Give 'em something to copy

Sep 17, 2025

📕 DAD WISDOM

A Life Worth Copying

I came across a video recently that hit me hard: our kids don’t need more gifts, toys, or activities on the calendar. What they really need is to see us living a life worth copying.

They’re always watching, even when we don’t think they are. They pick up on how we treat people, our exercise habits, how we love our partner, and how we respond when things get tough. They notice whether we’re pursuing goals or just coasting.

The point wasn’t “do more for your kids.” It was “be more in front of your kids.” Show them what healthy boundaries look like. Show them what it means to chase something worthwhile. Show them what real love looks like in action.

More than anything, they’re watching us. Let’s give them something worth imitating.

RAD DAD

Arthur Brooks

Photo via TedTalks

Arthur Brooks: Harvard professor, bestselling author, and happiness researcher has built a career studying what makes life meaningful. But when it comes to fatherhood, he’ll tell you the real lab is at home with his three sons.

Brooks doesn’t sugarcoat it: parenting is hard. His north star? Warmth and love. “When you don’t know what to do, be warm and loving,” he says. Forget being the drill sergeant or the helicopter parent. What kids need most, especially when they’re at their most brattish, is unconditional love and a steady example.

He’s quick to remind dads that sacrifice isn’t just part of the job—it’s part of the joy. “Sacrificing for your kids makes fathers happier,” Brooks says. And for him, the biggest investment isn’t in grades or accolades, but in shaping kind, resilient humans who know they’re loved.

Or as he puts it: “If your relationship with your family is unhappy, no other achievement will compensate for it. Make family your foremost happiness portfolio.”

We featured this video from Arthur last week on, ‘Why You Need to Be Bored.’

DAD TOYS

Keep Your Coffee Hot

If you’re the type who reheats your coffee three times before finishing it, this one’s for you. The VOBAGA Coffee Mug Warmer sits on your desk, keeps your cup hot with three temp settings, and even shuts off automatically so you don’t fry your mug. Peak dad move.

Get it here for $25 bucks.

🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE EYING UP

» Loog Pro 6 Acoustic Guitar for Kids

» Shark StainStriker Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner

» Seager Branded Flapjack Orange (for those chilly mornings)

DAD BOD

Pick a Time & Stick to It

dumb and dumber time GIF

The biggest fitness hack isn’t a new program; it’s picking a time to work out and sticking to it. When exercise becomes part of your daily rhythm, it’s way easier to stay consistent.

3 ways to make it happen:

Pick your window: Morning, lunch, or after bedtime — choose a slot that actually works for your life.
Treat it like a meeting: Put it on the calendar. Non-negotiable.
Build family buy-in: Let your crew know this is your time. Consistency makes it easier for everyone.

Find your window. Guard it. Stick with it.

» Dad Day Slack Group
The Slack crew keeps growing, and it’s been awesome to see dads chiming in. Case in point: I had a sports situation pop up with one of my kids this week, threw it in the channel, and got instant feedback that put my mind at ease. It’s very much an async vibe. No pressure, just jump in when you want. If you’re looking to connect with other dads in similar trenches, join us here. It’s free, no catch. Just fill out a quick form so we know you’re real.

» New Website
The new site is almost ready to roll, and it’s shaping up to be the real deal. The goal? Make Dad Day the go-to resource for dads. We’re looking for contributors — wisdom, gear recs, cooking, parenting hacks, whatever you’ve got. If you want in, reply to this email. The more voices, the better.

» Fall Challenge
Still time to jump in. Doesn’t matter if it’s a 5K, half marathon, or something totally different—just pick a goal, circle it on the calendar, and start moving toward it. We’ve partnered with Runna to make it stupid simple: get a free 2-week trial with code DADDAY. The app builds your plan, syncs to your watch, and keeps you honest. Already signed up? DM us at @daddayrunclub so we can get you on the feed.