There’s an App for that. No there isn’t, there is an article.  When it comes to kids brain development there isn’t an app that can enhance it like actual tangible experiences. Kent and Todd debate how apps can help our children learn.

Plus, technology is now driving kids to stay in touch with their parents much more when they go away to college. On average, kids are connecting with parents now 13 times per week. Todd loses his mind but not his ability to speak his mind.

Finally, technology may be good, but it is creating health issues for kids. How can kids be entering their teenage years over 250 lbs? What has happened to kids and their healthy eating habits? Is America’s next generation heading to an early grave? Not if we can all do something about it now. Find out what.

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We debate jailing a teenager, Paul Tough’s new book: How Children Succeed, and how teacher’s expectations can influence a classroom.

A teenager under the influence of some drug crashed in front of Todd’s home Saturday night. He drove away. Todd got the license plate number and the kid was arrested. Should Todd press charges? It’s a debate that lots of people responded to. What’s your take?

That lead into the discussion of Paul Tough’s new book, How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity and the Hidden Power of Character. The research can open your eyes; the stories leave your jaw hanging low and the reality makes your heart hurt. But Paul tells it like it is. When you are done, you should go here to listen to a full interview with him on Parenting Unplugged Radio.

Finally, Kent and Todd touched upon how teachers are unexpectedly influencing classrooms and kids education. With a horrible ratio of nearly 1 teacher to 36 kids, it’s easy for an educator to lean towards those who are better in a certain subject. But a subtle move like that can have disastrous effects on the entire class.

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It’s a good question, and one that is hard to answer. However, there is no doubt that Dads role or lack thereof can have very damaging effects on their children. Author Dr. Meg Meeker joined Todd to talk about two of her best-selling books, “Strong Father, Strong Daughters and “Boys should be Boys”. Her insight into the bond between a father and child that can be created by the simple acts of love and connection was amazing. Whether you have a daughter or only sons, this episode is one full of resources, knowledge and humor. Dr. Meg Meeker is a pediatrician who has raised three girls and a boy in Northern Michigan and now shares her experiences with all of us. It’s high time someone helped out Dads as we all stumble towards the authentic life.

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Part 2 of the Dads Unplugged Mancave edition focusing on Parents, Kids and alcohol. It’s never an easy topic to tackle, but we are where we came from and each family situation is different. Also, we all have kids who at some time or other will experiment with alcohol, so sharing our experiences could be helpful. Enjoy!