Your Kids Know You Love Them—But Do They Know You Like Them?

We would love to hear from you, follow this link to send us a message directly. Include a voice message and you might even be featured in a future episode! Do your kids know you love them? Probably a safe bet that they do. But do they think you like them? That’s a much different question. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the difference between like and love and why dads must make it their mission to ensure their kids know they’re liked.  **Why This Matters** Most dads would say they love their kids. But love and like can feel different to a child. Kids need to know that Dad doesn't simply provide for them, correct them, or show up for their activities—they need to feel that Dad genuinely enjoys being with them.  **Key Takeaways** –Loving your kids and liking your kids are not always communicated in the same way.  –Kids experience our attention more than our intentions, so distraction and exhaustion can weaken connection even when we mean well. –Curiosity, laughter, and listening are simple ways dads can communicate, “I like you.” **Practical Tips for Dads** 1\. Create connection-only time. Choose a moment in the day when the goal is not to correct, teach, or fix—just enjoy your child. 2\. Like them out loud. Tell your kids specific things you like about them, such as “I like how your brain works,” “You're really fun to be around,” or “I like hanging out with you.” 3\. Be intentional with your facial expressions. Let your face communicate that you're glad to see your child when they walk into the room, come home, leave for the day, or do something they love. **Important Episode Timestamps** **\[00:00] Do Your Kids Know You Like Them?** **\[01:26] Why You Can't Fake Liking Your Kids and They Know It** **\[03:34] The Hockey Tryout Embarrassment** **\[05:09] BJ's Best Dad Moment Followed by His Worst** **\[07:35] Your Kids Will Go Find “Being Liked” Somewhere Else** **\[08:26] What Gets in the Way of Kids Feeling Liked** **\[11:17] Heaping Pressure on Kids Makes Them Feel Liked When They Perform** **\[12:07] How to Help Kids Feel Liked: Start With Curiosity, Laughter, and Listening** **\[16:13] Carve Out a Daily Five-Minute Window to Just Like Your Kid** **\[19:30] This Week's Pro Move** This week, tell your kid one specific thing you genuinely like about them. **Sponsor:** The *All Pro Dad Podcast* is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net. **All Pro Dad Resources** 5 Ways to Make Sure Your Kids Know You Like Them 3 Ways to Make Sure Your Kids Know You Love and Like Them 5 Ways to Love Your Tees When You Don’t Like Them 4 Things About Your Child That You Need to Know **Connect with Us:** Ted Lowe on LinkedIn Bobby Lewis on LinkedIn BJ Foster on LinkedIn Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Get All Pro Dad merch! **EXTRAS:** Follow us: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) Join 200,000+ other dads by subscribing to the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Get daily fatherhood ideas, insight, and inspiration straight to your inbox. This episode's blog can also be viewed here on AllProDad.com. Like the All Pro Dad gear and mugs? Get your own in the All Pro Dad store. Get great content for moms at iMOM.com