“Good manners never go out of style. They just evolve — especially when your kids are watching.”

Why This Matters

GQ recently dropped their “125 Rules for the Modern Gentleman (2025)”, a monster list of life lessons for men who want to lead with a mix of style, empathy, and self-respect. But let’s be real, dads operate in a different arena. We’re the ones modeling how to treat people, how to handle chaos, and how to stay decent when the world’s spinning sideways.

So we pulled the rules that hit home hardest for dads: the ones that matter at home, on the sidelines, or in the school pickup line.

GQ’s Modern Gentleman Rules — Dad Day Edition

1. Take out your AirPods when you’re talking to someone.
Muting isn’t the same as being present. When you’re with your kids or your partner, ditch the distractions. Listening is the new flex.

2. Hold the door — no matter who’s behind you.
Courtesy and respect never go out of fashion. Your kids are always watching, and chivalry looks damn good on dads.

3. If you’re walking with someone, don’t be on your phone.
Family walks, school drop-offs, or grocery runs — be the dad who gives his attention, not just his presence.

4. Send thank-you notes.
A handwritten thank-you after a birthday, favor, or playdate stands out. It’s gratitude in ink — and a lost art worth reviving.

5. Never ask why someone’s not drinking.
Respect is the rule, not the exception. Whether it’s a buddy at a cookout or a parent at soccer practice, model what empathy looks like.

6. Teach your kids to introduce people.
When you bring your kid into a conversation, model how to include others. It’s a small move that makes everyone feel seen — from in-laws to teachers.

7. Stay calm when plans fall apart.
Flight delays, rained-out games, broken toys — all opportunities to show patience. Stoicism isn’t cold; it’s leadership under pressure.

8. Dress with intention — even at home.
Effort matters. The goal isn’t vanity; it’s setting the tone. Show your kids that how you present yourself reflects how you feel inside.

9. Offer your seat to someone who needs it.
Pregnant, elderly, or just struggling — stand up. It’s basic decency that builds better humans, one small act at a time.

10. Don’t blast your music or calls in public.
Because the world doesn’t need your playlist or your Bluetooth convo. Teach awareness beyond your own bubble.

The Dad Takeaway

You don’t need 125 rules — just a few you actually live by. These simple, steady habits teach your kids more about character than any lecture ever could. Start small. Hold the door. Say thank you. Stay calm. That’s the real “modern gentleman” playbook.

Credit: Adapted from GQ’s “125 Rules for the Modern Gentleman” (2025). All original ideas and source material belong to GQ. We’ve reimagined a handful for modern dads who want to lead with presence, patience, and style.