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Care to Change Counseling - Practical Solutions for Positive Change
Experienced professionals talking about real life issues and relevant topics. Find hope and practical solutions for positive change.
Care to Change Counseling - Practical Solutions for Positive Change
Intentional Fatherhood: Building Leaders at Home
In honor of Men's Mental Health Month, April welcomes John Crane to the podcast for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation on the powerful role of fathers. A husband, father of four, and seasoned leader in both public service and faith-based communities, John opens up about the intentional ways he and his wife Jean (a Care to Change therapist) have raised their children with leadership, character, and spiritual formation in mind.
From hiking the Appalachian Trail with his sons to sitting between feuding siblings until peace is restored, John shares practical and heartfelt stories that reflect his commitment to being a present and purpose-driven father. This episode is a powerful reminder that effective parenting begins with presence, clarity of purpose, and a willingness to stay in the hard conversations.
Key Topics Covered:
- Why intentional presence matters more than proximity in fatherhood
- The critical role of men in shaping mental and relational health
- Balancing leadership at home and in public life
- Teaching kids to “do hard things” with compassion and conviction
- Navigating parenting in blended family dynamics
- How fathers can care for themselves in order to show up for their families
- Repairing relationships through humility and modeling grace
Notable Quotes:
“Leadership starts in the home because leadership is about intentional influence.”
— John Crane“Your effectiveness as a parent is directly proportional to your presence.”
— John Crane“If I’ve learned how to multitask at work, I can learn to multitask at home—intentionally.”
— John Crane
Resources Mentioned:
- Focus on the Family – Resources on fatherhood and parenting
- All for One / 4M – Experiential leadership and father-child challenge events
- Crane Leadership – Leadership coaching, training, and consulting
📩 Connect with John:
Email: john@craneleadership.org
Website: craneleadership.org
💡 Need Help?
Care to Change is here when you’re ready. We offer practical solutions for positive change—because freedom is possible, and you don’t have to walk alone.