I can’t believe I’m even writing this. Seven years ago, I was holding a newborn and wondering how anyone does this whole “dad” thing. Now, my wife and I are getting ready for our third. It goes fast.
Everyone tells you that, but you never really believe it until you look up and realize your baby is riding a bike, correcting your grammar, or asking questions that make you pause before answering.
Seven years in, here’s what I know for sure.
1. It Goes Way Too Fast
You blink and they’ve changed. The nights feel long, but the years? They vanish. I still remember thinking I’d never sleep again, that my life was permanently on pause.
But now my seven-year-old is sixty pounds and half my height, and I honestly don’t know when the last time I carried him was. No one ever tells you when the last backyard game with your neighborhood crew happens. It’s the same with holding your kids. One day it’s just… the last time, and you don’t realize it until much later.
Don’t rush through the hard parts. Don’t wish for the next stage. Soak in the one you’re in, even if it’s messy, loud, and exhausting. Because it’s quietly slipping away while you’re busy trying to survive it.
2. Kids Are Amazing Teachers
I thought parenting was about what I would teach them. Turns out, it’s the opposite. Kids are little mirrors. They reflect your best traits and your worst habits. They remind you to slow down, to laugh at dumb jokes, to actually watch the sunset instead of just snapping a picture of it.
They’ll humble you, test you, and somehow make you better without ever saying a word.
3. Change Comes From Wanting, Not Needing
I’ve changed, not because I was forced to, but because I wanted to. Kids don’t demand perfection. They demand presence (a lot of it). And that quietly forces you to grow up in the best way possible.
I care more about patience now (and the pursuit of it). About legacy. About how I show up. Parenthood doesn’t rewrite who you are; it refines it.
4. The Connection Takes Time
It took me until my kids were around two to feel like a real dad. The love was always there, but the connection changed. At first, it’s survival mode. You’re tired, confused, and mostly wondering if you’re doing any of it right. But then one day, they say “Daddy,” or reach for your hand, or tell you they love you out of nowhere, and it clicks.
It’s not instant for everyone, and that’s okay. The bond grows with time, not just proximity.
5. Some Days Are Really Hard
There are days when parenting feels like the heaviest weight in the world. You’ll lose your patience, question yourself, and wonder what happened to the version of life that felt simpler. And that’s normal. Sometimes I look back at life before kids, not out of regret, but curiosity. Who was that guy who had time to think, sleep, and shower in peace?
Here’s the truth: life didn’t get easier, but it did get richer. Every hard day is still a day with your kid in it. That perspective helps.
6. Take a Breath. They’re Clueless.
Kids don’t know what they don’t know. They’re figuring it out as they go, just like we are. When they spill, cry, lie, or melt down, it’s not personal. It’s human.
Take a breath. Remember they’re learning how to be people. And we’re learning how to be parents. Grace goes both ways.
7. It’s an Honor
Parenting isn’t just a job. It’s an honor. We get to shape these tiny humans. We get to model how to love, how to fail, how to get back up. That’s heavy, sure, but it’s also incredible.
Our kids won’t remember every toy or trip. They’ll remember how we made them feel. That’s the real work.
The Takeaway
Seven years in, I don’t have all the answers. Some days I feel like I’m crushing it; others, like I’m one tantrum away from a breakdown.
But I do know this: fatherhood isn’t about being perfect. It’s about wanting to be the best dad you can be. So take the photo. Read the book twice. Be the calm in the storm.
It’s going fast. Don’t miss the good stuff trying to get to the next thing. Easier said than done, but definitely something to strive for.
Legendary snowboarder Jeremy Jones returns to Tahoe, but this time he’s not chasing first descents. He’s watching his kids drop into them. Jones Family Day is a masterclass in legacy, risk, and raising kids who catch your passion instead of your fear.
Watch the Video
Video courtesy of Jeremy Jones and Teton Gravity Research.
The Big Idea
For Jones, snowboarding has always been sacred — equal parts freedom, fear, and focus. But this time, the stakes feel higher. Watching your kids chase the same high you did is a different kind of adrenaline.
He admits it’s harder to watch than to ride. Every turn they take tests his trust — in their skills, in his parenting, in the lessons buried under decades of powder and risk.
The clip isn’t just about big mountain lines; it’s about the narrow ones we walk as parents. Protect or let go? Push or pull back? Jones’ answer is pure wisdom: teach them well, then step aside and let them ride.
The Takeaway
Jeremy Jones’ latest chapter isn’t just about conquering peaks, it’s about connection. Your kids don’t need to copy your path. They just need to see you living it fully so they’ll have the courage to find their own.
