Involved Dads: A Predator's Worst Fear | Kevin Cronister (part 3)

EP 12. What if one of the strongest protections your child has is simply… an involved dad? After interviewing more than 100 pedophiles, ICAC investigator Kevin Cronister uncovered a striking pattern: predators routinely avoid kids who have present, emotionally available father figures. We break down why, learn how a dad’s presence disrupts grooming from the very first step, plus simple everyday ways dads, grandpas, uncles, coaches, and other trusted men can strengthen a child’s sense of safety and connection.

What if one of the strongest protections your child has is simply… an involved dad?

After interviewing more than 100 pedophiles, ICAC investigator Kevin Cronister uncovered a striking pattern: predators routinely avoid kids who have present, emotionally available father figures.

In today’s episode, we break down why this matters, what Kevin’s undercover work has revealed, and how dads, grandpas, uncles, coaches, and other trusted men can deepen connection in small but powerful ways that strengthen a child’s safety.

This conversation is filled with hope—and such an important reminder that protection doesn’t require perfection… just presence.

Let’s dive in.

What This Episode Helps You Answer

• Why predators avoid kids with strong, involved dads

• The emotional dynamics predators look for when selecting victims

• How a father figure disrupts grooming from the very first step

• Simple, everyday ways dads can show up and stay emotionally available

• How other trusted men can fill this protective role when a father isn’t present

Rooted in Scripture

Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children. Instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Today’s discussion is a beautiful reflection of this call: showing up with love, presence, and connection.

Why Involved Dads Are a Predator’s Worst Fear

Kevin shares a shocking—but consistent—theme from spending years interviewing pedophiles and infiltrating offender communities: Predators overwhelmingly avoid children who have strong, positive relationships with their fathers or father figures.

Why? Because predators are looking for the easiest possible target. And a watchful, emotionally present dad is a threat they want no part of.

Kevin explains that predators assume:

• A dad is more likely to notice red flags quickly

• A dad is more willing to step in early, ask hard questions, or take action

• A dad’s protective instincts make it harder to isolate the child
  
  

If a child speaks positively about their dad—or even mentions him at all—predators often walk away immediately. This insight alone is a game-changer for parents.

How a Father’s Presence Breaks the Grooming Process

Grooming begins with trust-building—the offender trying to become the “fun,” emotionally connected adult in the child’s life. But if a dad already is that person? There’s no opening for the predator.

Kevin explains that:

• Kids with strong dad relationships share more openly

• They are quicker to voice discomfort

• They have a built-in adult they turn to when something feels off

• Predators fear the father stepping in and stopping communication

In other words: An involved dad disrupts grooming at Step 1.

Practical Ways Dads Can Strengthen Connection

Kevin reminds us: it’s not about perfection—it's about consistent presence.

Here are simple, powerful habits dads can use to build trust and emotional availability:

• Bedtime check-ins: Even a 2–3 minute “Anything you want to talk about?”

• Short dad–child outings: Coffee dates, quick card games, or small traditions

• Daily emotional touchpoints: “How did that make you feel?” “Tell me more.”

• Open-door conversations: Making it clear every topic is safe

• Showing warmth: Kindness, prayer together, a hug, a “I’m here if you need me”
  
  

These don’t need to be big moments.

Kids remember the small things—often more than we realize.

When a Father Isn’t Present—Who Can Fill the Gap?

Not every child has an active father in their life.

But Kevin emphasizes that any emotionally available, protective male figure can fill this crucial role.

This could be:

• A grandfather

• An uncle

• A stepdad

• A coach

• A trusted teacher

• A mentor

• A friend’s dad
  
  

Predators are deterred by the presence of a strong man in a child’s world—not just biological fathers.

SAFE Framework Takeaway

S — See the Risk Clearly:
Predators purposely avoid children with strong father figures.

A — Anchor in God’s Truth:
Fathers are called to love, protect, and guide their children.

F — Focus on One Simple Action:
Dads: find one small daily way to be emotionally available.

E — Empower Your Family:
Kids feel safer and more confident when a trusted man shows consistency and presence.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Kids Digital Health Hub: www.kidsdigitalhealthhub.com
• Screen Guardians Podcast: Kevin’s podcast offering deeper case breakdowns and digital safety insights.

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About the Host, Sarah Panus

Sarah Panus is a Christian mom, the host of KEEP KIDS SAFE and Marketing With Empathy® (top 5% podcast globally), owner of the content marketing consulting company Kindred Speak, and a passionate advocate for protecting children. She’s on a mission to equip Christian parents with hope-filled, practical ways to keep kids safe in today’s world.

She lives in Minnesota with her husband, two kids, and Golden Retriever.