In the age of endless content, it’s easy for dads to feel overwhelmed by parenting advice, dad hacks, and tips on juggling work and fatherhood. But what if you could get a curated list of the best dad content delivered straight to your inbox?
That’s where dad email newsletters come in. Whether you’re a first-time dad or a seasoned veteran, these top 6 dad email newsletters will keep you informed, entertained, and most importantly, connected to a community of dads just like you.
1. Dad Day
Of course, we’ve got to start with Dad Day! Our weekly newsletter is designed to hit your inbox every Friday morning with a perfect blend of dad wisdom, product recommendations, and dad-centric humor. From tips on staying fit to vacation ideas with the family, Dad Day is your go-to for keeping the dad life exciting. Sign up here.
“Dad Day has been awesome for me, especially on keeping perspective on so many different parenting challenges/stages as a first-time dad. These newsletters help reframe my thinking (and my wife’s; I share it with her as well).” – A Dad Day reader
2. Fatherly
Fatherly’s newsletter covers everything from parenting tips to the latest in dad tech and toys. It’s the modern dad’s guide to navigating the challenges of fatherhood while staying ahead of the curve with practical advice.
3. The Dad
Expect humor, memes, and a real-life take on being a dad. The Dad doesn’t hold back on the challenges but always reminds you to find the funny side of fatherhood.
4. Dude Dad Newsletter
Comedian and DIY dad Taylor Calmus brings you weekly tips and hilarious anecdotes from his life as a dad. You’ll get a mix of DIY projects, dad jokes, and relatable parenting moments.
5. Cool Dad Collective
For dads who want to stay cool while keeping up with dad life, the Cool Dad Collective offers tips on fatherhood, lifestyle, and personal growth with a laid-back vibe.
6. The Good Men Project
Aimed at helping dads explore masculinity in a healthy and modern way, The Good Men Project’s newsletter offers content on relationships, work-life balance, and personal growth.
So, dads, don’t miss out! Subscribe to one (or all) of these newsletters and get the best dad advice delivered straight to your inbox. Start with Dad Day, of course. Sign up here.
Fatherhood is full of challenges—sleepless nights, diaper blowouts, and eventually, the chaos of navigating teenage drama. But one of the greatest challenges (and responsibilities) of being a dad is teaching your kids how to handle life’s ups and downs without losing their cool. That’s where resilience comes in.
Resilience isn’t just about toughing it out. It’s about teaching your kids to adapt, problem-solve, and bounce back when life doesn’t go their way. And as a dad, you’re the one setting the tone. So how do you raise kids who can handle whatever comes their way? Let’s dig into some dad-tested, research-backed strategies.
1. Let Them Fail (and Don’t Freak Out)
What Other Dads Are Doing: When my oldest tried out for his first soccer team, he didn’t make the cut. It crushed him and I wanted to fix it. But instead of swooping in, I let him sit with the disappointment. We talked about what he could work on, and the next year, he made the team.
Why It Works: Research shows that failure is essential for building resilience. Kids who experience setbacks learn how to problem-solve and persevere, rather than relying on someone else to fix things for them.
Dad Strategy: Resist the urge to helicopter. Let your kids experience small failures, like forgetting their homework or losing a game. Then help them reflect on what they learned.
2. Give Them Responsibilities Early
What Other Dads Are Doing: My 8-year-old is the official “trash captain” of the house. It started as a joke, but now it’s his responsibility to take out the trash every week. He grumbled at first, but now he’s proud of owning the task.
Why It Works: Giving kids responsibilities helps them feel capable and builds independence. According to child development experts, chores and responsibilities teach kids accountability and time management.
Dad Strategy: Start small. Assign age-appropriate tasks like feeding the dog, packing their lunch, or folding laundry. Praise their effort, not just the outcome, to build confidence.
3. Model Resilience
What Other Dads Are Doing: Last year, I lost my job. It was a tough moment, but instead of hiding my struggles, I talked to my kids about what I was doing to bounce back—updating my resume, networking, and staying positive.