When the weather drops and the kids are finally in bed, there’s nothing better than sinking into the couch and pulling up a solid blanket. Not your old college fleece. Not your kid’s Spider-Man throw. A real blanket that looks as good as it feels.
Enter the Costco x Pendleton Reversible Throw, a collab we didn’t see coming but are glad exists.
The Build: Comfort Meets Design
This throw hits the balance between comfort and style.
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Reversible design with a different Pendleton pattern on each side
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Luxuriously soft 100% polyester for year-round comfort
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Faux suede binding for a clean, premium finish
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600 GSM weight gives it a nice, hefty feel without overheating
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Dimensions: 50″ × 70″, big enough for naps or the couch
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Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
According to Costco’s official listing, the blanket is made in China as part of the brand’s collaboration line, keeping the Pendleton look at a wallet-friendly price.
Style Meets Legacy
Pendleton has been in the blanket game for over 150 years, known for bold patterns and heirloom-quality wool. Their classic wool versions sell for $200–$300 at Pendleton USA.
The Costco collab swaps wool for soft, durable polyester, making it easier to use every day. As one Reddit dad put it:
“They’re big and cozy. And super inexpensive.” — r/Costco
You’re not buying a museum piece. You’re buying a blanket that can handle real life.
Why It Works for Dads
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Every-season comfort. Warm enough for winter, light enough for summer nights.
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Kid and pet proof. Polyester means no dry cleaning. Wash it, dry it, move on.
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Heritage design. Classic Pendleton patterns that look good anywhere.
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Costco pricing. Style and quality without the markup.
A Few Honest Caveats
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It’s not wool, so don’t expect heirloom quality.
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Made in China, not Pendleton’s Oregon mills.
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Limited drops. These blankets sell out fast, so grab one when you can (Costco Fan Blog).
The Dad Verdict
If you like comfort with a little class, this is a solid buy. It looks good, feels great, and won’t make you panic if the toddler spills juice on it.
Price: Around $24.99 at Costco. Deliverly available.
Bottom line: The Costco x Pendleton Throw is practical, stylish, and built to survive actual family life.
“The first marathon broke me. The second one built me. The third might finally make me fast.”
The Honest Start
I ran my first marathon at 26. I didn’t even like running. I was doing CrossFit at the time and figured I could just power through. Spoiler: mile 18 disagreed. I finished in about four hours, which sounds respectable until you realize I could barely walk for a week. Fever. Cramps. Knees that sounded like bubble wrap. I told myself I’d never do it again.
The Return
Nine years later, at 35, I changed my mind. Maybe it was a midlife tune-up. Maybe it was ego. Maybe I just wanted to prove to myself I could do it the right way — with real training. That race? A 3:20. A full 40 minutes faster. Still painful, but not apocalyptic.
Why It Stuck
Here’s the thing. I still don’t consider myself a runner. I’m not chasing a runner’s high or posting my splits on Strava. But I’ve never once felt worse morally after a run.
Running doesn’t fix life, but it makes everything else easier to handle. It’s therapy in motion — cheap, quiet, and brutally honest.
At 41, I’m chasing the elusive three-hour marathon. Not because I think I’ll win anything. But because I need something that demands discipline, consistency, and a reason to keep moving.
Why Marathon Training Works (Even If You Don’t Care About Marathons)
Marathon training isn’t about mileage. It’s about commitment. You sign up for something that’s far enough away to scare you but close enough to keep you accountable. And that’s the magic. You start to show up. You start eating better. You sleep more. You stop skipping the small stuff because it all adds up. It’s a physical goal that rewires your mental life.
Even if you never line up for 26.2 miles, training for something — anything — gives you purpose.
How Runna Fits In
When I decided to chase sub-3, I knew I needed structure. Enter Runna — the app that basically acts as your coach in your pocket.
Here’s what it does:
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Builds a custom training plan based on your goal and current fitness level.
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Syncs with Garmin, Apple Watch, and Strava automatically.
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Adjusts workouts week-to-week based on your progress.
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Tells you exactly what paces to hit, how to recover, and when to rest.
It’s like having a running coach who never cancels or asks how much you squat. For dads who already have jobs, kids, and chaos, Runna removes the guesswork. You just open the app, press start, and go. And if you need an extra nudge, Runna’s giving Dad Day readers two free weeks with code DADDAY.
