Jay Payleitner

Jay Payleitner
Regular Contributor
Jay Payleitner is a long-time friend who has worked alongside NCF for nearly 30 years—most notably as producer and partner for our Today’s Father radio program, which aired from 1993-2016—and has contributed numerous articles to fathers.com. (See those archived below.)
Jay spent a decade at three Chicago ad agencies writing and producing commercials for airlines, eggs, Kroger, and Corona. He also led the creative team that named SunChips. Turning freelance, Jay spent two decades creating thousands of radio spots, specials, and PSAs for Prison Fellowship, Salvation Army, Red Cross, National Center for Fathering, and others. He served as Executive Director of the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative and speaks nationally on parenting. marriage, and finding your life purpose. Most notably, Jay has written more than 25 books including 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad, 52 Ways to Connect as a Couple, The Newlywed Year, and What If God Wrote Your Bucket List? His books have been translated into ten languages and sold more than one-half million copies. Jay and his high school sweetheart, Rita, live in the Chicago area where they raised five awesome kids, loved on ten foster babies, and are cherishing grandparenthood. There’s much more at jaypayleitner.com.
Recent Articles by Jay Payleitner
A Gift for Your Ten-Year-Old
by Jay Payleitner: When a child learns one of these household maneuvers, they feel like they’ve been invited into the inner circle.
Laugh with Them. Cry with Them.
by Jay Payleitner: When a child reveals a clear emotion, reflect their demeanor back to them. Celebrate with them in their joy or join them in their sorrow.
A Request for Moms: Help Us Make Our Home a Hangout
by Jay Payleitner – The dividends include stronger family relationships, deeper conversations, and peace of mind.
Kids vs. Romance: Connecting with Your Bride
Having kids should not put an end to romance. Actually, just the opposite. Dad and Mom need to be even more intentional about their marriage.
Crush Your Son in Driveway Basketball
by Jay Payleitner – In just a few years, he will beat you. And that victory will be ever-so-sweet because it was earned.
See the Glory
How to Be a Better Dad by Jay Payleitner – Be grateful for each season of fatherhood while you’re in the midst of it.
DAD HAIKUS: Short Poems Honoring Men Who Stand Tall
Jay Payleitner sent us a bunch of dad haikus to help you celebrate your role as a dad and give you some food for thought.
Dads: Give Noogies
by Jay Payleitner – The joy of being a dad should overflow into making physical connections with sons and daughters at every age and stage.
Doors Opened Early: A Charlie Brown Christmas Pageant
“I set my sights on the role of Linus and did something I had never done before…” Jay Payleitner tells a story with an insight for dads.
COVID Cabin Fever? 10 Ways to Connect with Your Kids
Taking advantage of this time to engage your kids in a new way should be considered a great victory. Here are some unexpected ways to connect with your kids.