Resolutions: Growing as Fathers, Partners, and People

What does it really mean to make a resolution as a father

In Episode 2 of DadLab RGV hosts Jesus T. Peña M.Ed. and Mauricio Piña move beyond the typical New Year goals and explore what real growth looks like for dads emotionally relationally and mentally.

This episode challenges the idea that resolutions are only about routines productivity or self discipline. Instead the conversation focuses on intentional fatherhood personal accountability and the courage it takes to unlearn habits language and behaviors passed down through generations.

The hosts reflect on how many fathers were raised with phrases like suck it up do not cry or I will handle it and how those well intended messages can unintentionally limit emotional connection with our children especially as they grow into teenagers. Through real reflections and lived experience the episode explores how mindfulness listening and emotional regulation can transform relationships at home.

Listeners will hear a thoughtful discussion on reframing resolutions as commitments to relationships rather than just personal goals. The conversation also explores how to be more mindful and present with teenagers without rushing to fix everything letting go of generational language that no longer serves our families and applying restorative practices like consistency trust and using I statements in everyday parenting. The hosts also discuss why repair matters more than perfection in both fatherhood and partnerships.

This episode expands the conversation beyond parenting and highlights how becoming a better father often means becoming a better partner. It emphasizes learning how to pause communicate with intention and release ego and defensiveness in order to build stronger healthier relationships.

DadLab RGV is a space for fathers in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond who believe parenting is a lifelong learning process. Fatherhood is a lab where we test we fail we learn and we try again.

If you are a dad looking to grow not just as a parent but as a person this episode offers reflection encouragement and practical insight to start the year with purpose.

Listen reflect and choose one resolution that strengthens a relationship not just a routine.