How Do You Bring Out the Best in Your Kids?

Ep. 77 – How Can I See the Best in My Kid?

Getting straight As. Winning an award. Making the team. We all want our kids to accomplish great things. But what they do is not as important as who they are. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about seeing the best in our kids.

Why This Matters

Kids are sponges. They soak up our compliments. When you see the best in them and verbalize it, they gain confidence and feel safe with you.

Practical Tools for Dads

1. Eye Contact. Research shows this creates empathy in your brain for the person you’re looking at.
2. Laugh at their humor. It’s a big for connection, so laugh with your kids.
3. Ask them questions. Not just any questions, but open-ended questions peel the layers back on your kids and set the stage for connection.
4. Point out their strengths and praise their character.
5. Remember your own journey.

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 00:44 | Introduction & Big Question of the Week
Ted, Bobby, and BJ kick off with a powerful topic: How do we see the best in our kids?

00:44 – 03:03 | Who Saw the Best in You Growing Up?
The hosts reflect on childhood influences and how encouragement shaped them.

03:03 – 04:43 | Why Kids Gravitate Toward Encouraging Adults
Kids are drawn to those who see their potential—and how that’s magnified with dads.

04:43 – 07:09 | Step One: Look Your Kid in the Face
Why simple eye contact creates deep connection, empathy, and trust.

07:09 – 08:52 | Step Two: Laugh at Their Humor
Even when the jokes are wild—showing delight tells them, “I like who you are.”

08:52 – 13:19 | Step Three: Ask Open-Ended Questions
The power of curiosity and non-judgment in helping kids feel seen and safe.

13:19 – 15:16 | Start Young, Save the Memories
Why open dialogue and logging your kids’ words now creates lifelong connection.

15:16 – 20:08 | Step Four: Point Out Their Character Strengths
Celebrate who they are—not just what they do—and they’ll build real confidence.

20:08 – 22:53 | Step Five: Remember Your Own Journey
Empathy starts by asking, “What would I have wanted as a kid in this moment?”

22:53 – 24:48 | Pro Move of the Week

APD Pro Move:
Focus on just one of these 5 things this week and put it into practice with your kids. Show them you believe in who they are and who they’re becoming.

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.