What Michael Jr. Says Every Dad Needs to Hear Right Now
The Engaged Dad
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…
What does it really mean to be a great dad? In this powerful and hilarious conversation, Michael Jr. shares hard-earned wisdom on fatherhood, faith, marriage, and personal growth. From learning to trust God over hustle culture to viewing conflict as an opportunity for transformation, Michael challenges parents to lead from a place of curiosity, grace, and purpose. You'll laugh, reflect, and walk away encouraged by his reminder that God isn't asking parents to be perfect—He's asking them to stay connected to the perfect Father.
Show Notes
What Michael Jr. Says Every Dad Needs to Hear Right Now
Being a great dad isn't about having all the answers.
It's not about never making mistakes, never losing your patience, or perfectly balancing work and family life.
In a recent conversation on the Parenting IQ Podcast, comedian, author, and speaker Michael Jr. shared a perspective on fatherhood that is both deeply practical and incredibly freeing: God never asked dads to be perfect. He asked them to be present, available, and willing.
If you're carrying the weight of trying to be everything for everyone, these lessons may be exactly what you need to hear.
1. Your Relationship with God Shapes Your Relationship with Your Children
One of the most powerful insights Michael shared was how becoming a father helped him better understand his relationship with God.
Many dads feel pressure to lead their families well, but true leadership doesn't begin with striving harder—it begins with surrendering more deeply.
When fathers spend time with their Heavenly Father, they gain wisdom, patience, perspective, and strength that cannot be manufactured through willpower alone.
The goal isn't to become a perfect representation of God to your children. The goal is to stay connected to the One who is.
Ask Yourself:
Am I trying to parent from my own strength?
Am I making space to hear God's voice in my daily life?
What would change if I relied on Him more than I relied on myself?
2. Hustle Is Not the Same Thing as Faithfulness
Our culture celebrates busyness.
Work harder.
Do more.
Sleep less.
Keep grinding.
Michael challenged that mindset by saying, "Hustle is the new stupid."
While that statement may sound shocking at first, his point is profound: when we're constantly running, it's difficult to hear God, notice people, or recognize opportunities to serve.
Many fathers believe their greatest contribution to their family is what they provide financially. But often, what children need most is a father who is emotionally available, spiritually attentive, and fully present.
Being busy isn't always a badge of honor.
Sometimes it's a sign we've forgotten how to trust.
Practical Application:
This week, consider where you might be moving faster than God is asking you to move. Create moments of margin so you can listen, observe, and engage with the people God has placed in front of you.
3. Conflict Isn't the Problem—Avoiding It Is
Most parents view conflict as something to eliminate.
Michael offered a completely different perspective.
Conflict is often the pathway to revelation.
Whether it's tension in your marriage, struggles with your children, or frustration within yourself, conflict reveals something deeper that needs attention.
The temptation is to focus outward:
Why are they acting this way?
Why won't they listen?
Why do they keep doing this?
But growth begins when we turn our attention inward.
Instead of asking, "What's wrong with them?" ask:
Why did that trigger such a strong reaction in me?
What is this situation revealing about my own heart?
Is there something God wants to heal or teach me?
Curiosity creates space for growth.
Defensiveness shuts it down.
Remember:
You cannot be deeply curious and completely right at the same time.
4. The Greatest Parenting Breakthrough May Start with Your Own Story
One of the most eye-opening moments of the conversation came when Michael described how many parenting struggles are connected to unresolved experiences from our own childhood.
Sometimes the conflict we're having with our child has less to do with them and more to do with something still unhealed in us.
The child who frustrates us may remind us of ourselves.
The season that overwhelms us may mirror a painful season from our past.
Rather than simply correcting behavior, parents can ask:
"What is this situation revealing about me?"
Healing often begins when we stop looking only at our child's behavior and start examining our own hearts.
5. Every Parent Needs to Play the "Re-Blame Game"
Perhaps the most impactful lesson Michael shared was something he calls the "Re-Blame Game."
Many of us can quickly identify ways our parents hurt us or fell short.
But what if we looked again?
What if we considered the ways they broke unhealthy patterns, sacrificed for us, or gave us something valuable—even if imperfectly?
Michael shared how his own father broke a painful cycle from the previous generation. What felt difficult as a child became evidence of healing when viewed through a different lens.
This doesn't mean ignoring real pain.
It means choosing to recognize God's redemption in our story.
Try This Exercise:
Think about something difficult from your childhood.
Now ask:
"What positive gift, strength, value, or lesson came from that experience?"
You may be surprised by what you discover.
The Encouragement Every Dad Needs
Near the end of the conversation, Michael led a simple but powerful reflection.
He encouraged parents to ask God:
"What grade do You give me as a parent?"
His belief?
God gives parents an A.
Not because they're perfect.
Not because they never fail.
But because they're showing up, learning, growing, and trusting Him to fill the gaps.
The truth is, every parent has weaknesses.
Every parent has regrets.
Every parent wishes they could do some things differently.
But God's grace has always been bigger than our shortcomings.
Where you're lacking, He is sufficient.
Where you're uncertain, He provides wisdom.
Where you've made mistakes, He offers redemption.
You don't have to be a perfect parent.
You simply need to stay connected to the perfect Father.
Final Thoughts
Fatherhood was never designed to be a performance.
It's a relationship.
The dads who leave the greatest impact aren't necessarily the most successful, wealthy, or accomplished. They're the ones who remain teachable, available, humble, and willing to grow.
As Michael Jr. reminded us, God isn't looking for perfection.
He's looking for partnership.
And that's good news for every dad.
About Michael Jr.
Michael Jr. is an award-winning comedian, bestselling author, speaker, and filmmaker known for blending humor with powerful life-changing insights. Through sold-out comedy tours, movies, books, and live events, he helps people discover their purpose and live with greater joy and intention. Michael is also the creator of the Funny How Marriage Works tour, where he and his wife, Ebony, help couples strengthen their relationships through laughter and practical wisdom. His unique ability to make audiences laugh while inspiring deeper reflection has made him one of the most sought-after voices in comedy and personal growth today.
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