Why It Works: Kids learn more from what you do than what you say. Modeling resilience shows them how to handle stress, setbacks, and uncertainty.
Dad Strategy: Next time you face a challenge, talk to your kids about it (in an age-appropriate way). Let them see how you problem-solve and stay calm under pressure.
4. Teach Problem-Solving, Not Quick Fixes
What Other Dads Are Doing: When my daughter broke her favorite toy, she immediately came to me for help. Instead of fixing it for her, I gave her some glue and talked her through how to repair it herself.
Why It Works: Teaching kids to solve their own problems gives them the tools they need to handle bigger challenges later. According to psychologists, kids who learn problem-solving early are better equipped to manage stress and setbacks.
Dad Strategy: When your kid comes to you with a problem, ask, “What do you think we should do?” Guide them to a solution instead of handing it to them.
5. Encourage a Growth Mindset
What Other Dads Are Doing: Whenever my son says, “I can’t do this,” I remind him to add “yet” to the end of the sentence. It’s a simple trick, but it shifts his focus from what he can’t do to what he’s working toward.
Why It Works: A growth mindset—the belief that abilities can improve with effort has been shown to increase resilience. Kids who focus on growth are more likely to take on challenges and less likely to fear failure.
Dad Strategy: Celebrate effort over results. Instead of saying, “You’re so smart,” try, “I’m proud of how hard you worked on that.”
6. Build a Strong Support System
What Other Dads Are Doing: We make family dinners non-negotiable. No matter how busy we are, we sit down together, share a meal, and talk about our day.
Why It Works: Resilience isn’t built in isolation. Kids need a strong support system: parents, friends, teachers—to help them navigate life’s challenges.
Dad Strategy: Create regular family traditions, like game nights or Sunday hikes. Encourage your kids to build strong friendships and connect with supportive adults outside the family.
7. Teach Them to Manage Emotions
What Other Dads Are Doing: When my youngest gets upset, we have a “calm down corner” with pillows and coloring books. It’s a place where she can chill out and process her feelings before we talk.
Why It Works: Emotional regulation is a cornerstone of resilience. Kids who learn to identify and manage their emotions are better equipped to handle stress.
Dad Strategy: Teach your kids to name their feelings (“I’m frustrated” or “I’m sad”). Show them healthy ways to cope, like deep breathing or taking a break.
8. Celebrate the Small Wins
What Other Dads Are Doing: When my daughter learned to tie her shoes, we threw a “shoe-tying party.” It was silly, but it made her feel like a champion.
Why It Works: Celebrating small wins builds confidence and reinforces a growth mindset.
Dad Strategy: Acknowledge your kids’ achievements, no matter how small. It’s not about participation trophies—it’s about recognizing effort and progress.
Final Thoughts: Raising Resilient Humans
Resilience isn’t something your kids are born with; it’s something you teach, model, and encourage every day. As a dad, you have the unique opportunity to shape how your kids approach challenges, failures, and successes.
It’s not about shielding them from every hardship; it’s about giving them the tools to navigate life with grit, independence, and a sense of humor. So, go ahead—let them fail, cheer them on, and show them how to get back up.
Because at the end of the day, resilient kids grow up to be strong, capable adults. And isn’t that what we’re all striving for as dads?
Real connection for real dads: no cheesy tips, just the good stuff.
Let’s be honest: nobody hands you a roadmap for fatherhood. Especially when it comes to bonding with your kid. Every stage brings new chaos, new questions, and new chances to build something real.
Whether you’re holding a newborn at 3am or trying to figure out what the heck a “core memory” is, here’s how to bond with your kid at every stage. No pressure, no perfection – just presence.
Baby Phase (0–12 months): The Burrito & The Bassinet
What bonding looks like: Physical closeness, consistent comfort, and a familiar voice.
At this stage, your baby doesn’t care how funny or cool you are. They just want to know you’re there.
Try this:
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Skin-to-skin contact: Yep, it’s not just for moms. Helps regulate their body and builds trust.
