What Dads Really Need w/ Josh Cagle
Parenting in Public Series
Equipping parents during their child’s academic years to bring learning to daily moments.
The Parenting IQ Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org
On today’s episode…
In this heartfelt Father’s Day special, Dr. Kelly Cagle is joined by her husband for an honest and emotional conversation about what dads truly need—not just on Father’s Day, but all year long. Together, they unpack seven key ways to check in with the dads in your life: from creating intentional connection moments and planning simple getaways, to the power of handwritten notes, shared chores, and simply being acknowledged at the door. This episode is a beautiful reminder that being present, intentional, and emotionally available are some of the most powerful gifts we can give—and receive—as parents.
Insights
What Dads Really Need: 7 Powerful Ways to Check In with the Fathers in Your Life
In this special Father’s Day episode of the Parenting IQ Podcast, Dr. Kelly Cagle sits down with her husband for an honest, vulnerable, and deeply encouraging conversation about what dads actually need—not just once a year, but throughout every season of parenting.
As parents of three boys, Kelly and her husband share from the heart about the emotional and practical needs dads carry that often go unnoticed. From the weariness that comes with decision fatigue to the quiet weight of walking through grief, the episode offers meaningful ways to support and connect with the fathers in our homes.
Together, they unpack 7 simple but powerful ways to check in with dads:
Intentional Connection – Hosting what their family lovingly calls “connection group,” where everyone sits down to share, reflect, and ask thoughtful questions.
Planning Ahead – Taking the lead on fun or restful activities so dad doesn't always have to be “the decision-maker.”
Intentionality through Words – Writing letters and notes that speak to a dad’s heart in a way few gifts can.
Acts of Service – Taking care of chores and home tasks to relieve pressure and show appreciation.
Acknowledgment – Greeting dad at the door, recognizing his presence, and celebrating his return home.
Emotional Vulnerability – Creating space for dads to process grief, stress, and internal struggles—without having to always “be strong.”
Dating Your Spouse – Prioritizing intentional time together as a couple to model healthy love and unity for your children.
The episode is filled with both lighthearted family stories and heartfelt reflections—especially surrounding their own experiences with miscarriage, fatherhood after loss, and how that pain changed the way they parent. It’s a deeply human conversation that will resonate with anyone wanting to love the dads in their life more intentionally.
Whether you’re a spouse, child, or simply someone who values strong father figures, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to lead with love, empathy, and presence.
🎧 Listen now to “What Dads Really Need” on the Parenting IQ Podcast.
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HEY THERE! I’M DR. CAGLE… DO YOU NEED HELP WITH CREATING GREAT HABITS???
Parenting is hard work. It requires tons of boundaries, daily consistency, so much awareness, as well as lots of patience, grace, wisdom, and filters. Combine that hefty list with all of life’s demands and others’ voice may become louder than yours in your child’s life, increasing their anxiety, fears, and doubts.
Healthy parenting is about seeing yourself as your child’s #1 teacher, saying the right words (or nothing at all) at the right time, and having the right tools to be intentional and impactful. Guessing your way through life, which is what most parents do, is a recipe for failure, but following the lead of someone who has two decades of research-based information and fully understands the demands of parenthood is a recipe for a full life— for you and your child.
With a PhD in education, I’m here to teach you how to use daily moments are learning opportunities so you raise confident and competent lifelong learners that thrive in an ever-changing world.
Additionally, I offer workshops and keynotes on various topics to parents, educators, students, and business leaders— because the need to understand, support, and empower learners is everywhere..
