The Dad Was Right There… But Didn’t See: Lessons from Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ (Part 2)

We often wear busyness like a badge of honor. Providing, building, grinding. But what if all that hustle is costing us the one thing our kids truly need—connection, especially during adolescence?

In this episode, I break down episode three of Netflix’s Adolescence and the subtle ways fathers like Jamie’s dad, Eddie, lose emotional ground with their kids during adolescence. Not through abuse. Not through neglect. But through the quiet drift that happens when we mistake physical presence for emotional connection during these crucial adolescence years.

I opened up about a real conversation I had with my 11-year-old, and why I almost missed the emotional signals he was sending during his early adolescence. We’ll talk about how to stop measuring parenting by grades, games, and screen time—and instead, start showing up in the moments that matter throughout adolescence.

This episode isn’t about blaming busy dads. It’s a challenge to become more intentional, emotionally available, and tuned in to what’s really going on beneath the surface as our kids navigate adolescence.

Become the best husband and leader you can: www.thedadedge.socialhost.dev/mastermind

In this episode, I share:

• Why “he’s just in his room” might be the most dangerous assumption we make during adolescence
• How busyness and good intentions can still lead to emotional neglect, particularly impacting adolescence
• The exact conversation that helped me reconnect with my 11-year-old during his adolescence
• Why isolation isn’t the same as safety—especially in the age of devices and during adolescence
• Simple ways to create connection daily (without needing big moments) throughout adolescence
• How to spot the quiet warning signs that your kid is drifting during adolescence
• Why dinner table conversations are a secret weapon for emotional check-ins, especially during adolescence
• The psychological effects of low emotional connection between dads and kids, especially throughout adolescence

Here’s what research supports about the power of action and intention:

• Studies show that couples who engage in regular, small acts of kindness report a 28% increase in relationship satisfaction.
• Research indicates that setting specific, shared goals increases the likelihood of improved communication and intimacy by 35%.
• Prioritizing quality time has been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness in relationships by 20%.

If you’re ready to stop waiting for motivation and start actively building a stronger, more connected marriage, this episode is for you. Let’s take that first step together, keeping in mind the unique challenges of raising kids through adolescence.

Larry’s Takeaways

1. Being home doesn’t mean being present.
2. If you don’t influence your kids, someone else will.
3. Dinner table conversations can change everything.

What You’ll Learn

Links

www.thedadedge.socialhost.dev/25questions

www.thedadedge.socialhost.dev/alliance

www.thedadedge.socialhost.dev/bark

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