Cristiano Ronaldo was paid $3.23 million for his IG influencer posts in 2023. Why? What he says sticks with a lot of people, including kids. He’s not the only one influencing young people. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about what influences kids the most.

Why This Matters
Kids aged 12–18 are considered the most vulnerable when it comes to being influenced.

Key Takeaways

• There are many different influences, including primary, secondary, internal, situational, and emerging

• The early years are crucial: According to the University of Minnesota, around 80% of brain development happens in a child’s first 1,000 days of life. What they see, hear, and touch during those formative years leaves a lasting imprint on their minds.

Action Steps for Dads
Children are largely a product of their environment, habits, and relationships, all of which dads help shape. What can we do as dads to control what influences kids the most?

1. Identify generally BAD influences, like violence, substance abuse, and inappropriate content. Don’t be afraid to speak out against these influences and cut them out.

1. 2. Promote generally GOOD influences, like trusted coaches, faith leaders, and teachers. These are things and people who share your values.

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 00:55 | Introduction: Dad Detective Mode
What’s really shaping my kids?

00:55 – 02:38 | Kids Are Sponges
Stay alert to the voices shaping your children.

02:38 – 05:15 | The 3 Main Sources of Influence
What they see, who they know, and how you model behavior.

05:15 – 08:03 | Social Media’s Sneaky Grip
Influencers on social platforms are shaping worldviews.

08:03 – 10:25 | Friends: Mirrors and Multipliers
Peers often impact values, habits, and attitudes.

10:25 – 13:02 | What’s Normal at Your House?
The repeated phrases, tone, and priorities at home quietly shape a child’s understanding of the world.

13:02 – 14:58 | Are You Accidentally Reinforcing the Wrong Stuff?
How unintentional cues can accidentally endorse bad behavior or beliefs.

14:58 – 17:31 | Check Your Own Input
Your words, habits, and media choices are all rubbing off on your kids.

17:31 – 20:08 | Be the Strongest Voice They Hear
You are battling all the other influences in your kids’ lives.

20:08 – 22:02 | Pro Move of the Week:
Consider who and what you are allowing to speak into your child’s life and trim whoever or whatever doesn’t align with your family values.

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.