Saturday Morning Muse – Episode Summary: "My Top Ten List of Dad Skills"

Host: Dr. Andrew Temte, CFA
Release Date: June 14, 2025

Introduction

In this special Father's Day weekend edition of Saturday Morning Muse, host Dr. Andrew Temte celebrates fathers by sharing his meticulously curated "Top Ten List of Dad Skills." Recognizing the multifaceted role of fathers as role models, educators, and pillars of the community, Dr. Temte emphasizes the importance of developing and embodying essential skills that not only benefit dads themselves but also positively influence their families and broader social circles.

Dr. Temte (00:45): "Fathers are first and foremost role models to their children and as an extension to the entire community."

1. Self-Love

Dr. Temte begins his list with the foundational skill of self-love. He asserts that self-acceptance and inner peace are crucial for fathers to effectively contribute to their families and communities. Without a genuine love for oneself, it's challenging to bring one's best self to various aspects of life.

Dr. Temte (01:30): "If you don't love the person that you are, it is not possible to bring your best whole self to your work, your family and your community."

He compares self-love to the essential act of securing one's own oxygen mask before assisting others during an airplane flight, highlighting its non-negotiable importance.

2. Constructive Vulnerability

Contrary to traditional stereotypes that equate fatherhood with stoicism, Dr. Temte champions "constructive vulnerability." He challenges the notion that fathers must never display emotions or admit weaknesses, arguing that genuine human connection arises from openness.

Dr. Temte (02:15): "To be human is to be imperfect. Dads need a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at and with ourselves."

By embracing vulnerability, fathers can prevent the buildup of unhealthy behaviors and foster healthier relationships with their children and communities.

3. Integrity

Integrity stands as the third essential skill. Dr. Temte underscores the importance of doing the right thing consistently, even in the absence of oversight. Fathers who model integrity build trust and set a moral compass for their children.

Dr. Temte (03:00): "Dads take the moral high ground. They're reliable, consistent, and dependable."

Such unwavering honesty and accountability not only enhance personal character but also inspire similar values in the next generation.

4. Compassion

Compassion is a multifaceted skill that involves empathy, action, and emotional resilience. Dr. Temte defines compassion as the ability to understand others' feelings, take actionable steps to help, and maintain emotional boundaries to prevent personal overwhelm.

Dr. Temte (04:00): "Compassion is empathy plus the willingness to do something about those challenges, plus the ability to emotionally detach."

He acknowledges the difficulty of achieving true compassion, especially regarding one's own children, but emphasizes its critical role in effective parenting.

5. Grit

Resilience and determination characterize the fifth skill on the list. Dr. Temte highlights grit as the ability to persevere through life's inevitable challenges, teaching children that success often requires sustained effort and courage.

Dr. Temte (04:45): "Dads teach their children that life is not exclusively filled with rainbows, unicorns, and puppy dogs."

This realism prepares children to navigate the complexities of the world with strength and persistence.

6. Industriousness

Contrary to the stereotype of the "lazy dad," industriousness emphasizes a strong work ethic and the proactive creation of value. Dr. Temte argues that productive fathers not only contribute meaningfully at work and home but also inspire their children to adopt similar diligence.

Dr. Temte (05:30): "Great dads show others how to add value – not just be busy, but add value in the workplace, at home, and in the community."

7. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) encompasses a suite of skills essential for effective interpersonal interactions. Dr. Temte breaks down EI into components such as self-regulation, situational awareness, active listening, self-motivation, and self-awareness.

Dr. Temte (06:15): "Self-awareness is a necessary condition to achieving self-love. To love the self, a dad must be willing and able to tune into their own feelings, thoughts, and actions."

He advocates for self-reflection and even therapy as means to enhance EI, thereby improving personal well-being and parenting effectiveness.

8. Decision Making

Effective decision-making is pivotal in shaping a child's future. Dr. Temte emphasizes that fathers who demonstrate logical, critical, and informed decision-making processes equip their children with the tools to make sound choices independently.

