The Biggest Mistake New Dads Make

Have you ever asked yourself:

• What did “good parenting” look like to me back then, and has my definition changed?
• Am I truly modeling the behaviors and values I want my kids to learn?
• Have I been intentional about learning parenting skills, or did I just expect to figure it out?

Today, Larry opens up about the raw truth of becoming a dad for the first time. We cover the excitement and overwhelming fear, to the anxiety of not knowing what “good parenting” really looks like, especially if you didn’t see it modeled growing up.

Larry shares candid stories of his own uncertainties, the chaos of early family life, and the clumsy trial-and-error approach so many dads experience at first. In particular, a moment that led to the Dad Edge movement—Larry lays out the most important pieces of advice he wishes he could have shared with his younger self.

This episode is packed with honest, transparent lessons about embracing mistakes, the necessity of learning and sharpening your skills as a parent, and the powerful influence of leading by example.

Larry emphasizes that fatherhood is a skill that can be developed. Leaning into mentorship and building connections with your kids is the true foundation of lifelong influence. Being present and intentional with your family trumps everything else!

Whether you’re a brand-new dad navigating sleepless nights, or an experienced father striving to reconnect with your teens, Larry’s wisdom will remind you that it’s never too late to build meaningful connections and become the leader your family deserves.

Free Gift for Dads: Get Larry’s Full Presence Training—a free resource to help you stop drifting and show up more fully with your kids.

Grab it here: https://thedadedge.socialhost.dev/fully-present/

Core Concepts

1.  You Don’t Have to Know Everything – No one expects you to compete at black belt level in jiu jitsu without years of training—the same goes for being a great dad.
2.  Stop Faking “Having It All Together”
   “For the first six years, I went through the motions, feeling like a fraud. I was scared to admit I didn’t know what I was doing, and I was terrified of making mistakes. If I could sit my younger self down, I’d say: Drop the ego and ask for help. Surround yourself with mentors. Start learning right away.“
3.  Your Actions Speak Louder Than Words
   “One of my favorite lessons from guest Devin Bandison: “The audio’s got to match the video.” Telling your kids to be healthy, disciplined, or open-minded means nothing if you’re not modeling those traits yourself. Your kids are always watching—become the example you want them to follow.“
4.  You Don’t Have to Always Lead—Learn Together
   I promise my kids I’ll always be willing to learn something new with them—even if I’m clueless. Whether it’s hunting, fixing things, or just tackling a new hobby, the journey of learning beside them matters more than mastering the skill.
5.  Connection Comes Before Influence
   Without daily connection, there’s no real influence. Rituals like asking about the best part of their day or what they enjoy at school build trust, credibility, and authority when those tough conversations need to happen. No matter their age, it’s never too late to connect.

Here’s what research and observation highlight about family relationships:

• Research shows that children are 82% more likely to imitate parental behaviors than to follow spoken advice alone.
• Studies have found that strong parent-child bonds can increase positive behavioral outcomes in children by up to 72%.
• Only about 12% of married couples report being in a happy, working relationship, highlighting how uncommon deeply satisfying marriages are.

Timestamps

00:43 – Facing the terror and excitement of becoming a new dad
02:04 – 20 years of fatherhood: what I wish I’d known at 30
03:56 – Pessimism about marriage, divorce stats, and why skill-building matters
05:33 – Fear of parenting, feeling unequipped, and the impact of upbringing
07:17 – Vulnerability: admitting my terror before becoming a parent
08:30 – The uncertainty, “going through the motions” as a new dad
10:37 – Realization: desire alone isn’t enough—skills must be learned
11:56 – A turning point: making mistakes and deciding to seek help
13:40 – Fatherhood is a learnable skill, just like anything else
15:44 – Modeling vs. talking: why your actions matter more
18:30 – Learning alongside your kids, embracing what you don’t know
20:11 – Without connection, you have no true influence
21:52 – It’s never too late to build or rebuild a relationship
23:03 – Practical resource: Full Presence Training
24:13 – How to access presence training and elite Dad Edge brotherhoods
25:44 – Closing: live legendary

Links

www.thedadedge.socialhost.dev/friday216

www.thedadedge.socialhost.dev/mastermind

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