Sadie Story Of The Week

The Taste Test Era Begins

We’ve officially entered the “everything goes in the mouth” phase.

Toys? In the mouth.
Her blanket? In the mouth.
My hoodie string, the TV remote, her own foot?

You guessed it, straight to the mouth.

She’s like a tiny food critic, except nothing’s actually food and she doesn’t take feedback.

It’s part exploration, part teething, part “I wonder what this tastes like” curiosity.

And while I’m constantly playing interception, there’s something hilarious about watching her study an object… then immediately gum it with all the focus in the world.

She’s learning the world one slobbery bite at a time, and we’re keeping the wipes close.

Dad Tip:
If it’s within reach, assume it’s going in her mouth. Keep small objects out of sight, and don’t stress the big stuff too much, this is how she’s learning. Just maybe draw the line at dog toys.

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Dad-To-Dad Wisdom

Quote Of The Week

“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."

— Dolly Parton

There’s this lie we tell ourselves: that we can give 100% to everything—our job, our family, our health, our friendships, and still show up smiling.

But if you’re juggling work and a kid, you know better. You’ve felt the tension of late-night emails during bedtime.

You’ve said “just five more minutes” while your daughter tugged at your sleeve.

You’ve wondered if being a great dad means being less of a great employee, or vice versa.

Here’s the truth: you can do both. But not equally. And not without intention.

Being present doesn’t mean being perfect.

It means knowing when to shut the laptop, even if that project isn’t done. It means choosing storytime over Slack notifications. It means remembering that some meetings can be moved, but her childhood can’t.

Dad Tip:
Pick your non-negotiables. Maybe it’s breakfast together. Maybe it’s no phones at bedtime. Draw those lines, and protect them. Because when you look back, the ROI on quality time with your daughter will always beat any deadline.

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Being a dad isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about the little moments she’ll remember forever. Here are simple, screen-free ways to laugh, learn, and connect with your daughter (even on your busiest days):

Daddy & Me Learning Pack - Never run out of ways to keep her entertained and learning. 92 pages of screen-free games, crafts, and educational activities that make bonding effortless.

Girl Dad Guide to Mindful Parenting - Beat dad guilt with quick, practical tips to show up with intention. Packed with bite-sized wins that fit into any schedule.

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Daddy & Daughter Coupon Book - 30 silly, sweet, and unforgettable coupons she can cash in. From pancake breakfasts to dance-party nights. Guaranteed giggles every time.

Dad Hacks & Tips

Communication Differences

If you’ve got both boys and girls in your life, you’ve probably already noticed: conversations hit different.

Your son might blurt things out, say what he means, and be done in 30 seconds.

Your daughter? She might tell you all about how her friend didn’t sit next to her at lunch… but what she’s really saying is, “I felt left out today.”

That’s the thing, girls often communicate for connection, not just information.

So the best hack?
Don’t rush to solve. Just listen.
Sit on the floor. Match her tone. Ask follow-ups. Reflect back what you hear.

It might feel slower, but it builds emotional fluency and trust, two things she’ll carry into every future relationship.

Dad Tip:
When she talks, she’s not always looking for answers. Sometimes, she just wants to know you're there. Listening without fixing is the superpower most dads overlook.

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Papa Poll Of The Week

Vote now!

Results will be posted in next Friday’s newsletter. (All votes are anonymous)

Last Week’s Poll Results

When your daughter throws a full-blown tantrum, what’s your go-to move?

Looks like dads are doing their best to be the calm in the storm, literally.

The top answers show that most of us are choosing to stay composed, give her room, and reconnect with patience rather than panic.

It’s not always easy (especially when you’re in public or running on no sleep), but this poll shows how many of you are leaning into emotional regulation, not just for her… but for you too.

Bottom line:
Keep leading with calm. You’re teaching her how to handle big feelings, even in the tiniest of bodies

The Last Crumb

The Social Media Talk

It might feel far away now, your daughter asking for Instagram, TikTok, or whatever app is trending in 2032.

But the groundwork starts earlier than you think.

It starts when she sees you scrolling during dinner.
When she watches how you react to likes or comments.
When she hears how you talk about your own appearance, or someone else’s.

So before she ever gets a phone and downloads an app, she’s already forming a relationship with social media... by watching yours.

The hard truth?
You can’t fully shield her from it. But you can shape how she views it.

Teach her early that her worth isn’t measured in views.
That filters don’t reflect real life.
That the loudest voice online isn’t always the wisest.

Start the conversation before the app gets downloaded.
So when the time comes, it’s not about control, it’s about trust.

Because preparing her for the internet doesn’t start with a password, it starts with you.

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