Try Runna Free for 2 Weeks (Code: DADDAY)
The Dad Takeaway
Marathon training isn’t about the race. It’s about the version of yourself you meet while preparing for it. You don’t have to love running. You just have to keep showing up. Whether your goal is three hours, three miles, or just staying sane, the finish line doesn’t matter. The training does.
“You don’t have to be a runner. You just have to start.”
Imagine your kid turning 18 and already having a retirement account — one you opened before they could walk. That’s not a fantasy. That’s FutureMoney. They’re the first company to offer a Junior Roth IRA, a tax-free investment account that grows with your kid from day one.
The Big Idea
Phil Barrar, founder and CEO of FutureMoney, joined us in the Dad Lab to talk about something every dad cares about: giving your kids a financial head start.
Because here’s the stat that should make every parent perk up: 80% of parents believe kids should have a retirement account from birth.
Now they can.
The Problem
Parents have always wanted to save for their kids, but the system made it messy.
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529 Plans: Great if your kid goes to college. Not so great if they don’t.
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UTMA/UGMA Accounts: In your kid’s name… which means they control the cash at 18 (good luck with that).
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Taxable Brokerage Accounts: Flexible, sure. But zero tax advantages.
Until now, there wasn’t a clean, parent-controlled, tax-efficient way to build long-term wealth for your kid.
The Solution: The Junior Roth IRA
FutureMoney’s Junior Roth IRA changes the game.
It’s a hybrid between a cash account and a 529 plan that automatically converts into a Roth IRA when your child reaches adulthood.
Key perks:
- No earned income requirement — anyone can contribute.
- Tax-free growth — compound interest working from day one.
- Withdrawals for major milestones like a home down payment.
- Penalty-free access to contributions anytime.
That’s real generational wealth-building, not handouts, not hype. Just smart compounding and modern tax code working in your favor.
Bonus: The Custodial Roth IRA
For older kids with “earned income” (babysitting, lawn care, family chores, etc.), FutureMoney also offers a Custodial Roth IRA with higher contribution limits and tools to help parents properly document that income.
Translation: your kid can start learning the earn → invest → grow loop before middle school.
Quick Note: The $1,000 “Trump Account”
Separately from FutureMoney, the federal government recently approved a $1,000 “Trump Account” program for babies born between 2025 and 2028. Each eligible newborn will receive a one-time $1,000 deposit from the government — a national “baby wealth starter” meant to kick off lifelong saving.
FutureMoney’s Junior Roth IRA is independent of that program, but the two can work side-by-side to supercharge your child’s financial foundation.
The Dad Takeaway
You don’t have to be rich to give your kid a rich future. You just need to start early and use the right tools. FutureMoney makes that simple, and they’re the first to make it possible from birth.
So yeah, you can keep buying toys that end up in the garage…or you can open an account that could fund their first home or even their retirement.
Your move, Dad.
📥 Get started with FutureMoney: futuremoney.co
💸 USE CODE: DADGOOD for $50 funded.
Bonus:
Watch Phil Barrar, founder and CEO of FutureMoney below.
YETI just dropped a Can Crusher, and it’s already sold out. At $125, this all-metal beast promises to outlive your grill, your garage, and probably your grandkids. Here’s why dads everywhere are hitting “Notify Me” instead of laughing it off.
The Big Idea
You know that moment at the end of a backyard beer session when the recycling bin is overflowing, cans are stacked like Jenga pieces, and you’re thinking, “There has to be a better way.” YETI heard you. The new YETI Can Crusher isn’t just a gadget. It’s a flex. Made of cast aluminum, branded clean and bold, and engineered to crush cans with the kind of overbuilt precision you’d expect from a company that builds coolers tougher than a grizzly’s jaw.
They call it “YETI-exclusive.” Translation: you won’t find it next to the $12 versions that bend after two weeks. This is the kind of tool that belongs next to your smoker, not buried in a junk drawer.
Curated screenshots from Yeti.com
The Process
1. The Design
Minimalist, industrial, and unapologetically YETI. Brushed aluminum finish, ergonomic handle, and that iconic YETI logo dead center because even your recycling setup should look premium.
2. The Build
All-metal construction. Wall-mounted. Built for one-handed crushing and lifetime bragging rights. You’re not just pressing aluminum. You’re asserting dominance over waste management.
3. The Price
Yeah, it’s $125. But so was your first YETI tumbler collection, remember? It’s not just a crusher. It’s a statement piece.
The Sauce
YETI didn’t over-engineer this because they had to. They did it because they could. It’s that classic YETI philosophy: take something ordinary, make it absurdly durable, then dare you not to want it.
“A can crusher that looks like it belongs on a battleship, because why settle for less?”