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Narrate your day: Talking out loud while doing basic tasks (changing, feeding, walking) helps them associate your voice with safety.
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Get good at swaddling: Be the go-to wrap master. It’s like the dad version of origami.
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Tag in during the night shift: Even if you’re not feeding, you can rock, soothe, and walk laps at 2am.
Dad tip: Your job here is to show up and stay calm. The consistency is the connection.
Toddler Phase (1–2 years): The Wiggle & Whine Years
What bonding looks like: Movement, play, and co-exploring the world.
They’re walking, talking (ish), and testing everything. Including your patience. Bonding means rolling with it.
Try this:
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Turn everything into a game: Getting dressed? Race. Diaper change? Sing. Dinner time? Color countdown forks.
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Match their energy: Even five minutes of wild dancing or block-stacking goes a long way.
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Label emotions: “You’re frustrated because you can’t have the remote” might not fix it, but it builds empathy.
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Say YES more: Yes to puddles. Yes to another “dada look!” Yes to being silly.
Dad tip: You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to join the mess.
Little Kid Phase (3–5 years): The Golden Age of Imagination
What bonding looks like: Pretend play, rituals, and shared routines.
They’ve got big feelings, big imaginations, and they still think you’re the coolest person on earth. Use that.
Try this:
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Get into character: If you’re the dragon, be the dragon. Don’t half-commit.
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Create rituals: Saturday pancakes. Post-bath dance parties. Grocery store missions.
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Let them choose: Give two options for dad time: Park or backyard? Trains or paint?
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Be on their team: Help them navigate “firsts” (first soccer game, first playdate) without overdoing it.
Dad tip: These are the moments they’ll ask you about when they’re grown. Build the memories now.
Big Kid Phase (6–9 years): The “Watch This” Era
What bonding looks like: Shared interests, solo adventures, and showing up (again and again).
They’re forming opinions. Trying new stuff. And yes — they still want you around, even if they act cool about it.
Try this:
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Go on 1:1 outings: Even a walk to get ice cream turns into connection when it’s just the two of you.
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Get into their world: Learn a bit about Minecraft, Pokémon, Beyblades — whatever they love.
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Cheer them on: Celebrate wins, effort, and just showing up. Don’t always coach — sometimes just clap.
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Let them help you: Fixing something? Packing for a trip? Include them.
Dad tip: Now’s the time to build trust before they hit the eye-roll years.
Tween Phase (10–12+ years): The Pull-Away Years
What bonding looks like: Respecting their space, finding common ground, and keeping the door open.
They’re more independent now: but they’re still watching. Still listening. Still need you.
Try this:
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Learn side-by-side: Build something together. Learn a new hobby. Share a project.
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Ask real questions: Skip “how was your day?” Try “what made you laugh today?” or “what was hard?”
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Say less, listen more: Sometimes they just need you in the room — not fixing, not teaching, just present.
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Be the constant: As everything changes around them (school, friends, bodies), be the steady one.
Dad tip: They might not say it, but your presence is grounding them more than you know.
Final Thought:
Bonding doesn’t mean big gestures. It means being there when it’s boring, messy, or beautiful.
It’s built in the car rides, the bedtime books, the post-soccer snack stops. Keep showing up. Keep saying yes. Keep being the dad they’ll always know had their back.
Let’s clear something up real quick: modern fatherhood doesn’t come with a rulebook. There’s no blueprint. No one hands you a checklist when you walk out of the hospital with a baby carrier and that “what now?” look on your face.
And yet, every day you show up. You try. You adjust. You grow.
But if you’re like most dads we talk to, you still wonder:
Am I doing enough? Am I doing it right? Am I screwing this up? Here’s the truth: the fact that you’re even asking those questions puts you ahead of the game. And to prove it, here are 10 signs you’re actually crushing the dad game, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
1. You Show Up, Consistently
Not just physically, but emotionally too. You’re at the soccer game, sure, but you’re also at the dinner table without your phone, in the passenger seat during driving lessons, in the trenches during toddler tantrums.
