Episode #7
A Dance, Not a Wrestling Match: Helping Fathers Become Better Partners and Dads with Dr. Ben
Send us Fan Mail Why won’t the father of my children step up? For many mothers, that question carries frustration, disappointment, and the exhaustion of feeling like they must manage everything alone. In this episode of The Mommy Pod , Shanta' sits down with Dr. Binyamin “Ben” Rothstein—a retired family physician, father of eight, grandfather, author, and mentor to hundreds of men. Dr. Ben explains how growing up without a healthy male role model can affect a man’s ability to become a loving father and dependable partner. Together, they discuss the importance of a father’s presence, why some men become defensive when their partners express their needs, and how couples can move from constant conflict toward healthier communication. They also explore the difference between encouraging a man and parenting a grown adult, why a difficult upbringing can explain behavior without excusing it, and how women can maintain their standards and boundaries without carrying responsibility for a man’s growth. Dr. Ben believes the relationship between partners should be a dance—not a wrestling match . But a healthy dance requires two willing participants. Connect with Dr. Binyamin Rothstein on LinkedIn and learn more about his book, A Real Man’s Guide to Becoming a Terrific Dad , and his mentoring work with fathers and husbands. Listen, download, and share this episode with a parent who needs this conversation. Because we bend—but we don’t break. Support the show @themommypod