Dad Day Takeaway
Is $125 a lot for a can crusher? Absolutely. But for dads who believe anything worth doing is worth overdoing, this is the only one worth waiting for.
YETI Can Crusher. Built for dads who don’t do flimsy.
**Curated screenshots from Yeti.com
Meet Sean
Sean Nguyen wears a lot of hats: commercial floor slinger by day, community fish club driver by night, and full-time dad all the time.
He’s raising two kids, ages 20 months and 4, while keeping up with work, family, and a few pre-dawn surf sessions. Somehow, he makes it all work — and still finds time to chase redfish after hours.
The Hard Part
For Sean, time is everything.
“Being present is a non-negotiable promise I made the day my daughter was born. Life moves fast. Work, goals, family—it all blurs if you let it. I used to chase every opportunity like there was a finish line. Now, success means being in the moment, not just moving through it.”
That lesson sits at the core of everything he does. He’s not chasing hustle culture; he’s chasing presence.
The Reward
It’s not the big milestones that hit hardest. It’s the little wins.
“Seeing my kids grow, learn, and light up. That’s the good stuff.”
Lessons Learned
Sean keeps it simple:
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Listen to your wife.
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Know your baby gear.
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And for the love of fatherhood, a swaddle is not a bib.
Advice That Stuck
“One day your kids will tell stories about their dad. Make sure they’ve got something good to say.”
That one line hits like a mission statement for modern fatherhood.
A Day in the Life
The Nguyen house runs on discipline and caffeine. Sean’s up at 5 a.m. for some light training and time with his Rottie before the day kicks off. Coffee brews while he makes lunches and breakfast as his wife gets the kids ready.
Depending on the schedule, they tag-team drop-offs, then it’s go time. Sean spends the day building community, running the Fish Club, and chasing small wins. Afternoons are family-only. Once the kids are down for the night, he hits the gym, clears his head, then resets for the next round.
Balance Is a Team Sport
Sean’s secret weapon is simple: a shared calendar and honest communication.
“When everything hits at once, I step back, rank what matters, and tag-team with my wife. Communication turns chaos into a plan.”
It’s a real-world version of what we preach in Dad Wisdom: Progress Over Perfection — showing up and staying flexible matters more than getting it “right.”
How He Stays Grounded
Reflection is Sean’s reset button.
“Every once in a while, you have to pause and look at what your effort has produced. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Reflection isn’t regret. It’s refueling.”
It’s a practice that reminds him why he works so hard in the first place.
Non-Negotiables
Presence. “If I’m there, I’m all in. No distractions. Just dad.”
Solo Time
When the grind slows, you’ll find Sean chasing waves or stalking redfish with the After Work Fish Club.
“Surfing clears the head. Fishing keeps me patient. Both remind me that the best moments aren’t rushed.”
Follow his journey on Instagram:
@afterworkfishclub / @vin_nguyen
Dad Day Takeaway
Sean Nguyen’s version of fatherhood is simple: show up early, often, and with purpose. He’s proof that being a rad dad isn’t about doing everything. It’s about being all in for what matters most.
I have a picture of Ham Porter in my boys’ bathroom. He’s standing there, pointing to the outfield, mid-smack talk, big grin on his face. Every time I take care of business in their bathroom, I’m reminded of something simple: The Sandlot gets it right.
That movie isn’t just about baseball. It’s about friendship, courage, and figuring out who you are. Pretty much everything that matters in life, especially for dads raising boys.
Here’s what that movie keeps teaching me.
1. Every kid just wants a team
Scotty Smalls moves to a new town. No friends. No skills. Total outsider. But when Benny invites him to play, none of the other kids care how bad he is. They just want to know if he’ll show up tomorrow. That’s the secret to fatherhood too. Your kid doesn’t need the perfect dad. He needs the one who shows up. The one who picks up the glove and plays catch, even when he’s tired.
2. Let them get dirty
That sandlot field was a wreck. Uneven dirt. Rusty fence. Half the gear probably stolen from a garage. But it worked because the kids made it theirs. We’ve turned childhood into a safety seminar. Hand sanitizer, supervision, rules for everything. Kids need dirt. They need bumps and bruises. That’s how they figure out what they can handle.
3. Every kid needs a Benny
Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez saw something in Smalls before Smalls saw it himself. That’s the blueprint for being a dad. Your job isn’t to control the game. It’s to see the spark in your kid and fan it until it catches. Let them dream. Let them try. Be the guy in their corner saying, “You got this.”
