What makes a great father? Lessons from our latest graduates

Last week, 18 Spokane fathers earned their certificates. Their words reveal what separates surviving from thriving as a dad.

The breakthrough moment

“I thought being a dad was about keeping the lights on. Now I know it’s about being emotionally present and deeply involved in my children’s lives.” – Eric Davis, recent 24-7 Dad Advanced graduate

That shift happens again and again. Matthew Mellott put it this way:

“I’ve been able to discern my parenting from my father’s and how much I was parenting just like him. I don’t want to raise my children the way I was raised.”

What actually changes

Our graduates don’t just learn theory. They transform how they show up at home.

The skills that stick

Jordan Brown discovered something crucial:

“I work on myself because I’m worth working on.”

Here’s what fathers actually learn in our 6-week program:

• Communication that works. Eric learned to separate “the deed from the doer” – addressing behavior without attacking identity. Sessions 5 and 9 teach specific techniques for talking with children and handling confrontation.
• Discipline that teaches. Frank Ferguson no longer needs the “iron fist.” Session 7 covers values-based discipline that guides instead of punishes.
• Emotional regulation. Ken Tapley handles anger differently now. Sessions on managing feelings give you tools to respond from wisdom, not reaction.
• Self-awareness. Matthew learned the difference between fathering skills, parenting skills, and relationship skills. “I didn’t know these were a thing,” he says.
• Family connection. Sessions on family traditions and quality time help you build lasting bonds with your kids.

The support that matters

“I’m going to miss the group of peer support,” says Thomas Connors. “Having other people who are going through the same like-minded problems around me.”

Anthony Evans valued “the camaraderie and shared situations and brotherly support.”

You’re not doing this alone.

Why location matters

This fall, classes return to Hillyard at Northeast Community Center. Two evenings a week. Dinner included. Right in your neighborhood.

No more choosing between family time and father training.

Proven results

Independent research shows 84% improvement in parenting skills. The curriculum is evidence-based and nationally recognized.

But the real proof? Listen to Malachi Wyne: “Consistent change and acknowledging the issues in myself.”

Your turn starts September 2nd

Fall classes begin September 2nd. Completely free. Just 6 weeks. Registration closes August 26th. Classes fill fast because fathers tell everyone they know.

The bottom line

Anthony Evans found “total acceptance of my situation and the strength and clarity gained from it.”

That’s what happens when fathers invest in themselves and their families.

Your family is waiting for the father you're becoming.

Spokane Fatherhood Initiative offers evidence-based father training through our 24-7 Dad program. All programs are free and include dinner. For parenting classes in Spokane or father training in Hillyard, call (509) 315-8850.