GDD Issue #18

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

Sadie Story Of The Week

The Sound of My Voice

Weekly, like clockwork, we settle into our corner of the couch.

Sadie in my lap, bottle nearby, book in hand.

She’s only a few months old. She doesn’t follow the plot. She can’t point to the puppy or guess what happens next.

But she listens.

She watches my face. Tracks the rhythm of my voice. Kicks her feet when I turn the page.

And in those moments, it hits me…

She doesn’t care about the words.

She cares that I’m here.

That she hears me. Feels safe. Feels loved.

Reading to your daughter isn’t just for when she can say the words back to you. It starts now, and it never really ends.

Whether she’s 4 months or 6 years, the magic isn’t in the story.

It’s in the lap she gets to climb into.

The voice she learns to trust.

And the quiet moment at the end of the day that says, I’m yours. Always.

Dad Tip:
Books don’t just build brains, they build bonds. And even if she doesn’t understand the story yet, it’s not about the book. It’s about being close enough to turn the page together.

Dad-Stuff We’re Eyeing

Whiskey Smoker Kit with Torch, Wood Chips, Glasses, & Ice Ball Molds

➠ Non-toxic, Bristle-Free, Grill Brush and Scraper 

➠ Men's Winter & Fall Jacket Lined With Sherpa

Dad Hacks & Tips

The “I Don’t Know What to Do Today” Fix

Some days, being a present dad feels easy, like when she’s all smiles and wants to stack blocks or read books.

Other days? It’s a full-blown “What do I do with her now?” moment.

That’s where planning less actually helps you do more.

On slow afternoons, crack open the Daddy & Me Learning Pack. It’s loaded with easy, screen-free activities that feel more like fun than “learning” but still sneak in some brain fuel.

Feeling burnt out or short on time? Let her choose the adventure. The Daddy-Daughter Coupon Book gives her the power to pick from sweet, silly bonding moments, like “pancake breakfast” or “dance party in the kitchen.”

You don’t need to be a camp counselor with an endless list of activities.

You just need a few tools in your back pocket that make showing up feel effortless—even on the tired days.

Dad Tip:
Put both packs somewhere visible: the fridge, the toy bin, your desk drawer. When you’re out of ideas, let the tools do the work. Bonding shouldn’t be another task, it should feel like a reward.

A Sneak Peek

Our First Girl Dad Story is Coming…

It’s short.
It’s sweet.
It shows you, her dad, as the hero.

And it’s written for those cozy, curl-up-on-the-couch moments with your daughter.

We’ve been quietly working behind the scenes to create something special, rhyming stories that celebrate everyday magic, big emotions, and the wild imagination that comes from seeing the world through her eyes.

No official release date yet (we’re putting the finishing touches on the art + narration), but just know…

Something wonderful is on its way.

And you’ll be the first to hear when it drops.

Are you looking forward to the drop?

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Papa Poll Of The Week

What kind of parent do you think you are?

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Vote now!

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

Last Week’s Poll Results

How often do you get true one-on-one time with your daughter?

Looks like most of us are making the time, daily one-on-one time with our daughters came out on top. Whether it’s 10 minutes before bed or a full-blown Saturday outing, that consistent connection matters.

The next biggest group? A few times a week, which is still solid. Life gets busy, but carving out those intentional windows can be a game-changer.

And for those in the “rarely” or “what even is alone time?” camp, hey, no judgment. This isn’t about guilt, it’s about awareness. Even five undistracted minutes can go a long way.

Bottom line: it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. But if you can swing both? That’s the sweet spot.

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.

The Last Crumb

The Stories She’ll Remember

At some point, you realize your daughter doesn’t just want to hear stories,
She wants to hear yours.

About the time you struck out in Little League but still got ice cream after.
About sneaking snacks with your siblings when your mom wasn’t looking.
About your first heartbreak.
About your favorite teacher.
About how scared (and excited) you were to become her dad.

Because to her, those aren’t just memories, they’re clues.
Clues about where she comes from.
Clues about who she can become.

So don’t wait for the “right moment.”
Tell her the goofy ones at breakfast.
The big ones at bedtime.
The ones that made you, you.

Because the more she knows your story,
The more she’ll feel safe writing her own.

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