Connected Dad offers Christian fathers a guide to calm, confidence and deeper connection with their kids

In this interview we hear how, with honesty and practical advice, Dr John Greenall’s new book helps fathers move beyond pressure and perfectionism to build real connection, confidence and faith at home

Dr John Greenall is a Consultant Paediatrician, ICF-certified coach, Christian leader and father of four, with over 20 years’ experience working with children, young people and families. He is the author of Connected Dad: Becoming the Father Your Child Needs, helping fathers grow in calm, confidence and connection with their children. John previously served for nine years as Associate CEO of the Christian Medical Fellowship and continues to speak, mentor and train Christian leaders. He lives in London with his wife and family.

What inspired Connected Dad and what are you hoping it will do for fathers?

Connected Dad is about helping dads build and grow relationships with their children right in the middle of ordinary life. Dads today are more involved in family life than ever before, but they’re also facing a lot of mixed messages: “be present and emotionally available, but also provide for the family; stay strong but also be gentle.” Many dads feel this pressure and strain, especially with work, neurodiversity, managing screens, and sometimes also feeling pushed to the edge of family life. I wrote the book not as a parenting expert with all the answers, but as a companion who’s walked this road too. As a doctor, I share what we know about child development, and as a dad, I’ve listened to hundreds, even thousands, of fathers. I wanted the book to offer practical next steps and encouragement.

The book is structured around three movements: calm, confidence, and connection. Calm is about how we set the emotional temperature at home, especially when things get stressful. Confidence is recognising that as dads, we are needed and have unique resources to offer our families. Connection is about staying relationally close, even through conflict, screens, or parenting differences. It’s not about being a perfect dad, but about being present, learning, and growing in confidence.

How do calm, confidence, and connection relate to one another?

They’re strongly linked. It’s very hard to connect with your children if you’re ……