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In Episode 47 of The Dad Compass Podcast, we break down a powerful section from Life’s Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown Jr. called “A Father’s Instructions for Life.”

This episode turned into a real reflection on fatherhood, leadership, and the standards we model at home.

We talk about:

Are we raising tough kids or honorable kids?

Are we building character… or just managing behavior?

Why admitting mistakes as dads matters

The difference between rules and standards

Teaching money habits, self-control, and delayed gratification

Anger, discipline, communication, and leading by example

The legacy we’re actually leaving behind

This one is honest, practical, and full of real-life parenting moments — from bedtime negotiations to money lessons to how we handle conflict, stress, and growth as fathers.

👇 Question for the comments:
If you had to write your own Father’s Code, what are 5 rules/standards you’d put on it?

🎙️ The Dad Compass Podcast
Real conversations about fatherhood, growth, discipline, family, and life.

Chapters
00:00 Intro – A Father’s Instructions for Life
01:24 Character Over Comfort (Never cheat, admit mistakes, don’t gossip)
01:49 Tough Kids vs Honorable Kids
04:39 Never Cheat / Accountability as Parents
05:04 Admitting Mistakes (Extreme Ownership in parenting)
10:17 Don’t Gossip (and what that really means)
12:05 Losing Small Battles to Win the War
15:51 Financial Wisdom & Self-Control
16:04 Live Beneath Your Means
20:09 Credit Cards: Convenience vs Debt
22:59 Delayed Gratification & Modeling Discipline
25:34 Presence, Leadership, and Faith
27:19 Learn to Listen (really listen)
29:09 Never Take Action When You’re Angry
35:05 Enter a Room with Purpose and Confidence