As fathers, we often feel like we’re juggling a dozen balls at once—work, kids, marriage, homeschooling, side projects, and everything in between. In a recent episode of the Call With Dads podcast, hosts Eric Maynard (@EA_Maynard), Tom (@earnherrespect), and their co-host dive deep into this reality. They share raw, relatable stories about the chaos of modern dad life and how to find fulfillment amid the stress.
The Daily Grind: Why It Feels Overwhelming
Eric, a work-from-home restaurant designer and homeschooling dad, opens up about his packed schedule: full-time job, multiple kids, managing household chores, and running the podcast. Add in helping his 7-year-old son launch a bug-breeding business, and it’s no wonder he relies on Google Calendar to stay sane.
Tom echoes this, reminding us that if something isn’t on the calendar, it doesn’t happen. They both admit to those days where you grind nonstop but can’t recall what you accomplished—yet know progress was made because the inbox is clear and no one’s chasing you down.
The key takeaway? We’re blessed to juggle so much, but we drop balls sometimes. That’s okay. It’s about showing up consistently.
Teaching Kids Real Skills: One Dad’s Bug Business Adventure
One standout story is Eric guiding his young son in starting “Creepy Critter”—breeding crickets, cockroaches, mealworms, and even vibrant green banana roaches for reptile feeders or pets. At just 7 years old, the boy is learning math through inventory, customer service via special requests, and entrepreneurship by building a website (with dad’s AI-assisted help).
His pets? A leopard gecko, Asian forest scorpion, and hermit crabs. It’s hands-on education: responsibility, business basics, and overcoming “gross” factors for profit.
Reframing Priorities and Embracing Discomfort
Tom drops wisdom: When we say “I don’t have time,” we’re really saying “It’s not important”—or perhaps “I’m afraid.” True growth comes from discomfort: taking risks, failing, and learning.
They contrast today’s constant busyness (social media, consumerism, stuff overload) with simpler times—porch sits, real conversations, fewer distractions.
In strong marriages, roles complement strengths: one earns more, the other excels at home. It’s about balance, not rigid rules.
Finding Fulfillment Over Happiness
The dads agree: Modern life pushes consumption and fear of change, but real joy is in meaningful pursuit—enriching kids, community, and self. It’s stressful, but fulfilling.
As Tom says, resistance breeds growth. Push beyond what you think you can handle, and you’ll discover more capacity.
Take Action, Fellow Dads
Audit your time: Cut distractions, prioritize family, embrace discomfort. Teach kids real skills. Build that partnership.
Listen to the full episode on Call With Dads (callwithdads.com or your favorite podcast app). Follow @callwithdads on X, @earnherrespect for marriage insights, and @EA_Maynard for more dad wisdom.
What are you juggling today? Share in the comments—we’re all in this together.
