Technology is almost a sentient being, having a will of its own that projects itself inexorably into our lives.  While these ubiquitous devices, that often feel like extensions of ourselves, have extraordinary benefits, use of them has an impact on the brain. Successful fathering in the technological age requires that we become aware of the full array of offerings of the cyber world so that we can help our children realize the benefits of technology, while avoiding its pitfalls. (more…)

Becoming a new dad is a monumental event in most mens lives.  After surviving the pregnancy and excitement of birth the question becomes: Now What?  Children bring change into parents lives and each dad will talk about some of the changes he experienced as a new dad, both good ones and bad ones.  This session will have a panel of 3 regular dads that will talk about the ‘after birth’ experience as new dads and their suggestions on how they navigated this life event.    New dads will be welcome to share their experiences and questions as well.

This will be an interactive workshop utilizing strategies as to how to avoid or lessen divorce alienation issues allowing you to continue to be a parent to your child. We will explore working through your emotional issues, through your child’s emotional issues and working with the Court System.

Fathers often times feel clueless when it comes to understanding the nuances of “girl world.”  There are so many challenges to raising a daughter in today’s society.  Between, Twitter and Facebook and social struggles, fathers feel unclear on how to support their daughters. This panel of undergraduate women will shine the light on issues girls face and advice on how to stay connected to your daughter.

More “family time” is spent on sports playing fields than any other recreational activity in America.   The focus on youth sports has never been greater in our society and the performance pressure on our kids has never been higher.  In the proper context, sports can be one of the greatest teachers of life’s most important lessons.  How can a father help to balance sports with other family priorities? How do you balance the desire for recreation vs. drive for competition for your child’s age?  How do you deal with youth coaches who demonstrate behaviors that run counter to your parenting philosophy?  Mike and Kurt are looking forward to digging into the tough choices every parent must face regarding the role of sports in our families.

If it’s the “end of men,” how do we father the boys into young manhood? With potent, unconditional masculine love. Bring your balls to the game and get ready to play like your sons’ lives depend on it.

Talking to our kids about sex!  We know its important, we know we should do it, but the words are hard to find.  In this workshop we will explore what the barriers are to talking, how to over come the barriers and how to have a conversation with our kids that will keep them coming back to us, the parent, for information!

How the fundamentals of sports psychology can help you be a better sports dad.

This workshop is an interactive workshop where Dr. Craig will explain the fundamentals of sports psychology and teach fathers some basic tools for improving their children’s performance on the field as well as their own performance behind the scenes.  Dr. Craig will explain how these psychological and interpersonal fundamentals are far more effective in building successful, competent and happy performers than the stereotypic brooding and yelling behaviors of fathers from previous generations.  Dr. Craig will use volunteers from the audience to demonstrate some standard sports psychology training routines and explain how these concepts greatly improve one’s mental game which, in turn, greatly improves one’s physical game.  Overall, fathers will take away a healthy perspective for parenting children in today’s competitive world.

Fathering sons is not a competitive sport and bringing the boys into manhood is a perilous challenge. Hear from young men themselves:  how they were fathered as they walked, slipped, fell, and pushed their way into young manhood.

Inside all of us there is a King.  Often, in reaction to the multitude of things that come our way throughout our lives, the King goes into hiding.  In order to be the truly great Fathers we all can be, we need that King energy close at hand.

The True King does not seek to be served, but to serve.   He serves his family by bringing order and direction and wisdom to the challenges of living  He does not seek to control through tyranny, but to lead and guide with confidence, humility, and courage.  He has a vision and plans for achieving it.  Our mission as Fathers is to provide this kind of leadership for our families.  It is to be True Kings.

This workshop will be an interactive group format to discuss challenges, including divorce, that parents often face when trying to establish and maintain meaningful connections with their children. We’ll also identify effective usable strategies to overcoming circumstances and achieving the meaningful “dad relationship” and connection we seek; despite the circumstances we face.

Very few boys (and men) in our society have a clear and compelling definition of what it means to be a man.  In the absence of any real information, the culture is right there filling the void with a 24/7 onslaught of fabrications, distortions and downright lies.  Most men have an innate hunger to teach boys the true essence of manhood but don’t always know where to start.  Come and learn how to engage a son (or mentee) in the most pivotal discussion of his life – what it truly means to be a man.

Wouldn’t it be nice if my co-parent and I could learn how to deal with conflict in a healthy and productive manner?  Clinical psychologists and corporate coaches Ronna Smith-Craig and Steven Craig bring state-of-the-art conflict tools from today’s high-powered executives to everyday life as a parent.  This workshop will help dads identify the strengths and weaknesses of their own conflict style as well as the style of their co-parents, children, etc.  Specific scenarios from other families will be presented to the group and participants will learn how to put their new skills into action through these real life scenarios.

Tom’s Father’s Forum is a dads-only exploration of the current issues that matter most to today’s fathers.  Tom will facilitate a wide-ranging discussion that focuses on topics raised by workshop participants. This years talk will emphasize the steps needed to create your own Fathers Forum from your circle of friends, school or church.