When Avery was a teenager, I thought being a good dad was about working hard, paying bills, and making sure he had a decent pair of kicks. Truth is, he didn’t need me to be Superman. He just needed me to be there.

Teenage boys might act like they don’t hear a word you say, but trust me, they’re watching everything. How you handle pressure. How you treat people. How you show up at home. That’s the stuff that sticks.

Not every son has his father in the picture, and we get that. But having a positive male role model—a grandfather, uncle, coach, or mentor—can still change the whole trajectory of a boy’s life. What matters most is consistent engagement.

Here’s why it matters:

• Emotional maturity – Sons pick up how to handle their feelings by watching how we handle ours.
• Trust and empathy – The way we connect with them teaches them how to build trust in their own relationships.
• Resilience – Knowing their dad (or a father figure) has their back gives them confidence to take on life’s challenges.

For us, the father-son connection wasn’t perfect. We argued, we went through quiet stretches, we misunderstood each other plenty. But we stayed in it. And that consistency turned into the bond we’ve got now.

A Leadership Parallel:

Whether you’re raising a son or leading a team, the principle is the same:

• People don’t need you to be flawless.
• They need you to be present, consistent, and emotionally available.

So if you’re a dad out there trying—keep showing up. Your presence is way more powerful than your perfection.

We are rooting for you! 

Avery & Brian