GDD Issue #16

A weekly dose of practical tips, honest moments, and gear recs for dads raising daughters.

Sadie Story Of The Week

The Godfather Moment

This week, Sadie got herself a real one.

A protector. A playmate. A permanent partner-in-crime (once she can crawl, that is).

She officially has a Godfather, her uncle, a.k.a my wife’s brother.

We surprised him in the kitchen with a bottle wrapped in a bow, a photo, and a message that hit like a Pixar movie.

And the best part? He lit up like he just got drafted by the Yankees.

Sadie didn’t fully grasp what was happening, she was too busy chewing on her pajamas and wondering why grown-ups cry happy tears.

But one day, she’ll look back at the pictures and know:

She’s got family who shows up.

Who says yes to the big things.

Who’s in her corner, always.

Dad Tip: Choose people who make your daughter feel safe, seen, and wildly loved. Whether it’s a godparent, mentor, or honorary aunt/uncle, they don’t need to be perfect. They just need to show up.

Our first children’s story is almost here…

Missed the survey? You can still be first in line

We opened a handful of spots for dads to help shape our upcoming Girl Dad Stories collection… and they were claimed FAST.

The response blew us away. Every survey spot (with a free story at launch) has been filled.

👉 But here’s the good news: you can still be first to know when our very first story drops.

These e-book stories are written by dads, for dads, to spark your daughter’s imagination and build that bond you’ll both remember forever. Plus, every story is professionally narrated and illustrated, so the stories come alive!

Click below to raise your hand, and we’ll make sure you get the inside track when Story #1 goes live:

(Behind the scenes, this puts you on our private alert list with discounts. That way you won’t miss the moment the first story launches.)

Dad-To-Dad Wisdom

Quote Of The Week

“The love in a family flows strong and deep, leaving us memories to treasure and keep."

— Unknown

There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who knew you before kids. (a.k.a. our parents, close friends & relatives)

The ones who show up with open arms, not perfect advice.
The ones who sneak snacks to your toddler and remind you to breathe.

Because here’s the truth:

When our daughters grow up seeing what real support looks like, tight hugs, inside jokes, long dinners, they internalize that love.

  • They learn that home isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling.

  • They see how relationships are built and kept.

  • They watch how you treat your parents, your siblings, your in-laws, and file it away as normal.

And years from now, when they're grown, that "normal" becomes their compass. Their standard. Their starting point.

Dad Tip:
Make the calls. Plan the visits. Say yes to the messy Sunday dinners.
Even if it's loud. Even if it’s inconvenient. Your daughter’s emotional security doesn’t come from stuff, it comes from knowing she’s surrounded by people who would do anything for her.

Small Moments. Big Memories. Everyday Bonding Made Easy.

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.

100 Kid-Friendly Recipes - Turn mealtime into memory-making time. Delicious, simple dishes designed to bring dads & daughters together in the kitchen (yes, even picky eaters).

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

The Future of Schooling

Thinking about college already? Us too.

(Not because we're Type A… okay, maybe a little. But mostly because tuition math hits different when we’re in an uncertain place in the world.)

But here’s the twist:
By the time our daughters are ready to go, education might look nothing like what we experienced.

Here’s what could be on the table:

  • AI tutors instead of office hours

  • Fully remote degrees from Ivy League schools

  • Project-based certifications replacing traditional majors

  • College alternatives that fast-track real-world skills

  • Tuition-free programs backed by big-name employers

The future might not be one-size-fits-all, and that’s a good thing.

Because what she does might not exist yet. But who she becomes starts right now.

Dad Tip:
Start saving smart, but stay open-minded. College might not be a campus. It might be a laptop, a mentor, or a six-month sprint through a VR coding bootcamp. The best prep? Raise a daughter who’s curious, adaptable, and confident she can learn anything.

Papa Poll Of The Week

When it comes to hauling kids (and all their gear)… what size car are you rolling with?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Vote now!

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

Last Week’s Poll Results

Do you and your partner parent the same way?

Last week’s poll revealed that most dads feel mostly aligned with a few differences when it comes to parenting styles, a reminder that raising kids isn't about being carbon copies of our partners.

Only a few dads said they’re totally aligned, while others described their dynamic as different but balanced, very different, or are navigating solo.

The takeaway? Parenting is rarely a perfect match, and that’s okay.

What matters most isn’t being identical, but being on the same team. Shared values, open communication, and mutual respect go a lot further than having your styles 100% in sync.

The Last Crumb

The AI Advantage

With AI getting smarter and smarter, it got me thinking.

“What will our daughter’s future look like in 15 years?”

By the time our daughters are grown, AI won’t just be a tool, it’ll be the canvas they create on.

She could build things in minutes that used to take years.

She might launch a company before she can drive.

She’ll have tutors, coaches, and creators available 24/7, helping her chase dreams we can’t even picture yet.

But here’s the lesson: no matter how powerful AI becomes, it will never teach her what it feels like to be loved, supported, and believed in. That’s our job.

If she grows up knowing she’s capable, curious, and cared for, AI won’t be her replacement, it’ll be her superpower.

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