Dr. Temte (07:00): "Modeling good decision making through logic, critical thinking, data collection, analysis, and evaluation of available options will help your children develop these skills."

By prioritizing thoughtful decisions, fathers influence their children's ability to navigate adulthood successfully.

9. Lifelong Learning

A commitment to continuous education defines the ninth skill. Dr. Temte believes that fathers who prioritize their own learning and support their children's educational pursuits foster an environment of growth and adaptability.

Dr. Temte (07:45): "Dads should invest in their own education and be the greatest cheerleaders throughout their children's lifetime of learning."

This dedication not only enhances personal development but also encourages a love for learning in the family dynamic.

10. Financial Literacy

Concluding the list, Dr. Temte addresses financial literacy as the capstone skill every father should master. He stresses the importance of understanding money management, including saving, investing, responsible use of debt, and imparting these principles to children.

Dr. Temte (08:30): "Great dads are responsible with money. They understand how to save and invest, know the appropriate use of debt, and teach their children how to make good decisions about their personal economy."

By fostering financial acumen, fathers empower their children to achieve economic stability and independence.

Conclusion

Dr. Andrew Temte wraps up the episode by acknowledging that while the "Top Ten Dad Skills" list is aspirational, it serves as a guide for continuous personal and paternal growth. He candidly admits his own imperfections and commits to ongoing self-improvement, emphasizing that fatherhood is a shared journey of learning and development.

Dr. Temte (09:45): "You're both on lifelong learning journeys together."

He concludes with heartfelt gratitude towards his own sons and extends warm wishes for a joyful Father's Day weekend, encouraging all fathers to embrace their roles with grace, dignity, and compassion.

Key Quotes

• Self-Love Importance:
  "If you don't love the person that you are, it is not possible to bring your best whole self to your work, your family and your community." ([00:45])

• Constructive Vulnerability:
  "To be human is to be imperfect. Dads need a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at and with ourselves." ([02:15])

• Integrity in Action:
  "Dads take the moral high ground. They're reliable, consistent, and dependable." ([03:00])

• Defining Compassion:
  "Compassion is empathy plus the willingness to do something about those challenges, plus the ability to emotionally detach." ([04:00])

• Grit's Role in Parenting:
  "Dads teach their children that life is not exclusively filled with rainbows, unicorns, and puppy dogs." ([04:45])

• Emphasizing Industriousness:
  "Great dads show others how to add value – not just be busy, but add value in the workplace, at home, and in the community." ([05:30])

• Emotional Intelligence Breakdown:
  "Self-awareness is a necessary condition to achieving self-love. To love the self, a dad must be willing and able to tune into their own feelings, thoughts, and actions." ([06:15])

• Modeling Decision Making:
  "Modeling good decision making through logic, critical thinking, data collection, analysis, and evaluation of available options will help your children develop these skills." ([07:00])

• Promoting Lifelong Learning:
  "Dads should invest in their own education and be the greatest cheerleaders throughout their children's lifetime of learning." ([07:45])

• Financial Literacy Emphasis:
  "Great dads are responsible with money. They understand how to save and invest, know the appropriate use of debt, and teach their children how to make good decisions about their personal economy." ([08:30])

• Embracing the Journey Together:
  "You're both on lifelong learning journeys together." ([09:45])

About the Host:
Dr. Andrew Temte, CFA, is an esteemed financial expert, author, and former CEO of Kaplan Professional. With a doctorate in finance from the University of Iowa and over 15 years of teaching experience, Dr. Temte combines his academic prowess with practical insights. Additionally, he channels his creativity as the leader of the rock band, The Remainders, celebrating their first original album, Feel Something New.

Connect with Dr. Temte: www.andrewtemte.com

This summary is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the podcast episode "My Top Ten List of Dad Skills" from Saturday Morning Muse. For the full experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into the episode via major streaming platforms or YouTube.