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
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.
Laugh with Them. Cry with Them.
When our kids come to us with emotional news, why do we often reflect the opposite emotion back to them?
Great and Unexpected Things
Shakespeare wrote, “It is a wise father who knows his own child.” Knowledge of the gifts, talents, hopes and dreams of your child is the first step …
Kids vs. Romance: Connecting with Your Bride
by Jay Payleitner One of the oldest running jokes in the world is how kids put a halt to romance. And believe me, I...
Surprise Your Kids!
by Jay Payleitner Once again, this week we’re featuring a chapter from It’s Great Being a Dad—written by three...
Store Up Genius Points as a Dad
by Jay Payleitner As my beloved Cubs surprisingly chase a playoff spot, my mind drifts back to a summer day at...
Father’s Day: One of the BEST Ways to Spend the Day
by Jay Payleitner So, dad, how did you do on Mother’s Day? Did you honor your bride? Did you remember to nudge your...
Know When to Pick Your Battles, Dad
by Jay Payleitner Our kids were not fussy eaters. But one of them really, really didn’t like asparagus. Actually, none...
Make Sure Your Kids Have Some Mad Skills
This week we're featuring a guest blog from Jay Payleitner—a best-selling author, speaker, and good friend of the...
Daddy-Daughter Date Ideas for Committed Dads
Jay Payleitner on connecting with daughters: You can’t force deep, meaningful, life-changing conversations. But if you keep showing up … they’ll happen. And you’ll be glad you were there.