4. Let them chase the beast
The boys spend half the movie running from that dog. Then one day they stop running. That’s the moment they grow up. Courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about doing the thing anyway. As dads, our job isn’t to protect our kids from every fear. It’s to teach them how to walk toward it.
5. The game ends, but the story doesn’t
By the end, the field is gone. The boys grow up. Smalls calls games from the booth. Benny steals home. Different roles. Same team. That’s the goal for all of us. Our kids won’t need us forever, but if we do it right, they’ll still want us around.
The takeaway:
Every time I see that picture of Ham pointing to the outfield, I think about how simple it really is. Show up. Let them get dirty. Teach them to chase what scares them. Believe in them when they don’t yet believe in themselves.
That’s fatherhood.
Go outside. Throw the ball. Talk some smack. Laugh a little. Those moments build more than memories. They build men.
Ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes has run across deserts, mountains, and time zones. But his most meaningful marathon? Fatherhood. The legendary endurance athlete shares his take on parenting, purpose, and why leading by example is the real finish line.
Meet Dean Karnazes
From: California + Greece
Kids: Two (ages 27 and 30)
Gig: Full-time adult and part-time legend
If you’ve ever read Ultramarathon Man or seen footage of Dean running through the night, you know this guy doesn’t do “average.” But talk to him about being a dad, and the conversation shifts from medals to meaning. “You only have one crack at parenthood,” he says. “Don’t screw it up.”
The Hardest Part
Even for a world-class runner, parenting came with its own kind of fatigue.
“The hardest part was not stressing over money when the kids were young,” Dean says. “Every day was hectic, crazy, and beautiful.”
Sound familiar? Whether you’re juggling deadlines or diapers, it’s the same balancing act: showing up, staying steady, and hoping the kids see you doing your best.
The Reward
“The lessons we’ve taught each other,” Dean says simply. That’s the real trophy.
He’s quick to point out that his parents have also found joy in the process — grandparenting included. “I’ve enjoyed my kids immensely, but so have my parents. The grandparent experience is special.”
The Wisdom
If Dean has one rule for modern dads, it’s this: lead by example.
“Kids are quick to spot hypocrisy,” he says. “You can’t tell them to exercise and eat well if you’re not doing the same.”
It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being consistent. Whether you’re lacing up for a jog or putting down your phone at dinner, they’re watching.
“A parent must maintain their own life,” Dean adds. “Yes, family consumes most of your time and energy. But don’t lose your outside interests.”
For him, that means running, reading Homer, eating souvlaki, and sipping ouzo. “What more is there to life?” he laughs.
The Takeaway
Dean Karnazes’ parenting philosophy is simple but powerful: don’t just tell your kids how to live — show them. You don’t need to be an ultramarathoner to apply it. Just be the kind of man your kids want to mirror. Be the one who still chases things, still laughs, still finds joy in the daily miles of fatherhood.
Dad Day Takeaway
Be the dad who runs his race, literally or not. Your kids don’t need perfection. They need your pace, your passion, and your presence.
You don’t need fancy ingredients or chef-level skills to make the daily grind taste better. You just need small upgrades that keep things fun, flavorful, and fast.
Here’s how to turn your go-to meals into something your kids (and you) actually look forward to.
Breakfast
Most mornings start with cereal. It’s fast, it’s familiar, and it gets the job done. But it’s also boring. Level it up with a handful of blueberries or sliced strawberries and a drizzle of honey. Add a little granola for crunch and staying power.
You’ll sneak in more nutrients, the kids will feel like they’re eating something new, and you’ll still make the bus on time.
Lunch
PB&J has earned legend status. When you’re famous enough to go by initials only, you’ve done something right. But even legends need a remix. Next grocery run, grab a better peanut butter, like Justin’s with honey, and pair it with a real fruit jam or marmalade. Wild Maine blueberry is a game-changer.
Swap out the standard sandwich bread for Italian or brioche and you’ve got yourself a gourmet PB&J that hits like nostalgia with an upgrade.
Dinner
Evening chaos? Grilled cheese to the rescue. But before you reach for the same sliced American, try this: sourdough bread with a light spread of mayo or butter for that perfect crisp. Then melt in a sharp Vermont cheddar or creamy mozzarella.
Feeling bold? Add spinach, tomato, or a strip of crispy bacon. Suddenly, you’ve turned survival dinner into something you’d actually serve with pride.
Dad Meal Tip
You don’t need more kitchen time. You just need better ingredients and a little curiosity. Tiny tweaks. Big flavor. Happy kids. That’s how you turn the routine into a ritual.