Showing up doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. It means you’re there when it matters. The data backs it up, too. Kids with actively involved dads have better social, academic, and emotional outcomes. Even if you’re just the guy who builds Legos on the living room floor while answering work emails, you’re there. And that’s huge.
2. You Apologize When You Mess Up
Remember the old-school version of fatherhood where dads never said sorry? Yeah, we’re not doing that anymore.
Modern dads know that modeling humility is way more powerful than pretending to have it all together. You lose your cool, you say something you regret, then you circle back and make it right.
That simple act teaches your kids that mistakes aren’t fatal. They’re fixable. And that it’s safe to own them.
3. You’re Present (Even When You’re Wiped)
You’ve had a long day. Emails, deadlines, traffic, bills. But when your kid asks you to read the same book again or show you their Minecraft world for the 17th time…you say yes.
You engage. Even if it’s brief.
Presence doesn’t mean hours of undivided attention. It means being all there, even for five minutes, when they need you. Quality > quantity.
And yes, it’s hard. But you do it anyway. Because you know those moments, the ones that feel small, are actually the ones that matter most.
4. You Make Them Laugh
Laughter is a parenting superpower. Whether it’s corny dad jokes, funny faces, or your total inability to dance on beat, your kids love it.
If your child associates you with joy, you’ve already won. Because being silly together builds connection. And connection is what carries you through the tough stuff.
So go ahead and embrace the cringe. Be the dad who makes up bedtime raps or does voices for every stuffed animal. You’re not embarrassing them. You’re building memories.
5. You’re Doing the Work (Even If It’s Not Obvious)
You’re learning how to regulate your own emotions better. You’re trying to get in shape. You’re setting boundaries. You’re reading books. You’re listening to podcasts. You’re asking for feedback.
That inner work? It’s invisible to most people, but it makes a visible difference in your home.
You’re growing, not coasting.
And your kids will grow up thinking that’s normal, which is the ultimate win.
6. You Set Boundaries — and Stick to Them
Yes, being a great dad means being available. But it also means saying no to extra work that pulls you away too often, to unnecessary distractions, to things that don’t align with the kind of life you’re building.
Maybe you’ve said no to the late-night scroll and yes to board games. Or no to another drink and yes to the morning walk with your kid.
Boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re guardrails. They help you protect the time, energy, and attention your family deserves.
7. You’ve Started Little Traditions
Whether it’s pizza night, pancake Sundays, or a “secret handshake” before school — the tiny traditions you start now will echo for decades.
You might not think they matter, but kids crave that sense of rhythm and ritual. It grounds them.
You don’t need to plan extravagant trips or life-changing adventures. Just do something consistently and give it a name. That’s all it takes.
8. You’re a Safe Place
Here’s a simple test:
When your kid is scared, hurt, or unsure… do they come to you?
Not because you always have the perfect advice. But because they feel safe. Because they trust that you’ll listen. Because they know they’re loved, no matter what.
If yes, then stop doubting yourself: you’re already the dad they need.
9. You’re Not Afraid to Ask for Help
Whether it’s Googling a rash, texting a buddy for advice, or joining a community like ours, you’ve realized you don’t need to figure it all out alone.
That’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.
And honestly, it’s one of the most underrated parts of modern fatherhood: being vulnerable enough to say, “I don’t know — but I want to learn.”
10. You Still Wonder If You’re Doing Enough
This might be the clearest sign of all.
The dads who don’t care? They don’t think twice.
But the fact that you’re reading this? That you question, worry, and wonder if you’re doing a good job?
That’s proof that you are.
Because fatherhood isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, messing up, growing up, and loving hard.
And if that’s what you’re doing, you’re not just crushing it.
You’re building something that lasts.
Forget the Instagram highlight reels. Forget what your dad or your buddy or the parenting “expert” on TikTok says.
If you’re trying, like really trying to be the kind of dad your kids can count on?
