By: Nic Abelian
Fatherhood today isn’t just about being present; it’s about rethinking what it means to be a dad. Many fathers feel lost connecting with their kids in a world dominated by screens and social media. Recognizing this gap, Dr. Bobo Blankson and Dr. Lester Clowes founded Dare to Dad—a movement providing resources to help fathers strive to become strong, steady guides in their children’s lives.
The Founders Behind the Movement
Nearly a decade ago, Dr. Blankson, a Harvard and Yale-trained pediatrician, and Dr. Clowes, an educational researcher and life coach, realized the old model of “dad as provider” wasn’t enough. Together, they launched Dare to Dad to offer a new path. Their podcast blends personal insights and professional expertise, inviting fathers to connect over the shared purpose of fostering meaningful relationships with their children, through honest and practical advice for a new era of parenting.
“Fatherhood isn’t about being tough and distant anymore—it’s about stepping up as a guide and a mentor,” Dr. Clowes explains. “Research is repeatedly telling us that kids need engaged parents more than ever, and parents that are supporting the development of strong self-worth. Because social media (and other influences) are doing the opposite.”
A Podcast Breaking Down Modern Fatherhood
The Dare to Dad podcast quickly grew into a global platform, inviting fathers to connect over the shared purpose of fostering meaningful relationships with their children. Each episode tackles real issues—from handling social media pressures to navigating tough conversations with teens—providing fathers with guidance on navigating situations previous generations never encountered.
“The podcast offers a space for dads who want to explore deeper aspects of parenting,” Dr. Blankson shares. “We talk about what’s hard, what’s confusing, and the potential outcomes for fathers who are willing to put in the work to connect with their kids.”
Parenting in a Digital World
Dr. Blankson has seen firsthand how digital pressures impact teens. As a pediatrician, he’s aware of challenges like online bullying and the relentless pursuit of ‘likes.’ He believes fathers can play an important role in supporting kids as they navigate this new reality.
“Our kids are growing up in a world where their sense of self is increasingly tied to screens,” Dr. Blankson says. “With nearly one in five teens experiencing symptoms of major depression, and suicide now the second-leading cause of death for ages 10-24, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If we don’t step up to help them navigate this digital age, who will? Supporting their mental health can be about showing up consistently—not just for the big milestones, but for the countless small moments that influence who they become.”
For Dare to Dad, supporting mental health means encouraging daily practices of listening, staying engaged, and building trust.
Coaching Teens, Not Controlling Them
Parenting today is less about control and more about influence. Dr. Clowes helps dads understand how to guide their teens, especially during tough times. The shift involves meeting kids where they are, understanding their challenges, and working with them.
“Kids today desperately need Dads who are striving to be mentors instead of the old-school strict and tough guy. Our kids are bombarded with more information and messages per day than our generation felt in a whole year, and they need engaged parents to help them process and make sense of it all. Parenting today means encouraging kids through big issues—social media, anxiety, future goals—and letting them know we’re in it with them.”
GameWell 2024: Bridging Generations Through Gaming
Dare to Dad’s approach materializes in GameWell 2024, a pioneering event bringing parents, teens, and experts together over gaming—often a dividing line between generations. Dare to Dad sees it as an opportunity to bridge gaps, promote healthy digital habits, and create connections.
“Gaming can be a powerful way for kids to connect—it’s far more than just a distraction,” Dr. Blankson says. “With over 90% of teens in the U.S. playing video games and the gaming industry surpassing $200 billion globally, gaming has become today’s social media. Dismissing it as ‘just screen time’ won’t help our kids navigate this complex ecosystem. Parents need to get involved, learn the landscape, and engage with their children if we want to support them through both the opportunities and challenges of this digital world.”
GameWell 2024 offered fathers insights into their children’s world, providing tools to foster balanced, healthy relationships around gaming. The summit featured experts from adolescent psychology, digital wellness, and the gaming industry. Topics ranged from setting boundaries to using gaming as a foundation for conversations about resilience and teamwork.
All sessions from GameWell 2024 remain free and open to the public until November 25, 2024. To begin watching, visit www.gamewell2024.com and register with just an email address.
Beyond the Summit: A Movement for Fathers
Dare to Dad goes beyond a podcast or summit. It’s a call to action for fathers to invest in a parenting model based on connection, respect, and adaptability. Dr. Blankson and Dr. Clowes aim to provide a framework for fathers who want to take on modern parenting challenges.
“It’s not enough to be there financially. We need to be present in our kids’ lives in real, everyday ways,” says Dr. Clowes. “The Dare to Dad movement encourages every dad to take risks with their kids through courageous conversations, committing to curiosity as a superpower, and holding ourselves accountable for the role models we are, whether we want to be or not. Fatherhood transcends all the B.S. that we find ourselves distracted by in the media. The little things really are the big things, and there is no bigger ‘little’ thing than being an incredible parent each and every day.”
Looking Ahead
Dare to Dad is on a mission to reach one million dads worldwide and inspire them to lead with connection, courage, and resilience. Through their podcast, GameWell, and upcoming initiatives, they’re working to reframe fatherhood and encourage dads to create a lasting legacy. More than a resource, Dare to Dad is a movement for fathers ready to take steps toward impactful parenting.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
