As kids, we all loved Batman, Superman, and Spiderman. Seeing heroes don their cape and stop the bad guys was fun and exciting. Now, we’re all grown up and we’ve become the heroes we adored. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster to talk about what it means to protect our families.

Don’t worry about the cape thing. You don’t need it to guard your family. It’s more than just preventing physical harm. Being a protector is multi-layered, and dads everywhere must embrace that role.

Why This Matters
Your kids can’t protect themselves yet. You get to be their hero when you embrace the role of protector.

Ways Fathers Must Protect Their Families

• 1. Physically
• 2. Emotionally
• 3. Mentally
• 4. Emotionally
• 5. Spiritually

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 00:55 | Introduction & Big Question of the Week
Ted and BJ open with a powerful story about heroic fatherhood and ask: How can dads protect their kids?

00:55 – 03:21 | A Father’s Presence: From Wildfires to the Backyard
Whether saving lives or stepping in during bullying, a dad’s presence protects in everyday and extraordinary ways.

03:21 – 05:13 | Physical Protection Starts with Just Being There
Why simply being around provides security, and how even small actions build a sense of safety.

05:13 – 07:07 | Emotional Protection: Letting Kids Feel, Not Fixing Too Fast
Holding space for tough emotions—even when it’s uncomfortable—shows kids they’re safe to be real.

07:07 – 09:10 | Stay Calm, Stay Present: The Cost of Disengagement
How disengagement hurts—and how presence, patience, and engagement build trust even in hard moments.

09:10 – 12:09 | Mental Protection: Guiding Kids Through Life’s Challenges
Being the calm in their chaos, helping them process, and resisting the urge to bulldoze every obstacle.

12:09 – 14:22 | Social Protection: Standing Up & Speaking Up
From unfair school accusations to online threats, dads must advocate and stay aware of their child’s world.

14:22 – 17:02 | Preparing Kids for the Real World
Why equipping kids with practical life skills, street smarts, and confidence is protection in action.

17:02 – 18:33 | Spiritual Protection: Praying with Purpose
Even if faith looks different for everyone, intentional prayer or reflection over your child’s well-being matters.

18:33 – 20:21 APD Pro Move:
Being a protector is less about being a superhero and more about being a stable, loving, and supportive presence in your children’s lives.

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.n