You’re already ahead of the game.
Keep going. They’re watching.
Forgetfulness? Mood swings? That’s not burnout, it’s biology.
If you’ve been walking into rooms and forgetting why you’re there, or tearing up at car commercials, congratulations: your brain’s doing a full system upgrade.
According to research highlighted by Arnold’s Pump Club, becoming a dad literally reshapes your brain. First-time fathers experience a small decrease in gray matter; the brain regions tied to empathy, motivation, and social awareness.
Sounds scary? It’s not. It’s evolution at work.
What Happens to a Dad’s Brain
Scientists call it neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire. When you become a father, your neural network reorganizes itself to help you tune in to your child’s needs.
Think of it like pruning a tree. You’re not losing branches — you’re removing the dead ones so the healthy parts can grow stronger.
That “gray matter drop” isn’t a downgrade. It’s a focus upgrade.
Your brain is literally saying: Forget trivia. Remember your kid’s cry.
The Science of “Dad Focus”
A 2022 study in Cerebral Cortex found that new fathers showed structural brain changes in regions related to empathy, planning, and emotion regulation — the same systems that help you stay calm when your toddler paints the dog.
Other studies show that dads who spend more time with their babies develop stronger connections in areas that process reward and motivation. Translation: the more involved you are, the more your brain wants to be involved.
Why It Matters
Modern dads are carrying more mental load than ever — career, family, health, bills, a fantasy football team on life support. It’s easy to mistake mental fatigue for failure.
But this isn’t burnout.
This is your brain remodeling itself for empathy, focus, and protection.
The “dad fog” is actually your body shifting gears for fatherhood.
You’re not broken — you’re upgrading to Dad 2.0.
How to Support Your New Dad Brain
Here’s how to keep your rewired hardware running smooth:
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Sleep when you can. Lack of rest can short-circuit those new neural pathways.
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Move your body. Exercise boosts dopamine and helps regulate mood.
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Stay connected. Talk to your partner, your buddies, your dad. Social support literally reinforces brain growth.
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Embrace the shift. You’re not “losing” yourself — you’re expanding who you are.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been feeling a little different lately — more emotional, more focused on your kid, less interested in the noise — that’s not a midlife crisis.
That’s your biology doing its best work.
Your brain’s trimming distractions and locking in on what matters most: raising a human.
Welcome to the best version of yourself — the dad-shaped one.
Credit: Research highlighted by Arnold’s Pump Club
Rules tell your kids what to do. Rituals show them who they are.
Most dads confuse the two. We write family rulebooks like amateur dictators: bedtime, screen time, chore charts, toothpaste rules. Then we wonder why our kids obey but don’t belong.
Here’s the truth. Rules build compliance. Rituals build culture.
You don’t remember your dad’s list of dos and don’ts. You remember the Saturday morning pancakes. The handshake before school. The yearly fishing trip where you pretended to catch something other than feelings.
That’s ritual. It’s memory in motion.
The Hidden Power of Rituals
Rituals aren’t sentimental. They’re practical psychology. They turn abstract values into repeatable actions that shape your family’s identity.
Think about it. Every great team, tribe, or tradition runs on ritual. The military has ceremonies. Sports teams have chants. Even startups have their weird little Slack emojis and Friday happy hours. These habits build belonging.
Families aren’t any different. The difference between a house full of chaos and a home with rhythm often comes down to simple, repeated acts that everyone can count on.
When your kids know what we do and why we do it, they don’t just follow rules — they inherit a culture.
Why Rules Fail and Rituals Stick
Rules are rigid. They depend on enforcement. You have to remind, nag, and punish. They work only as long as someone’s watching.
Rituals are different. They’re self-sustaining. They evolve as your kids grow. The meaning deepens over time.
“Be kind” is a rule.
Writing thank-you notes every Sunday is a ritual.
“Work hard” is a rule.
Stacking firewood together every fall is a ritual.
