What's the Hardest Age to Parent?

Ep. 79 – What's the Hardest Phase of Parenting?

Diapers are hard. Terrible twos are no picnic. Middle and high school? Prepare for battle, Dad. It seems like every phase of parenting presents its own unique challenges. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the hardest age to parent.

If your kids are little, you may be wondering if parenting ever gets easier. It depends on the kids and depends on their age. The truth is, no matter how tough today feels, your role as a dad is important during every age and stage of your child’s life. So, show up and give it your all, even on the hardest days.

Why This Matters

Every season is hard. Embrace today’s challenges because your children need you.

Key Takeaways

It All Goes Fast: If you live 80 years, you’ll only spend about 20% of your life actively parenting kinds in your home.
Stages Don’t Last Forever: As soon as you feel like you have the baby thing figured out, they become toddlers. Think you have handle on those elementary years? Guess what, they’re tweens now.
Find People To Help You: “It takes a village” is an over-used phrase, but there is a lot of truth to it. Parenting is easier with help.
Remember the 3 Ls: Kids start out Limited, then start Learning, then start Leaving.

Practical Tools for Dads of Teens

All stages are tough, but, as BJ says, “Bigger kids mean bigger problems.” Here’s now to navigate those tricky teen years:

1. Take at least ten minutes per day for yourself.
2. Celebrate small wins.
3. Remember that your presence matters more than perfection.

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 00:55 | Introduction & Big Question of the Week
Ted, Bobby, and BJ ask: “How do I survive the hardest phases of being a dad?”

00:55 – 03:16 | The Hardest Phase? The One You’re In
Each stage of parenting has its own unique challenges—and joys. The hosts debate the toughest stretch.

03:16 – 05:11 | The “Dark Ages” of 0–4
From sleep deprivation to strollers, the early years are a whirlwind—and surprisingly controversial.

05:11 – 07:12 | The Teen Years: Logic, Emotions & Everything In Between
Why the teenage phase can test your patience, stretch your empathy, and still be deeply rewarding.

07:12 – 09:02 | Finding Joy in the Middle of the Hard
Remembering the sweetness in each stage—even the messy, exhausting ones.

09:02 – 12:00 | Letter to the Dad Who’s Struggling
BJ shares a heartfelt open letter to fathers who feel overwhelmed or defeated.

12:00 – 14:11 | The 3 L’s of Childhood: Limited, Learning, Leaving
How kids evolve—and why those transitions can hit harder than we expect.

14:11 – 16:53 | Don’t Do It Alone: Finding Support in Tough Seasons
Encouragement to build your tribe and embrace help, especially when parenting feels heavy.

16:53 – 20:26 | Survival Tips: Self-Care, Small Wins & Staying Present
Daily habits and mindset shifts that help you stay grounded and engaged through any phase.

APD Pro Move
Remember that you’re doing better than you think.

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.