his son with a flight to Philadelphia for his first Phillies game, only to have his son say the very next night, “Sometimes I feel like you don’t want me around.”

[07:35] Your Kids Will Go Find “Being Liked” Somewhere Else
Bobby explains why kids naturally gravitate toward whoever makes them feel genuinely wanted.

[08:26] What Gets in the Way of Kids Feeling Liked
BJ says kids don’t experience our intentions, they experience our attention.

[11:17] Why Heaping Pressure on Kids Makes Them Feel Liked Only When They Perform
Bobby explains how pushing kids too hard teaches them that being liked is tied to achievement. That’s not a message dads should be sending.

[12:07] How to Help Kids Feel Liked: Start With Curiosity, Laughter, and Listening
The dads walk through the practical building blocks of making kids feel liked — asking fun questions, finding shared things that make you both laugh, and sitting with them in their pain without trying to fix anything.

[16:13] Carve Out a Daily Five-Minute Window to Just Like Your Kid
Ted shares advice from a camp director who told him to stop correcting and start connecting, and challenges dads to find one daily window where correction is off the table.

[19:30] This Week’s Pro Move
This week, tell your kid one specific thing you genuinely like about them.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.