Rules fade when life changes. Rituals adapt. They become anchors — the glue that holds your family together through new schools, new jobs, new seasons. That’s why kids raised in strong ritual-based homes tend to have higher resilience, stronger emotional health, and deeper connection to their parents.
Building Your Own Family Rituals
The good news: you don’t need to reinvent your family. You just need to pick one small thing that repeats — and make it meaningful.
Here’s a framework:
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Pick a moment that already happens.
Bedtime, Sunday breakfast, the walk to school. You’re not adding time; you’re adding intention. -
Make it symbolic.
Maybe it’s lighting a candle before dinner, or saying one good thing that happened that day. Simple, visible, and repeatable. -
Protect it fiercely.
Skip a rule if you have to, but don’t skip the ritual. The consistency is what gives it weight. -
Let it evolve.
Rituals grow with your family. The bedtime story becomes late-night talks. The Saturday pancakes become Sunday hikes. The form changes, the meaning stays.
You don’t need Pinterest-level creativity. You just need to show up.
The Bottom Line
Your kids won’t remember your curfews. They’ll remember how it felt to belong to you. Forget the checklist. Build the connection. Because one day, when they’re raising kids of their own, they won’t quote your rules — they’ll repeat your rituals.
And that’s how your family legacy outlives you.
Every dad has a team. Not a hobby. A team.
You didn’t choose them; you inherited them. Like that old Craftsman toolbox or the back pain that flares up every fall. And every September, you whisper the same lie to yourself: This is our year.
It never is. But that’s not why you watch.
Here’s what your NFL team says about you.
49ers Fans
You believe in systems, sweaters, and winning with precision. You appreciate craftsmanship — in football, in carpentry, in life.
Bears Fans
You’ve been hurt too many times to count, but you keep showing up. Hope is your superpower, beer is your medicine.
Bengals Fans
You waited decades for Joe Burrow and you’re not wasting the moment. You know swagger when you see it. You own at least one piece of orange camo.
Bills Fans
You break tables and hearts. You believe community is built on shared pain and tailgates in blizzards.
Broncos Fans
You’re steady. You talk about the Elway years like they were the good old days — because they were. You trust in mountains, defense, and bourbon.
Browns Fans
You know what rock bottom looks like. You’ve built a vacation home there. You’ve seen heartbreak, hope, and humidity — often in the same quarter.
Buccaneers Fans
You’re here for a good time, not a long rebuild. You like flair, fireworks, and quarterbacks who break the rules.
Cardinals Fans
You’re patient. Too patient. You believe one day it’ll all click — kind of like your Wi-Fi in the desert heat.
Chargers Fans
You’re an optimist, a minimalist, and possibly one of twelve people who actually exist. You love clean uniforms and underdogs.
Chiefs Fans
You know you’re living the dream. Mahomes has made you cocky, but you’ve earned it. You still remember the years when “rebuild” meant pain, not parades.
Colts Fans
You appreciate tradition — Peyton, Polian, the horseshoe. You like your lawns mowed tight and your bourbon neat.
Commanders Fans
You’ve been through name changes, ownership drama, and decades of mediocrity. Yet you stay. You’re basically the embodiment of loyalty through chaos.
Cowboys Fans
You think the 90s were peak civilization. You still call them “America’s Team,” and deep down, you still believe it.
Dolphins Fans
You’re forever chasing 1972. You love pastels, the beach, and convincing yourself that this year’s defense is “sneaky good.”
Eagles Fans
You care too much, yell too loud, and love too hard. You boo because you believe. And that makes you dangerous — and kind of admirable.
Falcons Fans
You’re still haunted by 28–3. You mask your pain with peach cobbler and polite smiles. But inside, you remember.
Giants Fans
You’re a realist. You’ve seen parades and dumpster fires and know life’s somewhere in between. You’ve got thick skin and even thicker nostalgia.
Jaguars Fans
You’re scrappy, hopeful, and a little weird. You believe teal is an attitude, not a color. You’re proof that loyalty doesn’t require success.
