Raising Kids, Staying Present: Fatherhood in a Digital World | With Amit Kalley

In this episode of the Feel Good for Men Who Want Change podcast, host Tim Barber and guest Amit Kalley explore what it means to be a father in the digital age. Amit, a former teacher who founded For Working Parents, an organisation that coaches schools and parents on how to navigate the digital world safely. He shares his personal journey from the classroom to coaching, highlighting the unique challenges he faced and the insights he gained along the way. Amit’s experiences provide a rich backdrop for discussing the evolving role of fathers in a world increasingly dominated by technology.How does screen time affect children, and what role do fathers play in managing it? Amit offers valuable insights into the parenting challenges associated with the digital age, particularly focusing on the impact of screen time on children. He discusses the delicate balance parents must strike between allowing their children to engage with technology and ensuring it does not negatively affect their development. Amit emphasises the critical role fathers play in this dynamic, advocating for their active involvement in setting boundaries and guiding their children’s interactions with digital devices.Why is it important for fathers to engage meaningfully in their children’s lives? The discussion highlights the significance of fathers taking an active and intentional role in their children’s upbringing. Amit stresses the importance of fathers being present and engaged, not just physically but emotionally and mentally too. He talks about the need to balance cultural values with modern parenting practices, ensuring that children receive a well-rounded upbringing that respects tradition while embracing innovation. Amit believes meaningful engagement is crucial for building strong, lasting relationships with children and fostering their overall well-being.How can fathers manage digital influences while maintaining open communication with their children? Both Amit and Tim emphasise the necessity of open communication in the family, he advocates for setting clear expectations and boundaries around technology use, encouraging fathers to have honest conversations with their children about the benefits and potential pitfalls of digital media. By following these steps fathers can help their children develop a healthy relationship with technology.What does it mean for fathers to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in their parenting roles? The episode encourages dads to be genuine and open in how they relate to their children. Amit shares how vulnerability helps build deeper connections and creates a supportive home environment. His story is a reminder that confidence and compassion go hand-in-hand in modern fatherhood.So after listening to this episode, why not reflect on your own digital habits, and how they might be impacting your children’s relationship with screens. How to find us:If you’d like to learn more about The Feel Good Folk, head to the website. We offer coaching, content and community that will help you navigate healthy masculinity in today’s world. https://www.thefeelgoodfolk.comIf you’ve got questions, reflections from the episode, or just want to start a conversation, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out by email:[email protected] can also follow along and connect with us on social media, where we share updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes content:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thefeelgoodfolk/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feel-good-folk/To connect directly with Tim Barber, you’ll find him on LinkedIn here:https://linkedin.com/in/tim-barber-i-frsa-29632b15