• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Because dads don’t always think like moms™

  • Dad
    • Celebrities
    • Gay Dads
    • Sex
    • Single Dads
  • Pregnancy
    • Labor or Delivery
    • Pregnant Wife
  • Baby
    • Baby Naming
    • Feeding
    • Sleep
    • Toilet Training
  • Kids
  • Teens
  • Activities
    • Local
    • By Age
    • Movie Reviews
    • Celebrations
  • Toys
    • We Recommend
    • Toys
  • Coaching for Dads
  • Great Dad Talks Podcast
You are here: Home / Dad / Five minutes with Doug Ingersoll

Five minutes with Doug Ingersoll

February 20, 2009 by GreatDad Writers Leave a Comment

 Doug Ingersoll has written several books on parenting, including The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Walt Disney World (2008 Edition published September 4, 2007, 2009 Edition published September 2, 2008, 2010 Edition publishing September 2009) and Plan Your Walt Disney World Vacation In No Time (August 13, 2005 ).

He talks about his
experiences.

What is the one thing you think parents should know about your work?
It is written to help first time visitors prepare for a Walt Disney World vacation. The focus of the book is to make planning quick and easy for the novice, knowing that most of us have a day job, and it is not planning a Disney World vacation! My love for sharing Disney advice spans beyond my books; I am also the only dad on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel – www.disneyworldmoms.com , an online resource for planning Walt Disney World vacations.
 
What are your feelings about the role of the father in child development?
I think that fathers need to be full partners in the development of their children. Not just because it is their responsibility, but because I believe that we raise healthier children when they see how all the adults in their lives need to, and want to, play a role in their lives.
 
What is the best thing dads can do in the raising of their children?
Let them see you doing your share. I want my girls to know that I am not just there for the fun times, but that I am there to push the vacuum cleaner, to change the laundry, and to do the dishes. I want my daughters to know that their mother and I are partners in life, in all ways, so that they will seek out someone that will treat them as equals as well.
 
What is the biggest error dads can make in raising their children?
I think we all (and yes, I include myself) are guilty of hundreds of little judgment errors that can cause bigger problems down the road. A radar detector in the car tells kids that something is wrong only if they get caught. Joking with your wife about the appearance of someone at the store tells them that we judge books by their covers. Your question asks what the biggest error is, and I think that this myriad of little errors is exactly that. Not just because they cause so many problems, but because with just a little effort we could avoid them.
 
It’s been said that the greatest regret aging men have is that they didn’t spend more time with their kids. How do you feel about that statement?
Being a dad who started a bit later in life (first child at 39); I am well aware of the saying. From day 1 I made sure that I was able to be as involved with my children’s lives as possible. I leave work at 4:59 every day. I don’t get to the golf course more than 1 or 2 times a year. Sure, I am not zooming up the corporate ladder, and my handicap is not exactly PGA-ready, but those are games, and my kids are my life.
 
Every generation worries that their kids aren’t strong enough to handle the real world. Do you feel kids need to be “toughened up” by experiencing rough times?
Yes. My mom has a theory that every high school age student should have to spend one summer each working jobs that are; a) reliant on tips; b) dealing with customers in a retail setting, and, if possible; c) in some job requiring physical labor. This will help them develop an appreciation and respect for the people who wait on them, and the work that they do. I think that this, paired with an active parenting plan about teaching them skills in managing money and the value of money are essential to preparing them for the realities of the world they will someday enter.

Or conversely, do you think kids need to be smothered with love to give them storehouse of good feelings with which to deal with the inevitable challenges of life in the real world?
Self esteem and parental support is essential to developing a well-rounded, emotionally stable adult. I want my kids to know that they will always have Mom and Dad there as a safety net, both economically and emotionally. At the same time, however, I don’t want to raise spoiled brats who need to be patted on the back for everything little thing they do. They need to know that you do the right thing not for the rewards that may come, but just because it is the right thing.

Filed Under: Dad

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks
Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

149. Winning College Applications with Hamada Zahawi
byPaul Banas

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, I sit down with admissions expert Hamada Zahawi to discuss everything parents and students need to know about getting into great colleges and universities. Whether you’re aiming for undergraduate, business, or law school, Hamada shares honest, practical advice on navigating the admissions process, finding financial aid, crafting compelling essays, and the power of authentic storytelling.

Check out Hamada’s website at writetrackadmissions.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

– GreatDad.com/coaching 

– GreatDad.com/pq 

– Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC  

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

149. Winning College Applications with Hamada Zahawi
149. Winning College Applications with Hamada Zahawi
June 10, 2025
Paul Banas
148. Healing Generational Trauma with Dr. Sasha Reiisi
June 3, 2025
Paul Banas
147. Discovering Dad’s Purpose with Adam Landrum
May 27, 2025
Paul Banas
146. Balancing Business and Family with Dr. Travis Parry
May 20, 2025
Paul Banas
145. Understanding Children’s Emotional Needs with Dr. David Marcus
May 13, 2025
Paul Banas
144. Exploring Mindful Fatherhood with Odeani Mc Bean
May 6, 2025
Paul Banas
143. Overcoming Dad Burnout with Scott Anderson
April 29, 2025
Paul Banas
142. Building Resilient Kids with Dr. Richard Oelberger
April 24, 2025
Paul Banas
141. Exploring Men’s Sexual Health with Dr. Elliot Justin
April 22, 2025
Paul Banas
140. Instilling Values and Financial Literacy with Barclay Roper
April 15, 2025
Paul Banas
Search Results placeholder

More to See

Balancing Business and Family with Dr. Travis Parry

May 20, 2025 By Paul Banas

Understanding Children’s Emotional Needs with Dr. David Marcus

May 21, 2025 By Paul Banas

Copyright © 2025 . GreatDad