Why Dads Need to Show Up for More Than Games | Kelin Mark Sr. and Brother Thomas X-Williams, The Dad Difference

On today's show I sat down with Indiana educators and fathers Kelin Mark Sr. and Brother Thomas X-Williams about engaging dads in schools through their DADS Program (Dedication, Academics, Athletics, Discipline, Sacrifice) and "The Dad Difference."

They describe how Mark's experience of not being contacted after his son was injured sparked a focus on making schools more welcoming to fathers beyond athletics, and how they began with workshops on changing school culture by increasing father involvement.

They share personal reflections on their own fathers, discuss practical strategies like emailing teachers, learning school policies, knowing key staff, and balancing hands-on support with student independence. 

They also cite statistics linking active fathers to higher rates of wealth and confidence in children and explain how schools can book their 90-minute workshops.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- The DADS Program and "The Dad Difference"
- Workshops to Help Schools Become More Welcoming to Fathers
- Strategies for Fathers to Be Involved

Thank you to our partners:
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Check out these great clips from the show:
00:00 What Education Really Means
01:32 Meet the DADS Founders
02:31 How The Dad Difference Started
04:53 Workshops and School Culture
07:22 Lessons From Their Fathers
13:21 Why Schools Miss Dads
15:56 Meeting Dads Where They Are
17:32 DADS Philosophy and Outcomes
22:13 Building the DADS Curriculum
25:12 Simple Habits That Show You Care
33:24 Implementing DADS in Schools
35:41 Questions Every Dad Should Ask
43:33 Avoiding Helicopter Parenting
44:09 Coaching From Stands
44:43 Hands On To Hands Off
46:03 Accountability Questions
48:11 Skills Beyond School
48:54 Dads In The Building
49:53 Confidence With Teachers
52:51 Dad Difference Vision
56:50 Indiana Rapid Fire
01:00:05 Fictional Dad Role Models
01:02:11 Being A Village Dad
01:05:44 Indiana Memories And Gems

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