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You are here: Home / Great Dad Talks podcast / Revolutionizing Education Through School Apps with James Finlen

Revolutionizing Education Through School Apps with James Finlen

February 5, 2024 by Paul Banas

How can parents and educators work together to address the shortcomings of the traditional system and provide a more balanced learning environment for children? What are some effective strategies for helping children to navigate through challenges in the traditional educational system and promoting positive mental health and overall wellness?

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, we had an insightful discussion with James Finlen, an experienced educator and coach. Join us as we delve into the profound wisdom and practical tips offered by James to guide dads in building stronger, more meaningful relationships with their families.

In this episode, you will be able to:

  1. Understand the challenges in the traditional educational system and how to help children see opportunities in their education.
  2. Explore how technology can be used to create tools that positively impact individuals and families.
  3. Learn about the concept of accountability partnerships and setting and achieving personal and professional goals within families.
  4. Gain insights into recognizing strengths, setting high standards, and fostering discipline in children and family dynamics.
  5. Discover ways to promote deeper connections, combat loneliness and isolation, and prioritize intentional and meaningful interactions within families.

Title: Revolutionizing Education Through School Apps with James Finlen

Hello, everyone. I had an incredibly insightful conversation with James Finlen on the latest episode of Great Dad Talks. James is a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience in coaching and educating children. We discussed a variety of topics, including education, the challenges of the traditional educational system, and how to support children to recognize and pursue their talents in a positive way.

Addressing Challenges in Education Today

As an educator, James shared his insights on the challenges faced by children in the traditional educational system. He emphasized the importance of helping children see the opportunities in their daily lives, especially when they struggle to connect with subject matters like algebra. Instead of solely focusing on academic subjects, James provided a fresh perspective by underlining the significance of developing essential life skills such as time management, communication, and self-discipline.

James also highlighted the role of technology in education and delved into the impact of social media on children’s attention. He urged parents to be mindful of how technology influences their children’s lives and recommended the adoption of a proactive approach to instill character, overall wellness, and face-to-face interactions in children.

Key Takeaways and Advice for Dads

During the episode, James shared invaluable advice that resonated deeply with me. Here are some key takeaways and actionable advice for dads based on our conversation:

Recognize and nurture your child’s talents: Treat your children as capable of becoming and identify their talents early. Plant the seed of affirmation and encourage them to explore and develop their gifts.

Intentional communication and affirmation: When providing constructive criticism, look for affirmation first. Recognize something positive before addressing areas that require improvement. This approach can make children more receptive to feedback and empower them to strive for a higher standard.

Connection as a guiding principle: Intentionally strive to foster deeper connections with your children. Consider how you can actively connect with your kids, whether through intentional conversations, shared activities, or finding common ground.

Mindfulness and prayer: Take dedicated time for introspection and set goals for improving your relationship with your family. Whether through prayer, meditation, or reflection, make time to be intentional about your aspirations for parenting and family dynamics.

The Way Forward: Building Stronger Family Bonds

James emphasized the importance of paying attention to our children’s abilities and encouraging them to develop a positive mindset and practical life skills. By fostering deeper connections, maintaining intentional communication, and cultivating a supportive environment, we, as dads, can positively impact our children’s development and well-being.

Conclusion

My conversation with James Finlen was both enlightening and reflective. It reinforced the significance of recognizing and nurturing our children’s unique talents and the virtues of intentional communication and deeper connections within the family unit. As we navigate the challenges of modern parenting and education, let’s keep in mind the power of positivity, affirmation, and purposeful engagement to build stronger family bonds and support our children in their journey of growth and development.

James Finlen

Educator/Coach/Creator, The Gap App

James Finlen is an experienced educator and coach dedicated to helping children thrive in the educational system and beyond. With over 20 years of experience in teaching and coaching, James has developed a passion for guiding students towards recognizing and harnessing their full potential. Through his work, James has identified the need for a more holistic approach to education, one that goes beyond academics to instill essential life skills and foster personal growth.

    GreatDad.com/coaching
    GreatDad.com/pq
    Gratitude course

    50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

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    Filed Under: Great Dad Talks podcast

    About Paul Banas

    Paul Banas is happy married dad of two great kids living in San Francisco. He writes now about kids, new technology and how the two interact for GreatDad.com and for Pregnancy Magazine (pregnancymagazine.com) where he is also the publisher.

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    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

    Decoding Dad’s Mental Load with Zach Watson
    byPaul Banas

    In this episode of Great Dad Talks, guest Zach Watson dives deep into the often-misunderstood topic of “mental load” in modern partnerships and parenting. Zach, known for his educational and relatable takes on invisible labor in relationships, shares how the mental and emotional workload disproportionately impacts women—often in ways that go unrecognized by men.

    Whether you’re struggling with household challenges, feeling disconnected from your partner, or just want to strengthen your role as a dad and partner, this episode is for you. 

    Check out Jim’s website at zachthinkshare.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

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