KNOW WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS FROM YOU AT EVERY AGE
A research-grounded 4-stage framework for raising confident kids and staying close for life.
Choose the Stage that Fits Your Child
You want to be a great father.
You want to provide, be present and give your kids your best. But somewhere between work, responsibilities, and just trying to keep up — you find yourself more reactive than you'd like and more distracted than you planned. Time is passing by and your kids are growing up fast.
So will you survive the days, or shape the years?
Will you settle for compliance, or build influence that lasts a lifetime?
Meet Mike
I'm the dad of three incredible young adults — I've walked with them from diapers, through college, to marriage and now kids of their own. Like so many dads, I grew up without a healthy example of fatherhood. When my kids were born, I realized I was winging it, hoping love and good intentions would be enough. So I became a student, diving into research and parenting books, and began to parent with intention.
My PhD explored identity formation in children and adolescents, and 25 years of pastoral ministry put me alongside hundreds of families watching fathers wrestle with the same quiet fear: Am I doing enough?
I know that fear. And it's exactly why I created Father Friend — because fatherhood is too important to guess your way through.
The most important voice your kids will ever hear is yours.
Let me help you find it.
THE FATHER FRIEND MODEL
From Crib through College—
All The Tools You Need To Be Your Child's Father-Friend
To guide us, my unique Father Friend Model© identifies four stages in the father-child relationship: Leader, Coach, Mentor, and Father-Friend. Each stage reflects your child’s changing developmental needs and shows you how to adjust your role while remaining present, purposeful, and connected from childhood through adulthood.
Want to understand the complete framework?
Watch this free 20-minute workshop and learn how your role changes as your child moves from childhood through adulthood.
WATCH THE FREE WORKSHOPFather Friend: How Intentional Dads Lean In, Lead Well and Love Big at Every Stage
Get the book that shares the purpose, four-stage developmental model, and essential skills of intentional fatherhood!
PREORDER THE BOOK
How Mike Can Help You:
COACHING
Mike offers coaching for men in parenting, leadership and life management — you'll get personal access, supportive feedback, and strategic solutions.
INVITE MIKE TO SPEAK
Schedule Mike to speak to your group, train parents or be a guest on your podcast. Your audience will walk away with practical advice and encouragement.
FIND COMMUNITY
Mike leads exclusive webinars, discounts, subscriber-only content and training for men like you who are members of this community. Sign up now to be included.
"Inspiring"
"Mike has a unique ability to motivate and inspire people to be a reflection of who they are as individuals. I can say he makes his listeners feel valued and respected. His teaching has guided me for almost two decades."
Darwin Pennye
Baseball Scout, Kansas City Royals
"A Perfect Match"
"His teaching, friendship and mentoring were the perfect match for someone with my drive to succeed as a dad. I feel lucky to have been a part of his leadership. Learning from Mike has allowed me to fulfill my goals as a father."
Chad Overton
Next Gen Pastor
"Practical"
"Mike’s approach is not ‘theory’— he has a real-world, practical focus. He teaches you to lead your kids from your heart and provides you wisdom by which to do it. Mike’s authentic, skilled teaching will help you become a better dad."
Phil Reynolds
CEO, Reynolds Consulting
Listen to the Father Friend Podcast:
Join me each week as we dive into what it takes to become the kind of dad your kids trust, respect, and actually want to be around. We’ll tackle bold questions and real-life challenges every father faces. This podcast isn’t about dad jokes and BBQ tips — it’s for intentional dads who want to rise above the noise of today’s culture and lead their families with strength, faith, and clarity. New episodes drop every Monday, available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Listen Now