In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Todd Davis Sr.—father of a Super Bowl champion and a dynamic motivational speaker—to explore what it truly means to raise resilient, purpose-driven children.

Todd shares deeply personal insights about raising two children with different paths—his son, Todd Davis, and his daughter, whom he calls his “princessy”—while ensuring both felt equally valued, seen, and supported.

The conversation dives into transparent parenting, avoiding comparison, and the importance of affirming children for who they are—not just what they achieve. Todd also challenges parents and educators to rethink how they support young people, especially those not “shining the brightest.”

With powerful metaphors—from chandeliers to slinkies to setbacks—Todd delivers a message rooted in purpose: we are not raising children, we are raising future adults.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, caregivers, and anyone committed to helping every child find their light.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Every child must be raised as an individual, not in comparison to others
• Affirm children for who they are, not just what they achieve
• Avoid projecting your own dreams onto your child’s journey
• Setbacks are opportunities to assess, adjust, and advance
• Parents must balance protection with preparation for independence
• Student-athletes should prioritize academics and life skills beyond sports
• Educators must focus on all students—not just the ones who shine the brightest
• True success is about becoming a whole, grounded human being

🚌 About the Podcast

So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.

As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.

📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com

Website: KrishnaSpates.com

Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.

📬 Connect with Todd Davis Senior

Email: thisiscoachtodd@gmail.com

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thisiscoachtodd

📸 Production Studio

Recorded at 661 Creators Space

Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com

🎼 Music

Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix

Instagram: @mutanixs

Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

Used with permission.

💛 Support the Work

If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.