Jets Fans
You live in permanent preseason optimism. You’ve mastered disappointment. You could write a self-help book titled Maybe Next Year.
Lions Fans
You believe in suffering with style. Thanksgiving is your Super Bowl. You’ve learned that joy isn’t in winning — it’s in showing up.
Packers Fans
You believe football is religion and Lambeau is the cathedral. You grill in snowstorms and wear cheese like armor.
Panthers Fans
You’re polite, faithful, and just waiting for the day Charlotte becomes a football town again. You believe “Keep Pounding” is a life philosophy.
Patriots Fans
You miss the old dynasty like an ex you still stalk online. You pretend you’ve moved on, but every highlight of Brady still hurts.
Raiders Fans
You live for chaos. You like your football like your life — unpredictable and slightly dangerous. Your loyalty is unmatched. Your wardrobe is black.
Rams Fans
You enjoy nice things — stadiums, uniforms, and quarterbacks who look like they were designed in a lab. You love a good show.
Ravens Fans
You like defense, grit, and proving everyone wrong. You see beauty in a linebacker blitz. You respect toughness over flash.
Saints Fans
You turn loss into music. You tailgate like it’s Mardi Gras because it basically is. You believe resilience is a birthright.
Seahawks Fans
You drink coffee like water and treat noise like an art form. You believe in grit, rain, and redemption.
Steelers Fans
You’re the definition of blue collar pride. You measure respect in Super Bowl rings and calloused hands.
Texans Fans
You’re patient, but the fuse is short. You’ve got faith, barbecue, and an unshakable belief that next year’s draft will fix everything.
Titans Fans
You love country music, strong runs, and underdogs who never quit. You’ll always believe Derrick Henry can carry anything — even your hope.
Vikings Fans
You’re a romantic trapped in a loop of heartbreak. You love the game, the horn, and the heartbreak that comes every January.
Rooting for your team isn’t about wins. It’s about ritual. The Sunday smells, the sound of the broadcast, your kid wearing your old jersey, too big, sleeves rolled.
That’s why you stay loyal. Because football isn’t just a sport. It’s a family heirloom.
Coming home from the first family vacation since becoming a parent, I realized something: I need a vacation from that vacation.
In all seriousness, I have a newfound respect for my mother. Now I understand all the invisible work she did. The planning, the budgeting, the meal prep, the group texts with family about who owes what, keeping the Airbnb clean. A million little things I never thought about during what’s supposed to be a break.
The Best Part
It was all worth it, though.
Watching my boy light up around his older cousin, copying his every move, and doting on his new baby cousin was the highlight.
He danced to live bluegrass, clapped offbeat, and even got a shoutout from the band. We had loud, messy family dinners that turned into wonderful memories.
The Lessons
Every first family trip is a test. You learn what to do and what not to do.
1. Don’t drive 1,200 miles with a toddler.
Madison to Austin with a pit stop in Memphis sounded doable. It wasn’t.
Sixteen months old and strapped into a car seat for hours? No snack or song could fix that. By the end, even my posture was begging for mercy.
2. Make time for your partner.
Money is always tight for this working-class family, and paying for a babysitter felt like a splurge too far. But next time, I’ll carve out a night for just us, even if it means trusting Grandma for a few hours.
3. Let go of the checklist.
Some plans went out the window, and that’s okay. These trips aren’t about crossing things off. They’re about making memories. And in that sense, this one was a win.
The Takeaway
He got scraped up. Bit by a fire ant. Tried to keep up with a six-year-old. I learned patience, flexibility, and that “family vacation” doesn’t mean rest. It means family. But I wouldn’t trade it. Because now I know what to do differently next time, and what’s truly worth the hassle.
“These trips are all about the kids. In that respect, this was a major victory.”
Bob Odenkirk on the One Thing He Misses Most About Fatherhood
Comedian and actor Bob Odenkirk was a guest on Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out podcast, when Birbiglia asked him a deceptively simple question:
“Who are you jealous of?”
