145: The Power of Journaling for Dads- Steve A.

"My mission in life is to meet people where they are and help them become the person they want to be."
"Journaling is not just pouring out emotional stuff. It can be organizing thoughts, testing ideas, making to-do lists, and recording accomplishments or failures."
"The decline of reading among children may be attributed to the rise of technology and the lack of exposure to books."
"Go to different sections and you get this cool little window on what your children are interested in."
"Are you reading to them and with them?"
"Find the system that works for you."

Summary
In this episode of the Young Dad podcast, host Jay interviews Steve Anderson, a husband, author, and father. They discuss the importance of journaling for dads and the misconceptions surrounding it. They also touch on the decline of reading among children and the impact of technology on literacy. Steve emphasizes the value of reading and encourages parents to support their children's reading interests. The conversation highlights the benefits of journaling and reading for personal growth and development. In this conversation, Steve and Jey discuss the importance of reading and journaling as a way to engage with their children and foster their interests. They emphasize the value of visiting libraries and bookstores to explore different sections and discover what catches their children's attention. They also highlight the significance of modeling reading behavior and engaging in storytelling with their kids. The conversation then shifts to discussing Steve's guided journal and the flexibility it offers in terms of the order in which the prompts can be completed. They encourage readers to approach journaling with intention and to take small steps towards personal growth and improvement. The conversation concludes with a reminder to young fathers to embrace their youth and seek support from their community.

Takeaways
Journaling is a valuable practice for dads, providing a space for self-expression, organization of thoughts, and personal growth.
Reading is essential for children's development, and parents should encourage their reading interests and provide access to books.
The decline of reading among children may be attributed to the rise of technology and the lack of exposure to books.
Writing by hand activates the motor part of the brain and enhances retention, making it beneficial to journal with pen and paper.
Parents can create a reading-friendly environment by having books at home, visiting libraries, and allowing children to choose books based on their interests. Visiting libraries and bookstores can provide insights into children's interests and spark conversations.
Modeling reading behavior and engaging in storytelling with children can foster their love for reading.
Approach journaling with intention and take small steps towards personal growth.
Embrace your youth as a young father and seek support from your community.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Shoutout
02:34 Getting to Know Steve and His Journey as a Father
07:20 The Power and Misconceptions of Journaling
13:09 The Benefits of Writing by Hand
20:03 The Decline of Reading in the Digital Age
25:04 Fostering a Love for Reading in Children
29:26 Fostering Curiosity and Conversations Through Reading
30:35 The Power of Modeling Reading Behavior
32:41 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Setting Intentions
34:19 Small Changes for Big Growth
37:40 Seeking Support from the Community