Fatherhood today is a unique journey, blending the nostalgia of our own childhoods with the complexities of raising kids in a digital age. In a recent episode of the Call with Dads podcast, hosts Eric Maynard and “Pancakes With Dad” dive into the challenges and triumphs of modern parenting, offering insights that resonate deeply with dads striving to raise grounded, values-driven kids. Recorded on July 16, 2025, this candid conversation explores the balance between protecting our children, fostering traditional values, and adapting to a world that’s changed dramatically since we were kids. Here’s what dads can take away from their discussion.
The Myth of the “Good Old Days”
Many of us grew up with stories of running free until the streetlights came on, with parents who seemed less hands-on than we are today. Eric and Pancakes reflect on how Gen X and early Millennials often romanticize this era, recalling grandparents who were deeply involved and parents who gave more freedom. But as Eric points out, “Our parents didn’t raise us the way our grandparents raised them.” The reality? Those free-range childhoods came with less oversight, but also less access to the dangers of today’s world.
For modern dads, letting kids “run wild” isn’t just about physical safety—it’s about navigating the internet’s unfiltered landscape. From inappropriate YouTube ads to predators lurking in online chat rooms, the stakes are higher. Pancakes shares a chilling example from a podcast he watched, where a hacker posing as a 12-year-old girl received messages from grown men within seconds. This underscores a critical lesson: we can’t let our kids roam freely online like we did in the streets. Instead, we must be vigilant gatekeepers, curating what our children consume.
Takeaway for Dads: Don’t fall for the nostalgia trap. The world has changed, and our role as protectors now extends to the digital realm. Monitor screen time, vet content, and have open conversations about online safety to ensure your kids grow up with your values, not the internet’s.
Shielding Without Sheltering
One of the most compelling parts of the discussion is the hosts’ approach to shielding kids from harmful influences without stifling their growth. Pancakes recounts a moment when a children’s YouTube video was interrupted by an ad for an AIDS medication featuring explicit content. His immediate reaction? Turn it off. “I’m not going to let my kid watch that because it’s not OK,” he says. Eric echoes this, emphasizing that while we can’t hide kids from the world forever, we can guide their exposure to align with age-appropriate values.
This balance is tricky. Eric shares a story about family friends—a same-sex couple who are wonderful people but don’t flaunt their relationship. He contrasts this with media that pushes adult themes onto kids, noting, “If you’re letting your kids watch unsupervised television or YouTube, you’re misguided if you think they’ll only pick up your values.” As dads, we’re not just shielding our kids from explicit content; we’re shaping their character by guiding what they absorb.
Takeaway for Dads: Be intentional about the media your kids consume. Watch or listen alongside them, discuss what they see, and set boundaries that reflect your family’s values. It’s not about isolation—it’s about guiding their development with purpose.
Embracing Traditional Values in a Modern World
Through their American Liberty Foundation (ALF), Eric and Pancakes are on a mission to revive traditional values like family, community, and entrepreneurship, adapted for today’s world. Their website, traditionalsociety.com, offers resources, courses, and a platform for dads to connect and counter negative social media influences. They’re building a community where fathers can access tools to raise resilient kids, from woodworking plans to family-oriented content that promotes positive role models.
Pancakes emphasizes the importance of countering toxic social media narratives—like those pushing hyper-sexualized content or discouraging family life. “The moment your 16-year-old gets on Instagram, they’re hit with inappropriate reels,” he says. ALF aims to combat this with media campaigns, videos, and ads that promote traditional family values, funded by donations and memberships starting at $3/month for access to live streams and exclusive content.
Takeaway for Dads: Seek out resources that align with your values, like ALF’s offerings or the Call with Dads podcast. Support platforms that promote family-oriented content, and consider small contributions—whether time or money—to help spread positive messages.
The Power of Involved Fatherhood
Despite the challenges, there’s good news: fathers today are more involved than ever. Pancakes cites statistics showing that fatherlessness is declining, traditional marriages are up, and divorce rates are dipping. This shift reflects a growing recognition among dads that our presence matters. Eric highlights how modern tools, like online homeschooling curricula, allow us to engage deeply with our kids’ education, catching issues like dyslexia early—something our parents didn’t have the resources to do.
By reading to our kids, encouraging chapter books, and limiting screen time, we’re fostering intellectual growth and emotional resilience. Eric’s son carries stacks of library books, and Pancakes’ daughter reads above her age level. These small acts of involvement build a foundation for kids to thrive in a complex world.
Takeaway for Dads: Your involvement makes a difference. Prioritize quality time—reading, building, or just talking with your kids. Use modern resources to enhance their learning, and stay proactive in addressing their needs, from education to emotional well-being.
Final Thoughts: Realistic Expectations in a Changing World
The Call with Dads hosts remind us that parenting isn’t about recreating our childhoods—it’s about adapting to today’s realities with intention. We can’t expect our parents to be as involved as our grandparents were, nor can we raise our kids the way we were raised. Instead, we must set realistic expectations, protect our kids from harmful influences, and actively guide them toward values that endure.
Join Eric and Pancakes on their journey by visiting callwithdads.com for live streams and parenting insights, or support their mission at traditionalsociety.com. As dads, we’re not just raising kids—we’re shaping the future. Let’s do it with purpose, vigilance, and a commitment to being the fathers our kids need.
Listen to the full episode on callwithdads.com and explore more resources at traditionalsociety.com. Share your thoughts and connect with other dads in the comments below!