Odenkirk didn’t even pause.
“Anyone who still has little kids at home.”
He went on to explain that, during those years, he never had to question what his purpose was; it was his kids.
That answer hit hard. Every dad knows that tug. The mix of exhaustion and magic that comes with small kids running around the house. You dream of peace and quiet… until you get it.
Odenkirk’s not mourning time lost, he’s reminding us what it meant. When your kids are little, purpose isn’t something you chase. It’s something that chases you down the hall yelling, “Dad! Watch this!”
One day, the noise fades. The house gets clean. The coffee stays hot. And you realize… that chaos was the good stuff.
🎧 Full clip via Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out Podcast — listen to it here.
Credit: Mike Birbiglia / Working It Out Podcast. Shared for commentary and reflection.
Happy Friday, gents. A little behind today. Been a whirlwind 24 hours. Thought I pulled a muscle, turns out I was rocking an angry appendix. From school drop-off to emergency surgery in record time. Dad life, man.
Enjoy the weekend, and may your football team not give up 470 yards of offense (looking at you, Steelers). Oh, and keep an eye out for the new Dad Day website dropping soon.
PS: If you’re new here, we mix it up on Fridays with a quick recap from the week and a few extra gems to head into the weekend right.
“Children need models rather than critics.”
Joseph Joubert 
THE DIGEST
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Most Clicked: The Only Arcade Machine You’ll Ever Need
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Best Community Reply: A calm dad teaches more than a perfect one ever could.
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Wisdom of the Week: Fatherhood isn’t a race. Neither is becoming the man you’re meant to be. Some seasons, you’re just trying to make it through the week. Others, you’re building momentum. Stay the course.
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Product of the Week: 1,000 Places to See Before You Die Coffee Table Book
WEEKEND BLUEPRINT
📕 Read: Roughouse Friday: A Memoir – Jaed Coffin
🎧 Listen: The Mindset of the King of the Ocean w/Laird Hamilton
📺 Watch: The State of Kid Birthday Parties
🍔 Eat/Drink: Smoked Shotgun Shells
🩳 Style: Mugsy Cashmere Hoodie (worth the price, comfy as can be)
FROM THE TRENCHES
Topic: Surviving Day Care Germ Season
One dad threw out the question every parent’s asked at some point: “How do you handle the constant wave of daycare germs entering your house or am I just screwed for the next few years?”
The general consensus? You’re not alone and yeah, it’s a rough stretch. Most dads admitted their immune systems took a beating when daycare started, but the good news is: it gets better. Eventually.
A few survival tips from the group:
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Supplements help—things like zinc, vitamin D, elderberry, magnesium, and probiotics all got strong nods.
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Keep cleaning wipes and steamers handy for doorknobs, bottles, and surfaces.
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Wash your hands… a lot. Like, 15-times-a-day a lot.
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And maybe the most reassuring note: your kids’ immune systems come out of it stronger than ever.
Bottom line…expect some colds, maybe a case of Hand Foot Mouth, and a whole lot of Lysol in your life. It’s just a season, but one every parent earns their stripes through.
Get in on the convo. Join the Dad Day Slack Group. It’s free. It’s low-key. And it might be the one group chat that actually adds some value to your week. Just a solid group of dads talking fatherhood, fitness, mindset, business, and more.
Jump in when you want. Lurk if that’s your style. Drop a win, ask a question, or just see what other guys are up to.
GARAGE
Send us what you’re working on
Joseph H. is crushing this sauna project! Nice work. Thanks for sharing.
We want to see your house projects. Send ‘em our way! Just reply to this email.
WEEKEND BURNER
Earn Those Beers
3 Rounds
Work 40 sec, rest 20 sec. Rest 1 min between rounds.
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Burpees
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Jump squats
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Push-ups
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Mountain climbers
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Plank shoulder taps
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Situps
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Alternating Lunges
Click for Spotify Playlist
dad shower thoughts: Bedtime for kids is actually “round one” of Dad’s nightly negotiation skills.