This article is coming form my perspective as a private parenting coach to several dads. It does not relate to all dads. I want to honor the dads I see changing and share their stories.
It all starts with a dad who wants better relationships at home. These dads are willing to ask, “What can I do differently? How can I build a more respectful relationship with my kids?” So it starts with dads taking responsibility for their part of the interactions. Every time a dad changes, the kids respond differently.
Men are often taught to use power to get change. This is often the case in the business world. Then they come home and try to use power with their kids. It does not work. Kids rebel because their innate being knows they deserve respect and care. The dads that are successful in changing and becoming happier about their actions are the ones open to letting go of power as the basis for change. The dads that don’t change are the ones who continue to repeat, “But my child should show respect to me.” They don’t stay for help and I’m sure they are still feeling disrespected.
The dads who change self-reflect about their negative comments to their kids and care that their children feel hurt. This empathy towards their children is crucial. Once they realize they have caused their children pain, the next step is that they apologize for their disrespectful actions and mean it from their heart. .
At the same time, these dads are learning what triggers their anger. Usually, they are feeling hurt and they hurt their children in response. Watch for part two where I will continue to explore how dads are changing.
Have you seen a dad change in this way? Do you know a dad or grandfather who would like to change?
Cynthia Klein has been a certified parent educator since 1994. She enjoys working with men and even helps dads in custody court cases. She has testified on a dad’s behalf after working with her. Contact her at bridges2understanding.com. 650.341.0779
Copyright © 2026, Cynthia Klein, All rights reserved. Please contact Cynthia to use any of her blog post.
About Cynthia Klein
Cynthia Klein’s mission is to contribute to World Peace and building healthy family relationships is the place to begin. As a parenting expert for over 30 years, parents have learned from Cynthia how to communicate more effectively as an ally rather than an adversary. Her unique Family Harmony System teaches parents of 5 and older how to have open dialogue, solve problems together, support one another, and build mutual respect. Cynthia is the author of Ally Parenting and the video-based self-paced program Win, Win, Win, Parenting. She has presented over 700 talks and coached hundreds of parents privately towards greater family connection and harmony. To learn more about her services of coaching and speaking, contact Cynthia Klein at , visit her website at bridges2understanding.com.
