BE THE CHANGE THAT TURNS BOYS INTO STRONG MEN. 

On this episode of The Resilient Dad Show, we speak with Darnell Fontenot, a husband, father of 3, and firefighter who served for 20 years. He talks about The Squire Program, a 12 to 15-hour course designed for fathers and sons to build a strong relationship together.

The Squire Program involves physical and emotional activities to help fathers and sons get to the root of the issues that separate them. Darnell shares how he was able to determine the trust issues he had with his son, as well as show up as a better father and husband to his family since then.

Pat and Darnell talk about fatherlessness and how this has a detrimental effect that lasts generations. Darnell shares how he now leads The Squire Program in Texas and has become a visible part of his son’s life, supporting his chess tournaments and having one-on-one bonding every week.

WORDS OF RESILIENCE

The Squire Program helped reveal the trust issue with Darnell's son - Darnell: "I'm raising kids but if my son doesn't trust me to walk through this obstacle course, then what happens in life when I tell him don't date this girl, she's no good, or don't hang out with these friends, they're no good. Will he even trust me in guiding him in that direction?"

Fathers must hug their sons to affirm them - Darnell: "When's the last time did I actually hug my son, like a full frontal, chest-to-chest hug? Son, I love you. I appreciate you. You're doing a great job. Just hearing those words of affirmation really can inspire our sons to do better and to make better decisions. So the biggest takeaway from what I saw other fathers doing was actually hugging their sons."

Connect with Darnell and The Squire Program Texas:

Instagram | Darnell Fontenot

Connect with Pat:

Pat Di Domenico | About Resilient Dad

If you liked this episode and were inspired by the journeys it shares, or you have suggestions or your own stories to share, subscribe to the Resilient Dad podcast now and leave us a comment!